A long simmering SOM-designed skyscraper pair slated for the former Chicago Spire site has taken a step forward in Chicago, where the city's planning commission has given the green light for the project to proceed.
Now that the project has been approved by the Chicago Planning Commission, it must be approved by the Chicago City Council's Zoning Committee and by the Chicago City Council itself before the project can break ground.
Writing in The Chicago Tribune, critic Blair Kamin reports that the 1,100-unit development will bring housing, pedestrian connections, and needed funding for a new park adjacent to the site. The project is being developed by Related Midwest.
Made up of towers that will rise 875- and 765-feet respectively, the spires feature stepped crowns that gradually grow thinner in profile as they rise. The project, designed by David Childs of SOM, is set to be developed in phases, with the northern tower set to be completed in 2024, assuming the project team can coordinate the necessary funding for the project given the current economic malaise, Kamin reports.
Describing the project, Chicago planning commissioner Maurice Cox is quoted by The Chicago Tribune as stating, “We’re looking at two very elegant towers that, I think, will be iconic on the lakefront skyline."
3 Comments
Let’s see... exquisite spiral icon that will forever mark Chicago’s entry into the second millennia... or ... typical Dubai duo snooze fest that showcases the ordinary of the first ... hmmm...
I guess that’s why they call Chicago “Second” city = not enough guts to be First?
HOW DARE YOU!
Chicago's great! they are "First" in so many ways with regard to sky scraping. i love that city!
I have to agree with this. Despite such a rich history of architecture, recent Chicago towers have been pretty mundane. Real estate prices there simply cannot justify more innovative construction or materials - thus the proliferation of glass boxes.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.