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Joe Blevins 
"Don't I look handsome?"
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 Posted - 08/06/2009 : 19:15:41
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According to The New York Times anyone with $300,000 to spare can buy the world's largest post office -- a gigantic defunct building in downtown Chicago that served as the Gotham National Bank in the robbery sequence at the beginning of The Dark Knight.
The article, curiously, does not mention The Dark Knight, but maybe there's some mega-rich Batman fan out there who wants this place as a keepsake. I happen to work in the building next door, which offered me a good vantage point to see some of the filming. The article has some good pictures of both the interior and exterior, and it should be familiar to fans of the film. |
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Salopian 
"Four ever European"
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Posted - 08/06/2009 : 19:23:08
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| It will sell for massively more than that, even in the current climate. |
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Joe Blevins
"Don't I look handsome?"
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Posted - 08/07/2009 : 03:56:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Salopian
It will sell for massively more than that, even in the current climate.
Yeah, the article says that $300,000 is just the opening bid. But, really, there isn't much you can do with the property. The area isn't residential (so forget about turning it into condos), there's very little in the way of retail (so forget about turning it into a department store or mall), and there's no manufacturing (so forget about turning it into a factory). It's mainly all office space in that area, and what company is expanding enough right now to justify having that much office space? The only thing that would really fit there is... well, a post office. Or the world's biggest Batman museum. |
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Salopian
"Four ever European"
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Posted - 08/07/2009 : 05:46:37
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| It could get turned into smaller office units. I don't know about Chicago, but certainly in London they wouldn't hesitate (at least in more financially solid times) to create residential units where there had been none before -- and it's so large that it could immediately become a whole complex. Turn half of it into housing and half into a mall and then they can service each other. I know that companies can't normally be bothered to do anything that complicated. I would imagine that whoever gets it will most likely just sit on it for a while and see what happens, if they can afford to tie up the equity. |
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Salopian
"Four ever European"
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Posted - 08/07/2009 : 05:47:04
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| Anyway, let us know if see any updates... |
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Sean
"Necrosphenisciform anthropophagist."
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Posted - 08/07/2009 : 05:55:58
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| This is interesting, as it really does sound like this property has no redeeming features at all; it's even got a freeway running right through the middle of it. I can see why they've decided upon an auction, it must be damn near impossible to come up with a sensible valutation for it. Now I'm curious as to the final price. |
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ChocolateLady
"500 Chocolate Delights"
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Posted - 08/07/2009 : 08:15:27
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On the contrary Sean, this property is excellently located and has TONS going for it.
Or at least it did have, back when the economy was good.
Right now, I think that whoever buys it will probably sit on it until the economy begins bouncing back and then he'll have a goldmine on his hands.
It was a lovely building to visit. That lobby with those floors... elegant. I just hope the new owners will try to preserve the beauty of the building. |
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Salopian
"Four ever European"
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Posted - 08/07/2009 : 12:35:28
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Yep, I love the look of it -- I wish I could afford to buy it. Anyone want to club together...?  |
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Beanmimo 
"August review site"
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Posted - 08/07/2009 : 12:58:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Joe Blevins
quote:
Originally posted by Salopian
It will sell for massively more than that, even in the current climate.
Or the world's biggest Batman museum.
Nice!! |
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ChocolateLady
"500 Chocolate Delights"
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Posted - 08/07/2009 : 16:01:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Salopian
Yep, I love the look of it -- I wish I could afford to buy it. Anyone want to club together...?
Actually, I just found out that a flat just like mine down the street from me, recently sold for just over $300,000 . So... hm...
The problem is the $2.5million yearly upkeep costs. That could be a wrench in the works for me, I'm afraid. |
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Cheese_Ed
"The Provolone Ranger"
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Posted - 08/07/2009 : 19:52:49
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quote:
Originally posted by ChocolateLady
quote:
Originally posted by Salopian
Yep, I love the look of it -- I wish I could afford to buy it. Anyone want to club together...?
Actually, I just found out that a flat just like mine down the street from me, recently sold for just over $300,000 . So... hm...
The problem is the $2.5million yearly upkeep costs. That could be a wrench in the works for me, I'm afraid.
Choc, I'll be in Chicago next weekend if you want me to pick up a flyer for you. They usually keep them in a little tube in the front yard by the For Sale sign.
How about we all pitch in and establish the FWFR World Headquarters and Museum! Great location for an international conference (centrally located)! Bring your sleeping bags and stay for free (FWFR user ID number required)! |
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ChocolateLady
"500 Chocolate Delights"
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Posted - 08/08/2009 : 16:39:19
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Hey, I'm willing to do my part, as long as I get an apartment for myself, and... maybe one each for my kids, perhaps? Not all that much to ask, considering I'm putting up most of the front money. Deal?
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Wanna buy Gotham National Bank?
