Latest breaking news and photography related to Magellan and its properties.
Posted by tricia | May 16, 2012 | No Comments » |
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Lobby. Photo by: Alex Carlins
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group and Magellan Development Group together have entered into a strategic partnership with Seldar Holdings, the North American investment and business development arm of Al Rayyan Tourism and Investment (”ARTIC”). This partnership will own the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, which opened on November 1, 2011.
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group will retain the long-term management contract for the hotel. As a result, the new ownership structure will not affect hotel operations or the guest experience in any way.
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group will continue to invest capital in future investment opportunities supporting the company’s ongoing Ambition 2015 growth strategy, which primarily targets flagship properties in key markets around the world.
A wholly-owned Al Faisal Holding Company LLC subsidiary, ARTIC is engaged in real estate development, acquisition and leasing with primary focus on the hospitality sector and hospitality-related services both in Qatar and overseas. In line with Al Faisal Holding’s strategy for the growth of its domestic and international hospitality business, this new partnership now brings its current hotel portfolio to over 14 properties in prime locations across Qatar, Egypt, London and now Chicago.
“We are delighted to forge this partnership for the acquisition of the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago. This unique landmark hotel with its one-of-a-kind architectural quality and attractive setting reflects our clear investment focus on high quality assets in prime city locations as we continue to grow the business both locally and internationally. I look forward to the further expansion of our hotel portfolio across Europe, MENA and now North America,” said H.E. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, chairman, Al Faisal Holding.
Thorsten Kirschke, president, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group said of the sale, “We are pleased to complete this sale with such an esteemed partner. We look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with Al Faisal Holding and Magellan Development Group and to emulating the success of the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago with many opportunities to come.
Since its inception in 1996, Magellan Development Group has successfully financed and developed more than USD 2.5 billion of residential, mixed-use, and commercial projects and has received over 70 national and international awards for excellence. “Magellan Development would like to welcome Al Faisal Holdings to North America and Chicago. We are proud to be aligned with Al Faisal Holdings and Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group with Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. This partnership supports Magellan’s goal of creating strategic alliances with best in class partners in order to expand its growing development portfolio,” said David Carlins, president, Magellan Development Group. .
The terms of the sale and management contract, including extension agreements, are not disclosed.
Posted by tricia | May 15, 2012 | No Comments » |
Over 3000 runners braved the wind and rain for the 4th annual Magellan Development Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K Race. Congratulations to all who finished and received their special Magellan medal this year! The race beneffitted the Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute: www.braintumorinstitute.org.
As Reported by YAHOO, CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
More than 3,000 runners participated in the Magellan Development Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K on May 12 at the Park at Lakeshore East in downtown Chicago. The race, owned and produced by Life Time – The Healthy Way of Life Company (NYSE: LTM – News), also drew nearly 7,500 spectators to Chicago’s downtown lakefront. In addition to the two adult races, children ages 2-12 also participated in a Junior Dash.
Among the Half Marathon female participants, Emily Foley took first place in the women’s division at 1:25:25 followed by second finisher Marron Burke at 1:28:32 and Jordan Kelch at 1:30:44 in third. Matthew Frey came in first among the male participants at 1:16:48 followed closely by Phillp Davis at 1:16:52 and Derek Babson at 1:18:42 in third.
Jennifer Sagat went home in first place among female participants in the 10K race with a time of 39:42 followed by Samantha Kirkham at 40:40 in second and Debbie Ackerman at 40:47 in third. First place among male participants in the 10K race went to Eric Lesch with a time of 35:23 followed closely by Ryan Cahill with a time of 35:38 and Ryan Tripichhio at 38:08.
Full Magellan Development Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K results are here.
Read the full story on Yahoo: http://in.finance.yahoo.com/news/life-time-announces-top-finishers-200000529.html
Posted by admin | May 15, 2012 | No Comments » |
View from Magellan Realty listing, Aqua at Lakeshore East Condominiums
Magellan Realty, one of Chicago’s most successful sales and marketing teams, has been selected for the 2012 Best of Chicago in the Condominium Category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). It is the first year that a business has qualified as a Five-Time Award Winner.
