Controversial architect changes his approach

October 26, 2005

BY DAVID ROEDER SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

Another "Loewenberg building'' is coming to downtown, and that news used to set off alarms in the city's vast army of architecture and design critics. Buildings in River North associated with architect Jim Loewenberg were widely reviled for heavy use of painted concrete.

But Loewenberg has changed his approach with his work for the Lakeshore East project north of Grant Park, where he is a development partner with Joel Carlins. Loewenberg's first work at the site, a 29-story building called the Lancaster, was handsome and a hit in the marketplace. He followed that with the 46-story Shoreham, an apartment building now nearly built and 90 percent leased.

His next effort will be called the Tides at Lakeshore East, a 607-unit building at 360 E. South Water that'll be the development's second rental property. Its reflective glass and varied treatment of balconies picks up on the design cues of its neighbors.

With Lakeshore East, has the architect responded to his critics? "I don't get too involved in that. I'm too old and cranky,'' Loewenberg said. Don't believe him about the cranky part. He's one of the more cheerful men in real estate.