[tm30]

As I predicted, the Spire is going to spur competing projects that will be marketed to deep pockets outside the United States. I would expect at least one or two more supertall proposals in that area, perhaps from other high-profile developers not represented currently in Chicago - perhaps from the Middle East. The caveat, of course, is that if the Spire doesn't sell, this speculation is moot.

On a side note, these proposals also seem like a business community bet that Chicago is the front runner for 2016. The amount of international exposure a winning bid will generate, I believe, will greatly enhance any likelihood of success. If we win the bid, they will come like flies.