The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
This is the first year that a business has qualified as a Five-Time Award Winner. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2012 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties
An affiliate of leading Chicago real estate developer Magellan Development Group, the Magellan Realty team, led by multiple sales award winner President Leila Zammatta, has been recognized for its ability to outperform and produce results. Zammatta and her veteran group have captured several residential sales awards for both unit and dollar volume from the Chicago Association of Realtors
Zammatta was named one of five Chicago Realtors receiving the highest award from the Chicago Assn. of Realtors for 2010 residential unit and volume sales. The five winners distinguished themselves in the Platinum Volume and Platinum Unit categories by selling more than 160 units and more than $50 million last year.
Zammatta emphasizes that Magellan Realty has earned its award-winning role and position in the Chicago market by providing luxury downtown Chicago apartments and condos that offer an urban experience. ”Our effort and experience in every economic climate have made us a leader in the real estate market with a productive network of client contacts and affiliation with the brokerage community,” she states.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
Posted by tricia | May 11, 2012 | No Comments » |
Magellan Spring Half Marathon & 10K Race
If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago this weekend, look no further.
Magellan Development Group is the title sponsor of the Spring’s first Half Marathon & 10K Race by LifeTime Fitness taking place in the Park at Lakeshore East on Saturday, May 12 at 7:00 a.m. The race benefits Northwestern Brain Tumor Institute. Learn more at: www.ChicagoSpringHalf.com and www.braintumorinstitute.org.
Mariano’s Fresh Market, the anchor to Lakeshore East’s awesome Village Market, is launching Wine with Mariano’s, a series of lifestyle events from 5 to 7 p.m. next Thursday and Friday (May 17th and 18th). WineChannelTV Hostess Jessica Altieri (Just Jess) will be on hand to kick off the inaugural event that will feature wines from Boisset Family Estates (Buena Vista, Amberhill) and “B.”, a new wine from Treasury Wine Estates. Joining Just Jess will be food, fashion and wine lifestyle celebrity guests as they explore the store’s food and wine sections and pick the perfect pairings. The Chicago event will also be streaming live at www.livestream.com/winechanneltv. More information available at 312-945-6601
Just a few blocks from your home, the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington St. organizes dozens of new exhibitions every year of works such as painting, sculpture, photography, graphics, crafts, architecture and design. Major traveling exhibitions are also exhibited. Related lectures, panel discussions and gallery talks are scheduled. Galleries are currently located on the first and second floors.
Another great thing to do in Chicago this weekend is located on the first floor of the Chicago Cultural Center. Project Onward supports the creative growth of visual artists with mental and developmental disabilities. Project Onward provides studio and shop space, art supplies, and professional guidance to emerging artists in a communal workshop environment. Admission to the exhibitions and related events is free.
If you’ve never done so, you still have time to visit the Maxwell Street Market at 800 S. Des Plaines Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to experience a long-time Chicago tradition of bargains and bargaining with a distinctive international flavor.
You can help celebrate the season opening of the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum with a noon-time Fish Liberation Ceremony symbolizing the return of wildlife to the river. This Chicago event runs from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, May 11 at 376 N. Michigan Ave., Riverwalk level. The liberation is in partnership with the Chicago Park District’s Fish N’ Kids program. Sponsor a fish for $5 and get free museum admission (a $4 value). Reserve your fish in advance by calling (312) 939-0490, ext. 23. You can visit www.bridgestonemuseum.org for more information.
