CHICAGO | Highrise Projects & Construction, v7

[F1 Tommy]

Originally Posted by sentinel

The St. Regis tower was completed in 2023, and is taller than the Trump tower.

Comparing Chicago to NYC is fruitless, because the population is 3x bigger than Chicago. Developers build depending on market demand, and currently in Chicago, demand is soft for very tall buildings, residential or commercial. AND...there is a litany of other factors affecting local high-rise construction outside of market supply and demand.

This should not be difficult to understand if one stops to think about things for a few minutes.

Skylines are not static, and to assume that developers will not build another supertall in Chicago is somewhat naive.

Trump is taller to the top of the spire. Chicago has always been a lot smaller than NYC, and yet they built 3 supertalls, one, at the time the biggest.

I did not say Chicago would not get another supertall, but it won't get one with it's present management. This construction thread is the slowest I have ever seen.

[sentinel]

Originally Posted by F1 Tommy

Trump is taller to the top of the spire. Chicago has always been a lot smaller than NYC, and yet they built 3 supertalls, one, at the time the biggest.

I did not say Chicago would not get another supertall, but it won't get one with it's present management. This construction thread is the slowest I have ever seen.

Not sure why you are not able to connect the dots. Yes NYC builds very tall buildings more often because it’s such a massive market. If Chicago was as big, you would see comparable construction here.
Yes, we all know that high rise construction in Chicago is slow right now; many states, IL included, are currently in a soft recession, based on a variety of indicators.
What you’re not talking about is a bona fide explosion of 4 to 7/8 story projects all over the city. Those fly under the radar primarily because they’re not statement pieces like high rises. But they’re a lot easier and cheaper to build, so while there is not a lot of demand for high rise construction currently in Chicago, there is still growth in other project typologies.

[Randomguy34]

Also, the reason why downtown land values in the 70s justified supertalls is because downtown was quite literally smaller. The idea of Near South, Near West, and Near North west of Clark St being a part of downtown seemed ludicrous. The Loop and Streeterville were effectively landlocked to many people's perspective, as they were surrounded by industrial sites for the entire 20th century. As the boundaries of downtown Chicago has expanded to now encompass a region almost the size of Lower Manhattan+Midtown, it's not surprising to see less appetite for supertalls when there's so much vacant land to build on. Once the rest of downtown starts being built out, as we're seeing in Fulton Market, the incentives for building supertalls will pop-up again.

[lakeshoredrive]

Originally Posted by Randomguy34

Also, the reason why downtown land values in the 70s justified supertalls is because downtown was quite literally smaller. The idea of Near South, Near West, and Near North west of Clark St being a part of downtown seemed ludicrous. The Loop and Streeterville were effectively landlocked to many people's perspective, as they were surrounded by industrial sites for the entire 20th century. As the boundaries of downtown Chicago has expanded to now encompass a region almost the size of Lower Manhattan+Midtown, it's not surprising to see less appetite for supertalls when there's so much vacant land to build on. Once the rest of downtown starts being built out, as we're seeing in Fulton Market, the incentives for building supertalls will pop-up again.

I agree. I do think we will see a few more 1k footers being built in Chicago within the next two decades. They probably won’t be as tall as Sears Tower so along the height of Trump/St Regis I think. But you never know! I still have my fingers crossed that Tribune Tower East will be built even though it’s likely canceled. I just would like to see a super tall that exceeds the height of Sears Tower’s roof height. If only I was a multi billionaire who has a lot of money on hand to build a bunch of residential/hotel super tall lol

[Zapatan]

215 N Racine is one of the better projects in the pipeline, good to hear that may be moving forward.

Originally Posted by lakeshoredrive

I agree. I do think we will see a few more 1k footers being built in Chicago within the next two decades. They probably won’t be as tall as Sears Tower so along the height of Trump/St Regis I think. But you never know! I still have my fingers crossed that Tribune Tower East will be built even though it’s likely canceled. I just would like to see a super tall that exceeds the height of Sears Tower’s roof height. If only I was a multi billionaire who has a lot of money on hand to build a bunch of residential/hotel super tall lol

It was never officially cancelled, hopefully just waiting for better market conditions, even if they don't build the exact iteration.

Buildings have erroneously been listed as cancelled by the CTBUH and SSP before so I take that with a grain of salt.

[NSW2492]

They still have some units at Tribune to sell, couple that with the state of the economy and it makes sense for them to keep any current plans for the east tower under wraps. If they aren’t starting construction any time soon there’s no point in making it harder to sell the remaining units at Tribune by announcing that views to the east will be largely blocked.

With everything that has happened in the last handful of years, tribune east may have been canceled, but it also might just be on the back burner for now.

[BrickellBased]

Originally Posted by BlueDot

When was the last Class A Office Tower built downtown ?

