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- Store will officially open for business on Sept 18
- Grand Opening Celebration Weekend will be Oct 3 – 5
- Master Builder will be Dan Steiniger
- Model being built will be Yoda
- Master Builder Event happens all 3 days in the JC Penney Court
Friday 11 – 7, Saturday 10 – 6, Sunday 11 – 6 - AFOL Volunteers are needed, included at least 1 expert builder who can help Dan actually build the model!
Volunteers will get a special reward at the store! - On Saturday, Oct 4, the first 300 customers in the store to spend $35 will get a FREE exclusive make & take set of the Liberty Bell, complete with crack and moving clapper! This set is not available for sale.
- On Sunday, Oct. 5, the first 300 customers in the store to spend $35 will get a FREE exclusive child’s size LEGO Store t-shirt, featuring the LEGO Minifigure holding the state flag! This shirt is not available for sale.
- Exclusive sets and t-shirts will also be given out as trivia question prizes by Dan throughout the event at the build site!
- Fans can also enter a raffle in the LEGO Store for a chance to win a $100 LEGO Store Gift Card!
- Store will officially open for business on Sept 12
- Grand Opening Celebration Weekend will be Oct 11 - 13
- Note: This event runs Saturday > Monday due to the Columbus Day holiday.
- Master Builder will be Dan Steiner
- Model being built will be Yoda
- Master Builder Event happens all 3 days in the Macy’s Court
Saturday 10 - 6, Sunday 11 – 6, Monday 11 – 7 - AFOL Volunteers are needed, included at least 1 expert builder who can help Dan actually build the model!
Volunteers will get a special reward at the store! - On Sunday, Oct 12, the first 300 customers in the store to spend $35 will get a FREE exclusive make & take set of a Baseball Player, complete with bat, red hat and socks and home plate! This set is not available for sale.
- On Monday, Oct. 13, the first 300 customers in the store to spend $35 will get a FREE exclusive child’s size LEGO Store t-shirt, featuring the LEGO Minifigure holding the state flag! This shirt is not available for sale.
- Exclusive sets and t-shirts will also be given out as trivia question prizes by Dan throughout the event at the build site!
- Fans can also enter a raffle in the LEGO Store for a chance to win a $100 LEGO Store Gift Card!
- Store will officially open for business on Sept 25
- Grand Opening Celebration Weekend will be Oct 17 - 19
- Master Builder will be Dan Steiniger
- Model being built will be R2-D2
- Master Builder Event happens all 3 days in the Center Court
Friday 11 – 7, Saturday 10 – 6, Sunday 11 – 6 - AFOL Volunteers are needed, included at least 1 expert builder who can help Dan actually build the model!
Volunteers will get a special reward at the store! - On Saturday, Oct 18, the first 300 customers in the store to spend $35 will get a FREE exclusive make & take set of Sacramento’s Transcontinental Railroad Engine, the Gov. Stanford Steam Locomotive, complete with moving wheels and realistic details! This set is not available for sale.
- On Sunday, Oct. 19, the first 300 customers in the store to spend $35 will get a FREE exclusive child’s size LEGO Store t-shirt, featuring the LEGO Minifigure holding the state flag! This shirt is not available for sale.
- Exclusive sets and t-shirts will also be given out as trivia question prizes by Dan throughout the event at the build site!
- Fans can also enter a raffle in the LEGO Store for a chance to win a $100 LEGO Store Gift Card!
