The Urban Oasis Experience
The online team arrived in Chicago on Tuesday. Our mission? To photograph every square inch of Urban Oasis 2011 and interview HGTV designer Vern Yip for the virtual apartment tour, scheduled to launch on August 1. I’ll admit that soaking up a bit of Chicago flavor was also on our checklist of to-dos. (I highly recommend Michael & Louise’s Hopleaf Bar if you’re ever in the Uptown area and yearning for a neighborhood atmosphere and new-fashioned comfort food).
You’re probably hoping for a few tidbits about the apartment. I can say this: Views are take-your-breath-away spectacular. Every time I peer out the floor-to-ceiling windows, my eyes lock on a new and distinct feature, whether a sailboat drifting along the Chicago River, neo-baroque spires atop an early 20th-century office building or the distant beam of the Chicago Harbor Light, a sight that commands attention as it stands sentry at the mouth of the Chicago River. This city is steeped in history and cultural diversity. I sense that a resident may only scratch its surface in the first few years of living here.
Vern Yip’s interior design celebrates the city’s architectural heritage (think Frank Lloyd Wright, the Prairie School and a focus on natural themes). Interiors are comfortable and welcoming − every nook, cranny and accessory has an interesting story of its own to tell.
We wrap up our shoot today. After a few rainy, cold days, the sun is re-emerging and summer temps are returning to the Windy City. I have to admit that I will be sad to leave, but look forward to sharing more details with you − including a Q&A with Vern − in the days to come.
Wow, Mary, your mention of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Prairie School, and a focus on natural themes has me really looking forward to the reveal of UO 2011! I also can't wait for Vern's answers to some of our questions — please give us a time frame (and please don't say "soon")! ^_^
My sentiments exactly
Mary's posting of the Q&A with Vern Yip is coming our way — in the days to come! Anticipation is making me wait, but don't keep us waiting too long! (Seems that Carly Simon is just as anxious as the rest of us to hear more about this exciting adventure.)
I think that, considering the city, its architecture, history and the style of Trump Tower itself, a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright is perfectly logical for this Chicago Urban Oasis. On top of everything, Mary's in-person description (some people have all the luck) of life and sights in Chicago makes me anticipate Vern Yip's upcoming Q&A even more. With more photographic revelations on the way, I'm sure, were in for a busy summer season!
The few images on this post promise a lot.
Thanks for the new insights… Looking forward to the Q&A coming soon !!
Oh! It sounds like la creme de la creme! Can't wait to see. Love Vern's way with design.
LOVE <3
Thanks for the Urban Oasis update. I'll look forward to the online tour August 1st.
Since Frank Lloyd Wright had furnishings designed specifically for some of his signature Prairie style homes, it will be interesting to see how Vern Yip follows, blends, and personalizes Mr. Wright's focus on the beauty and simple elegance of wood furnishings, often in their natural finishes.
Might there be some Arts and Crafts/Mission elements, some influences from the Bauhaus movement of innovative modernism? (In particular, that of Mies van der Rohe.)
It's all so exciting, and I can't wait to see how Vern knocks this 1,000 square foot downtown Chicago condo design project right out of the ballpark with an absolutely awesome home run!
Are you ready for your close-up, Vern, and that Q&A we're highly anticipating?
Good news!! I can't wait to see the reveal of the interior spaces and decorating of this year's Oasis.
I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!! ANXIOUS TO SEE THE FINISHED RESULTS AND HEAR WHAT VERN HAS TO SAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Speaking of famous designers and architects, for anyone looking for a Chicago area Frank Lloyd Wright designed home at a bargain price, check into the Charles R. Perry home in Glencoe. Built in 1915, this 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home is currently on the market for a modest $550,000.
It may need a little updating, but that is one beautiful house, Coop!
The Charles R. Perry house not quite what you're looking for? There are a half-dozen or so other Frank Lloyd Wright (and associated architects) homes on the market in the Chicago area. You can buy one now in the suburbs and then hope to go on and win the Urban Oasis. Just think, a suburban gem by Frank Lloyd Wright, and a Vern Yip designed city center pied-a-terre in the middle of all the action — and beauty — of the Windy City.
http://chicago.curbed.com/tags/prairie-style
Mission-style home interiors can sometimes be a little too dark for my taste, so my favorite would have to be the Gridley house simply because it is a bit brighter inside than the others. Of course, it is also one of the very expensive ones — oh well, at least I have good taste!
Just based on exterior looks (either the real one or the replica) I find the Frank Lloyd Wright 'Robie House' very appealing. I don't know how practical the interior layout would be.
Next on my list, with more interior photos to look at, is the Claude Seymour house. Of course, with 12,000 square feet and an asking price of $5.19 million, it might be more than I need.
So I'd probably agree that with 5,100 square feet, and a modest price of $1.45 million, the Gridley House would serve my purposes just fine — along with enough room for Terri to wander about.
Prairie School design sounds terrific for a smaller space. If I remember correctly Frank Lloyd Wright incorporated multifunctional uses into some of his work. Now that I am curious, I will follow DBCoop's link and find out more.
HGTV: I used an older link, and it only took me to May 2nd. I have been surprised that there hasn't been any interest, thought people must be focused on the Green House for now. Then I came in using the main HGTV site, and found that you-all had been blogging all this time! It probably hasn't been a problem for anyone else, but just in case you want to redirect people from the old link: http://blog.hgtv.com/urban-oasis/category/uncateg…
If you add the UO to your favorites- you simply go in that way!
