Lee Bey: The Urban Observer

(photos by Lee Bey)
Foundation construction is expected to start within weeks on the Santiago Calatrava-designed Chicago Spire, Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin reported this week. Here's what I said two years ago--has it been that long?--on CBS 2 Chicago about a previous version of the project by a different developer.
 

I paid a visit to Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill's new offices. The former Skidmore Owings & Merrill partner and associate partner formed Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture in late 2006. Their penthouse office on the top floor of 111 W. Monroe (the true architecture nerds in town will spot the irony there) is a crisp and well-turned place with a Steinway grand piano in the reception area. Dig the logo over Gordon's right shoulder.