If you’re feeling musical this weekend and are looking for something to do in Chicago, you might also want to join the Koko Taylor Blues Foundation Blues Tour that starts and end at Koko Taylor’s Celebrity at 2240 S. Michigan Ave. The tour will begin at 7 pm and end at 1 am. The tour that costs $35 will visit the following blues clubs: Blues Heaven, 2120 S. Michigan Ave.(light food will be served).; Lee’s Unleaded, 74th & S. Chicago Ave.; Oddessee’s #1, 7640 S. Cottage Grove Ave.; Oddessee’s #2 East, 9942 S. Torrence; Rosa’s Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave.;Harlem Ave. Blues Pub, 63rd & Harlem Ave. You must be over 21 to participate. For tickets call 312.753.3131 or 708.612.1978.
Posted by tricia | May 3, 2012 | No Comments » |
You might want to kick of the weekend by sitting in on a conversation between Pulitzer Prize Winner Anne Quindlen and Chicago Tribune Associate Editor Joyce Winnecke at 7 p.m. this Friday, May 4, at the nearby Tribune Tower, 435 N. Michigan Quindlen, who is also a New York Times bestseller, will be discussing her latest memoir, “Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake. “It’s a reflection of memories from her childhood, her experiences with motherhood and middle age “and other wry memories on life.” Tickets are $15.
Then, on Saturday (through June 3) you might want to wander down to the Art Institute, also just a short stroll from the Chicago Condos of Lakeshore East at 311 S. Michigan to take in the first U.S. solo presentation of the mind-blowing exhibition of the photography of Lucy Schwab known as “Entre Nous: The Art of Claude Cahun.” The display in the Institute’s basement photo gallery takes you back to the early 20th century in France when Schwab, who renamed herself Claude Cahun, who is described as “astonishingly precocious and prescient.”
Cinema/Chicago, together with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and consular and cultural partners, presents the 9th annual International Screenings Program, voted by the Chicago Reader as the “Best Free Film Series in Chicago” in 2010.
This popular weekly free film series showcases 22 films from around the world that are not widely available in the U.S. The films, representing a wide array of genres from quirky comedies to hair-raising thrillers to emotionally-charged dramas and eye-opening documentaries, celebrate the richness and diversity of the human experience.
Films are screened every Wednesday at 6:30 pm, and most have encore screenings on the following Saturday at 2 pm. The Saturday, May 5 film feature is Chill! Scialla! Doors open 45 minutes before start time. You are advised to arrive early as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to theater capacity. Admission is not guaranteed. Films are unrated. Viewer discretion is advised.
Posted by tricia | April 30, 2012 | No Comments » |
Park Grill at Millennium Park.
Whoever said that location, location, location is the key to the best place to live must have had Lakeshore East in mind. There is simply nothing that compares to its proximity to downtown Chicago’s countless cultural, entertainment and dining opportunities, not to mention a short stroll to Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River. In the following article downtown Chicago condo resident Marcia Swarek explains why she and thousands of neighbors are so tickled about living at Lakeshore East and its great location. Read the Chicago Tribune Article here.
Posted by tricia | April 27, 2012 | No Comments » |
A view of Aqua from Millennium Park.
There’s still time to sign up for a Guided Tour of the Chicago Cultural Center that’s limited to 20 people at 1:15 p.m. Friday, April 27. Just a short walk from your downtown Chicago condo or Chicago luxury apartment at Lakeshore East, the tours meet in the Randolph Street lobby just west of Michigan Ave. Tour the historic building unveiled in 1897 as the Chicago Public Library and get a glimpse of the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome, mosaics and other architectural details. (The tours are offered every Friday, same time and place.)
Another interesting tour is the Broadway in Chicago Historic Theater Tour at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28. The Oriental Theater is located at 24 W. Randolph St. It’s an opportunity to learn quirky facts and folklore about two of the following: Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre; Cadillac Palace Theatre, and Bank of America Theatre in Chicago’s theater district. The tour is especially interesting for kids and families.
Visit the Genghis Khan Exhibition at the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lakeshore Drive, where you will learn about the life and times of the Mongolian military general whose empire covered most of Asia and Russia during the 13 century. On display are more than 200 artifacts, including weaponry, religious relics and gold jewelry, in addition to the recently uncovered mummy of a Mongolian noblewoman.