Thanks, Nebraska.
I use Google Chrome, and have been saving links in a mail folder. I just "googled" the issue and now have bookmarks activated, with the UO link at the top.
YEAH – I have both IE and Firefox. My biggest folder on each is HGTV!
I can't wait to see those fabulous views when the online tour starts. Thanks, Mary, for your hard work. Your description of the view leaves me aching for more!
As I like to say, "you can't go wrong with Wright." Could Prairie Style perhaps include an ode to the prairie dog? Or perhaps some photographs of prairie flowers in their natural habitat? For sure, the woodwork will be abundant in a "Wright" style decor. We'll all have to stay tuned-in to see what wonders evolve in Vern's capable hands.
Can wait to see the photographs.^_^
I have always loved Frank Lloyd Wright's work. xD
Frank Lloyd Wright…….sounds like this year's Oasis is going to be similar to the decorating style of the Green Home in Denver, CO. I can't wait to see it!!
Chicago is a very interesting city, tons of sports, cultural activities, a great Lake, an extremely interesting history, and to think someone can overlook the whole Kitten Kaboodle from their high rise living room….. count me in.
Cant wait for the tour ! I love downtown Chicago, being that I'm a native and grew up in Wrigleyville. This is going to be a great oasis right here at home !
So much to do here in our great city, if any of you come to Chicago make sure you make a visit to Navy Pier and take a ride on the GINORMOUS ferris wheel . Also take a stroll down Michigan Ave. Pricey stores beautiful buildings we have a wonderful museum of natural history. Take a stroll along the lake front and do make sure to visit our wonderful Lincoln Park zoo its free everyday of the week ! I LOVE THIS CITY !!!
Vern, we can count on you to bring "magic" to every room you decorate! From the three
pictures above I can tell we will have your trademark mixture of old and new with a touch of
playfulness. I hope you took the walking tour of Oak Park to see all of the FLW homes.
I love the Chicago Urban Experience! I live close enough that a few hour dirve gets one there. We took at least one spur of the moment trip there a year when my sons were growing up! I loved it. The Field Museum, the Shedd, Soldier Field, Sears and Hancock buildings, Magnificient Mile, the lake, the zoo, Greek Town, Pizza Uno, river rides, Navy Pier, the Blues, Second City, etc….. so much to take in and love.
I always wanted to retire to either FL or Chicago.
Can't wait for the tour and Q & A from Vern. Looking forward to seeing all the views and the interior designing of this great Apartment. Chicago, what a great place in the Trump Towers….
Just to add something more about my wonderful city,do make sure to visit Willis Tower A.K.A Sears Tower, if you visit they have a fantastic sky walk/deck. Its a clear very very thick type of plastic/acrylic? Thats affixed to the building but away from it its got a clear floor as well so when you stand on it your looking straight down at the tiny streets below, its fantastic ! Also try to visit us for the 4th of July fireworks ours are great, as well as Venitian night ! Make sure to get a bite to eat Taylor St. Lots of great Italian food there. Also if your familiar with Cicero, IL, make sure to stop in at Freddys on 16th st. You'll get the best homemade Italian ice you ever tasted as well as the foods. Its a little ma & pop Italian food & icecream shop you can eat outside at the tables, theres no dine in though.
Good Morning ! Theres a few more places I would like to guide you to visit if your ever in town. Please visit Buckingham Fountain its on Lake Shore Dr. Surely the most beautiful fountain, your in for a treat .Especially at night when the lights turn on. Then right across from the fountain you can jump on a double decker boat and tour Lake Michigan, do it at night when all the citys sky scrapers are lit up! And of course if your a baseball fan you can go to a Cubs game or a Sox game. Take a ride on one of our EL trains. Thers so much to see and do here the list goes on and on. Born and raised here in Wrigleyville I still cant get enough of this city! <3
Talking about incorporating green and maximizing space since both ideas kind of go hand in hand…I would love to see a future urban oasis like designed similar to Gary Chang's apartment in Hong Kong. It's the ultimate in space maximization!
http://greensource.construction.com/features/best…
Must read and see… http://www.hgtv.com/urban-oasis/question-and-answ…
Can't wait until to see the online tour! Thanks doing the HARD (haha) task of flying there to capture it for us…you must love your job. So Mary, here is a question straight for you…you mention the floor to ceiling windows- is it a little scary standing next to them…being so high up does it make it feel like an afraid of heights sort of thing or is it something that whomever lives there would easily get used to?
OAF a preview. Go look…
http://www.hgtv.com/urban-oasis/question-and-answ…
Now that questions were answered and some very intriguing (and pleasing to the eye) pics were posted… When does the sweepstakes begin? http://www.hgtv.com/urban-oasis/question-and-answ…
Chicago is a city that I really want to fully visit….maybe one fine day! <3
I love Chicago, I LOVE the apartment, but dear lord, how many times are you expected to sit through that Next Design Star commercial just to see the video??? Whoever set that up missed out on a promising career at Gitmo! It left me promising myself to steer clear of HGTV, usually my go-to station, on Monday nights at all costs!
We have been following the progress, this apartment is awesome!!! Chicago has been one of our favorite cities for so long. One of our daughters and her family live in Chicago and so we visit often. What a treat to own this apartment in this landmark building. Here's hoping!