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The Volkswagen Beetle (Set # 10187) is the first classic car set to come from LEGO Direct to Consumer. BrickJournal talked to Eva Henriksen, Marketing Assistant to Marketing and Development about the set. BrickJournal: When was it decided to create a classic car set? We decided on that in the fall of 2006 when the 2008 Direct exclusives novelty range was planned. How was it decided to have a workshop with LEGO fans building the prototypes? We wanted to learn from the fans by involving them in the development process in two ways: by asking them online which classic car they would like to see us bring to market and by inviting a small group of fans to come and sit and build concept models together with the LEGO designers. The fans are the consumers and who are better at telling us what a car should look like and giving input on how to enhance the building experience. - So, within the limitations you need to consider when you design for production. At Frechen (a LEGO fan event in Germany), what was the feedback? First of all the fans appreciated being asked their views and getting the opportunity to discuss the concept models and share their views with the designers at such an early stage of the development process. The Beetle was especially liked for being such a true LEGO classic. The studded surface, the built outer and interior design were emphasized. Achieving the rounded lines building with edged LEGO bricks on a model this scale was greatly acknowledged. But what also makes the Beetle so special is the nostalgia that it brings forward. Everybody have memories of a Beetle and stories to tell. They drove them themselves, it may even have been their first car or it brings back childhood memories. While the Beetle won the vote, were there any comments about the other models that were unusual? Boys of all ages love cars and the visitors to the Frechen event really liked what they saw. The concept models presented at the event were different in style, but they were all valued for being true to the original designs and for their detailing. The VW at Frechen was dark grey - it changed color to dark blue. How was the color decided? Designer Steen Sig Andersen did quite a bit of research into that subject. You can find the Beetle in a variety of one and two-tone colors. Some were brought to market, others unique. We looked for a color scheme that was both true to the Beetle and interesting to the fans - also observing the color palette available for production. You worked with Volkswagen on this model - what research did you do with them for this model? Volkswagen provided us with reference material, but most important was the face to face contact. We first met with Volkswagen at the AutoMuseum Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, Germany - a real mecca for Beetle enthusiasts. Steen Sig Andersen brought the first prototype model. It was placed on a table right next to the original 1960 Charlotte model. Now curves, shapes and details were discussed and the first corrections were made. Back home in Billund, Steen optimized the model and a month later, another meeting took place this time in Billund. The model was again subject to close investigation! Steen went back to his desk, made a few changes and at the end of the day the prototype was approved. How was working with VW? It was a real pleasure working with Mr. Glaser of the Wolfsburg HQ and Mr. Witzleben, AutoMuseum Volkswagen. They have a soft spot for the Beetle. The original Beetle is famous for its curves and rounded shape and Volkswagen wanted the LEGO model to be as true to the original as at all possible. At the same time we wanted the LEGO Beetle to have the look and feel of a true classic LEGO model built from edged pieces. In a close dialogue characterized by openness and mutual respect, the task was solved and a splendid model born. Do you recall a specific detail that VW added? Volkswagen was very keen on getting the boxer engine right both in design and positioning. But also, the windshield angle was considered a key characteristic of the car design. Any details to the model that you are particularly proud of? Steen is particularly proud of the windshield wipers, but also the dashboard details and the glove compartment. Is this the beginning to a collector's series of cars? You never know what the future will bring ....
Posted in Public, . Tagged with 2008, barbara bratzel, brian davis, chris rogers, claude baumann, david levy, david martinez, eugene tsai, francis massen, jean mootz, jurgen leitner, nxt.
Science experiment leverages best-selling LEGO product to study outer atmosphere, proving play and learning go hand-in-hand
 Brian Davis presenting one of his robots at Brickworld, a LEGO fan event, earlier this year. | RENO, Nev. (July 29, 2008) – College professors, middle school students and robotics hobbyists unite today to launch seven robots into the Earth’s stratosphere to collect data, explore conditional effects and to set a world record as part of the High Altitude LEGO® Extravaganza. Joining The LEGO Group to support the science experiment are Nevada Space Grant, the University of Nevada-Reno, Energizer and National Instruments in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the LEGO MINDSTORMS® robotics platform. The MINDSTORMS robots will be launched from a desert location 30 miles east of Reno, Nevada into near space on an atmospheric weather balloon that will reach an altitude of more than 100,000 feet (30km). Once it reaches |
For more information on the HALE Project:
The HALE Project Report on The NXTStep blog
LEGO Group Builds Consumer Driven Innovation to New Heights
by Joe Meno. 
Posted in Public. Tagged with 2008, adam tucker, architecture, article, john hancock, sears tower.
 The first set from BrickStructures, the Sears Tower. | -Leading construction toy maker further explores consumer and fan
driven product development with debut of first line of models developed
by brand enthusiast- CHICAGO (July 14th, 2008) – Continuing to explore the ways in which fans can drive innovation to the LEGO business, The LEGO Group today announced partnership with Adam Reed Tucker of Brickstructures Inc. to launch LEGO® Architecture. LEGO Architecture leverages the legacy of the classic LEGO brick’s 50 years of inspiring young builders and budding architects to express their own design ideas to take the experience further, making it possible for children of all ages to build and collect their favorite worldwide architectural sites through amazing replica models. Initially, LEGO Architecture will feature a pair of Chicago’s most famous landmarks: The Sears Tower and The John Hancock Canter. In the future, the line will offer other famous landmarks from around the world celebrating influential architects and movements that have shaped cities and cultures. With models developed in collaboration with architects, LEGO Architecture will work to inspire future architects, engineers and designers around the world with the LEGO brick as a medium. |
“My main objective with LEGO Architecture is to celebrate the past, present and future of architecture through use of the LEGO Brick. With products such as the line of souvenir sets and educational events, we wish to promote an awareness of the fascinating worlds of architecture, engineering and construction in a new and unexpected way,” said Adam Reed Tucker, president of Brickstructures, Inc. “The possibilities of the LEGO play experience are the perfect medium in which to drive and engage that awareness and excitement.”