And whenever you’re free, Millennium Park is still alive with four large-scale sculptures by the acclaimed Mexican artist Yvonne Domenge gracing the Park’s Boeing Galleries through October 2012. Framing the dramatic art and architecture of the Park, Interconnected: The Sculptures of Yvonne Domenge enhance one of Chicago’s most popular public spaces—Millennium Park. Admission to the Park and the exhibition is free. The largest piece, a bronze sculpture painted bright red entitled Tree of Life, measures approximately 16 feet tall and will sit in the North Boeing Gallery, along with two companion seeds measuring four feet wide by nine feet high. An age-old concept, the tree of life is a symbol of the connection between the underworld, the sky, and the terrestrial world in pre-Columbian cultures.
Posted by tricia | April 25, 2012 | No Comments » |
Photo by: Skorburg & Associates
Proclaimed for its extraordinary architecture and unmatched location that puts its condos in downtown Chicago and Chicago apartments for rent within walking distance of countless recreational, cultural and dining venues, Lakeshore East is beginning to achieve notoriety for something new: a dining destination.
Nestled between Lake Michigan, Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park and the Chicago River, the 28-acre neighborhood of condominium and rental towers and townhomes has added another major attraction. Its 100,000+-square-foot Village Market, anchored by Mariano’s Fresh Market, described as “a food fun house,” is also attracting a variety of outstanding restaurants.
Photo Courtesy of III Forks
First to open was III Forks, a steakhouse from the southwest unlike any other in Chicago. Besides its great selection of filets and increasing popularity as a happy hour choice for its variety of wines, a plus is the views of Chicago’s skyline, the lake and the river from its rooftop lounge. Simply breathtaking.
Making its debut this month is Eggy’s, a creation by Peter Drohomyrecky and his wife, Sue, who are the proprietors of the popular Custom House Tavern in the south loop. Along with diner-style breakfast and lunch fare served all day long, Eggy’s (named for a childhood friend of David Carlins, president of Lakeshore East developer Magellan Development Group) will also re-introduce blue-plate specials of family-style meals like fried chicken.
On the horizon, a floor above Eggy’s will be Maison (top level of Village Market – Randolph street entrance), a French brasserie also created by the Drohomyrecky’s. Along with a spacious outdoor deck Maison’s menu will include a charcuterie, raw bar and keg wine.
Mariano’s itself has both indoor and park-facing patios that offers Roman-style pizzas as well as a extensive prepared food selections.
Photo by: Alex Carlins
And not to be missed inside the internationally-acclaimed Aqua tower steps away from the Village Market is Filini, unique Italian restaurant and lounge, a truly extraordinary bi-level bistro that anchors the first floor of the Radisson Blu Aqua hotel, the prominent hotel brand’s premier North American facility.
Along with the Village Market’s growing notoriety as a shopping and dining destination, its diversity will soon be enhanced by two medical services. Space has been leased by a dermatologist and chiropractor for practices expected to get under way this summer.
Posted by tricia | April 20, 2012 | No Comments » |
Our hearty pink "knock-out rose" variety in the Park at Lakeshore East.
Earth Day, 2012, will be celebrated this Sunday, April 22, and there are countless ways you can participate Sunday and, for that matter, every day of the year.
Suggestions for the day range from donations to help plant a billion trees to organizing a picnic with friends to packing a trashless lunch.
Environmental experts suggest that there are countless simple ways to make your life more eco-friendly. They offer such diverse suggestions as buying sustainable coffee, eating more vegetables, only putting on your skin ingredients that you would also be able to eat, picking up litter where you see it or commuting by bike as much as possible.
At Magellan Development’s Lakeshore East it’s Earth Day all year long.
We promote a healthy environment with smart solutions that range from the design of an eco-friendly storm sewer system to green rooftops with numerous other environmentally-aware processes and practices in-between.