| “LEGO Architecture is a milestone for LEGO Group, as it
is the first new business launched together with a member of the LEGO
community using the LEGO bricks as part of the business,” said Paal
Smith-Meyer, head of new business group at the LEGO Group. “After years
of development, this niche business stems from our exploration of new
business areas outside traditional retail toy markets. LEGO
Architecture exemplifies our philosophy that everything big starts
small and our aim to build new businesses with entrepreneurs like Adam,
who are passionate about the LEGO idea and our mission to inspire the
builders of tomorrow.” LEGO Architecture models can be found at specialty stores in the Chicago area including Love from Chicago at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg and Yorktown Center in Lombard, The Chicago Architecture Foundation Shop and in gift shops at the Sears Tower and John Hancock Center. For more information and a complete list of retail locations, visit www.brickstructures.com |  |
About Brickstructures, Inc.
Brickstructures, Inc., is a privately held company established to promote the use of LEGO Bricks in relation to Architecture. Established by architect Adam Reed Tucker from Chicago, Brickstrucutres, Inc, will act as creative developer and exclusive distributor for LEGO Architecture. Brickstructures will also arrange events and explore educational activities in conjunction with architectural firms, institutions and landmarks.
The LEGO Architecture Team wishes to extend a thank you to all parties who have participated in the foundation test throughout the city of Chicago.
The LEGO Group is a privately held, family-owned company, based in Billund, Denmark. It was founded in 1932 and today the group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of play materials for children, employing approximately 4,500 people globally. The LEGO Group is committed to the development of children's creative and imaginative abilities. LEGO products can be purchased in more than 130 countries.
LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2008 The LEGO Group.
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Thomas B said 7/18/08
These are great sets, but does anyone know the set numbers? That would be greatly appreciated!
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chicago lego said 7/25/08
21000 for the sears tower
21001 for the john handcock center
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Thomas B. said 8/4/08
Thanks Chicago Lego!
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marc payne said 8/7/08
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andres said 5 days ago
well, they are kind of simple.... I imagined them similar to the tal mahal set I bougth, thas a goooood lego set. Hope they make sets of 10.000 pieces for buildings like the neschwanstein castle, notredame chappel, or even better, a buiding no one has done in lego: a great victorian greenhouse, like those in Laeken or Kew... That i´ll buy.... definitively....
Arealight's Magnificent Mid-Year Scoot-a-Bration!!
by Joe Meno.
Posted in Public. Tagged with 2008, contest, customization, customize, jared burks.
A LEGO fan building contest announcement from Fine Clonier's site:
Arealights' Magnificent Motorcycle Mayhem Shop is needing to break ground and he needs your help. He has loads of inventory waiting to be delivered to the AMMMS for the mid-year Scoot-a-bration. Everything must go go go go!!! In order for your favorite figure to drive a scooter off the lot, there has to be a lot to drive it off, so help him by building a store front and lot. This would be like most car/motorcycle lots for his scooters to be sold from (figuratively speaking). So it is up to you to construct the Motorcycle and Scooter Bike store. Why is Arealight so crazed about an AMMMS? Well he is wanting to highlight his scooter, which he is bringing back after popular demand.
You can construct it in any style you desire, be it hard core biker, weekend resort, European getaway, or whatever.
*The scenes appearance need a shop with a motorcycle on the property (so to speak), and it must be to minifigs scale.
*LEGO and custom motorcycles are welcome, at least one is required.
More information, including rules and prizes, can be found at this page.
LEGO® Collector`s Guide Publishing date: 26.06.08 / LEGO Collector – Premium Edition beginning of August 2008
We are happy to announce that the LEGO Collector’s Guide is about to be launched by Fantasia Verlag GmbH. The confirmed launch date will be the 26.06.08.
This bilingual (English/German) catalogue is for the fan and collector alike. It is a high quality product full of details. It comprises around 800 pages presenting nearly all sets produced by the LEGO Group since 1958.
Further, there will be a LEGO Collector - Premium Edition which will be very limited to 3.333 continuously numbered copies. The Premium Edition will be published at the beginning of August 2008 for a price of 39,90€. This high quality catalogue has a hardcover and is presented in a very decorative packaging with exclusive LEGO gimmicks.