“Environmental impact has always been paramount to Magellan Development Group,” declares David Carlins, president of the developer of Lakeshore East. “We have established many policies and initiatives and implemented them to ensure that we observe earth-conscious planning and practices.”
Much of the community’s 580,000 square feet of open space is in the form of the green space, including the 6-acre botanical park that is the centerpiece of the community, scattered ‘pocket’ parks, landscaped setbacks, landscaped plazas, etc. Magellan also has committed to the city that 15 of its rooftops will be constructed as green roofs, thus eliminating much of the “heat-island” effect caused by traditional roofs.
Eco-products are utilized throughout the site where possible, including a storm sewer system utilizing filter inserts and large in-line interceptors, a children’s playground surface made out of recycled tires, park fountains that utilize recycled water, and lighting/signage that uses energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LED’s) that consume a fraction of the energy used by conventional lighting.
Magellan has also long practiced of designing and constructing environmentally-sensitive buildings including condos for sales in Chicago and Chicago apartments for rent. Building practices range from recycling programs aimed at both construction activities and building operations to using locally procured products wherever possible to minimize transportation impacts. Magellan utilizes low-E tinted glass in its buildings to maintain optimal temperature control in each residence, thus minimizing energy loss and reducing energy consumption.
In addition, individual homeowners are offered many earth-friendly interior choices through its partners that practice sustainability and conservation within their manufacturing processes.
These choices include:
Bamboo flooring a durable hardwood that is considered a rapidly renewable resource.
Mosaic tiles made from recycled glass.
Floor and Wall tiles that are specially treated to resist mold, mildew, dirt, and grease- thus drastically reducing the frequency of cleaning as well as the use of harsh chemical cleansers that affect indoor air quality.
Hanstone quartz countertops are ‘Greenguard’ certified material (low emitting). Hanstone is a non-porous material, inhibiting mold, mildew, and bacterial growth which are harmful to indoor air quality.
Plumbing fixtures including faucets, shower heads, and toilets focusing on water conservation (from HansGrohe, Grohe, Moen, Delta, & Toto). These fixtures reduce gpm or ‘gallons per minute while using technology in such a way that doesn’t hinder the comfort or convenience of the user, but maintains responsible conservation.
Appliances are ‘Energy Star’ rated. For example, a Sub Zero refrigerator has dual refrigeration- controlled by two compressors so that each operates with minimal energy consumption. Microprocessor controls ensure constant and accurate
“There are countless other ways that we try to promote environmentally-friendly green living, from recycling programs at each property to encouraging employees to walk or bike to work where possible to cut down on car emissions,” adds Carlins.
Posted by tricia | April 13, 2012 | No Comments » |
Take a few minutes to mark your calendar for four blockbuster events heading for downtown Chicago the next few months. The fabulous six-week New Music Series at Millennium Park’s Pritzker Pavilion, with a really diverse variety of sounds Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, kicks off Monday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m. with the debut of the Downtown Sounds: New Music Mondays series.
The Chicago Gospel Fest runs from June 21-24 opening with two days at Pritzker Pavilion followed by two days on the South Side where the music fest first emerged.
Then, for something really different, as you probably know, the 2012 Lollapalooza Festival heads for Grant Park Aug.3-5 with its incomparable combination of electronic artists, rock acts and dance-music acts. Headliners announced so far include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath, Black Keys and Jack White.
Come Fall for a change of pace is the extraordinary Chicago Humanities Festival running mainly from Nov.1-11 in a variety of locations. Since this year’s event embraces the Nov. 6 election, organizers of the 23rd Humanities Festival have selected “America” as its theme. Festival Artistic Director Matti Bunzl, an anthropology professor at the University of Illinois/Urbana-Champaign, describes this year’s event as “a conversation about the past, present and future of the country, and that’s an intellectual, cultural and historical conversation.”