The news release is attached.
Interview with LEGO Designer
by Joe Meno.
Posted in Public, . Tagged with 2008, grievous, interviews, jens kronvold fredericksen, report, star wars.
Designing General Grievous
By Joe Meno
  Jens with his other big set, the Millennium Falcon | The designer of the General Grievous set is Jens Kronvold Fredericksen.
To those who are Star Wars LEGO set collectors, he’s a familiar name —
he’s created more than a few sets, most recently the Ultimate
Collector’s Series Millennium Falcon. Since then, he became Design
Manager to the LEGO Star Wars theme so he oversees the design of the
new and upcoming sets. Conversing with him on the phone, we discussed this set. The inspiration of the set, according to Jens, is a coincidence – some human character models were considered, but did not work well, as organic curves are very hard to do with LEGO elements. However, mechanical characters worked very well, and were done in previous sets. General Grievous is a combination of organic and mechanical, and with the available colors in the LEGO palette, it was very easy to decide on making a set. Besides, as Jens notes, “I was inspired by the scene in Revenge of the Sith where General Grievous duels Obi –Wan Kenobi. That was very cool.” The inspiration can be seen in the pose of the model, as Grievous arms are set in an attack pose. The legs however, are in a parallel standing pose. Jens explains, “I wanted to do an attack pose with one foot in front of the other, but the waist twisted too much and made the model unstable.” In fact, the biggest challenge was overall stability. “The set was designed to look like a LEGO system (brick) set, but it used Technic parts to create the frame,“ notes Jens. As a result, the Technic elements are for the most part hidden, although some parts in the shoulders and legs are used to enhance the mechanical look of Grievous. System bricks and plates were used in the creation of Grievous’ head, and Jens recalls the challenges he had with it: “I worked a long time and did a lot of versions of the head. And it seems like…if you just move one single brick the feeling of the head changed dramatically and then suddenly, the head just looked right! I have to call it coincidence, I guess, as it was so hard just to imagine the head shape to build. I’m quite happy with the result. ” |
There were some other parts used too. Jens used some Bionicle parts for
Grievous’ internal organs, as well as an unconventional part for the
heart. Jens comments, “ I looked through all the LEGO elements to find
some organic parts, and I used the newer Bionicle tentacle elements and
for the heart, I used a minifigure hood element.” The contrast in
organic versus straight, mechanical parts is a very unique touch on
this set.
Overall design and production of the set took around two or three
months — with all the projects Jens is working on, it is hard to
determine a real amount of time. The idea for the set was sent to
Lucasfilm for initial concept approval, then the design went through
the usual approval steps and, if needed, changes from Lucasfilm.
So what’s coming next for the Star Wars LEGO theme? When asked, Jens
only answers, “I can’t tell you – you’ll have to wait like everyone
else!”
Sometimes it’s tough to be a LEGO fan.
You can read a review on the set here!
Tom Williamson, an AFOL and "somewhat a filmmaker" (as he puts it) submitted a video in the Lipton Free Your Y contest onYouTube. You can see the video here:
You can vote for this video in the Free Your Y contest by going http://www.areyouyoungenough.com/freeyoury/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S80KPfhp-ckhere.
From the LEGO Group:
  | Hi all, Due to a safety accident with another toy producers product, the LEGO Group is expecting a ban of small parts that contain magnets in the USA and the EU in 2009. As a consequence, the LEGO Group has decided to stop selling products which contain magnets in small parts to already follow thenew rules and not compromise product safety. This affects mainly 2 products – the LEGO refrigerator magnets and the LEGO train magnet couplings. The train magnets will be re-designed as you can see on the pictures and we expect the new magnets in the boxes from August. LEGO Train sets packaged before August will still contain the existing magnets. The new LEGO train magnet element will be visually different from the existing train magnet element but due to that the magnet can rotate in the plastic cover and the clutch power will be as strong as at the old element. The function will be identical and fully compatible with the existing train magnet elements. The LEGO refridgerator magnets will also be re-designed and the new version is expected to be available for sale end of 2008. Jan Beyer, LEGO Community Development |
From Julie Stern, LEGO Brand Relations
The LEGO Group and Toysrus.com want you to help pick one of the new Star Wars products for 2009. Go to www.Toysrus.com/LegoStarWarsVote from May 10 at 12:01 am to May 18 at 11:59 pm to vote for one of three classic Star Wars scenes that you'd like to see transformed into a LEGO set.
Results will be released in February 2009, and the product will be available only at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and online at www.Toysrus.com in September 2009!