I'd argue the last finished was $285 million renovation 801 S Canal which was completed 2024. 638,000 sqft.

https://chicagoyimby.com/2024/01/801...outh-loop.html

Currently the renovation of the Thompson Center qualifies IMO as the building is going to be like 80% new materials and anchored by a trillion dollar+ market cap company.

Thompson Center will be 1.1 million sqft office of which 400k Google is supposed to fill.

Thompson Center was def not Class A before but now will be a prestigious address in the Google building.

[dreamy-developer]

If I may chime in, I am interested on the long-term developments of the land that sits vacant at Roosevelt & Michigan next to NEMA that went up for sale.

I hope we see something erect there close to the height (or higher) next to NEMA in the South Loop in the future. Would be such a waste and shame if it was some mid-rise.

[Zapatan]

Originally Posted by NSW2492

They still have some units at Tribune to sell, couple that with the state of the economy and it makes sense for them to keep any current plans for the east tower under wraps. If they aren’t starting construction any time soon there’s no point in making it harder to sell the remaining units at Tribune by announcing that views to the east will be largely blocked.

Right, always a big risk to buy a condo with a nice view in a big city where a skyscraper may block it years later.

Something will block their view anyway eventually, it doesn't even need to be that tall.

[AlexanderRek]

What is sad is the amount of lots that are not being developed to maximum potential because of affordability requirements, costs, anti business mayor, the list goes on. Take 310 W Huron, prior proposals called for a larger building than the cinder block/aluminum paneled garbage they are building now. I live across the street and this is one of the most budget construction projects I have seen in a while.

[Jstange059]

Originally Posted by AlexanderRek

What is sad is the amount of lots that are not being developed to maximum potential because of affordability requirements, costs, anti business mayor, the list goes on. Take 310 W Huron, prior proposals called for a larger building than the cinder block/aluminum paneled garbage they are building now. I live across the street and this is one of the most budget construction projects I have seen in a while.

The previous proposal, while taller, had half as many units as the current proposal (149 vs 71). Granted, the units in the new building are very possibly smaller, but it really isn't a smaller building by any means. And besides, I also appreciate that that project is proposing an actual blocky mass instead of being the classic tower on podium we love to complain about, which the previous proposal was. I do have to agree that the design of the building is a bit plain, but the new proposal is not by any means small.

[Halsted & Villagio]

Chicago led the nation in Corporate Relocations for the 13th year in a row. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news...tion-magazine/ Despite what the media may tell you, regardless of who is in leadership (read: not endorsing Johnson), Chicago has proven that it is a machine that keeps humming along. There will be more supertalls. It’s just a matter of time. I remember when NY went a good while without building them; now they seem to be popping up regularly. Cycles happen in every city. No doubt, Chicago will hit another cycle.

How many more at any one time? Who knows. The world is an unpredictable place. But Chicago will always be the place where the skyscraper was first invented, and it will likely always have a wonderful mix of old, new, deco, masterpieces vis-a-vis Mies, Sullivan, and The Chicago School of Architecture genre, etc., making Chicago is one of the most historically relevant skylines in the world... to say little of the fact that it is one of the most esthetically pleasing skylines in the word -- for those reasons (and more), developers and architects worldwide will always be attracted to the idea putting their signature on our skyline.

The sky is not falling... as with cycles in every city, it’s just waiting for its moment to rise to new heights again.
.

[AlexanderRek]

Yo are right about the density. Just wish they could have used similar exterior materials as 227 W Chicago.

[sentinel]

Moved Amtrak train yard discussion to the Chicago General Dev. thread, please continue the conversation there. If any future developments relate to high rise construction, it can continue here. Thx.

[OakAngeles]

Apologies if this has been discussed already, but what appears to be demo work is underway at 458 N Union. I'm assuming its part of this 4 part rehab/new tower project by Shapack Partners.

https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/s...nd-509-n-union

The article is a bit dated so if anyone has more up to date info I'd love to find out. The project would certainly have a big impact on that neighborhood, especially considering its proximity to the new casino

[BrickellBased]

Wow this is big news.

Preservation Chicago has a pretty good link history of news for this site.

https://www.preservationchicago.org/...cago-7-2021-2/ (scroll to bottom)

As for the demo at 458 N Union, yes that's part of

As mentioned, the overall development is split into two zoning applications. The second one will occupy land at 708-732 W Hubbard, 456-476 N Milwaukee, 461-483 N Milwaukee, 448-470 N Union, and 449-467 N Union. The project is anticipated to have an overall FAR of 11.5, this portion of the plan which will be split into three sites between N Union Avenue and N Milwaukee Avenue.

from https://chicagoyimby.com/2022/06/zon...west-town.html

Maybe we can get a separate thread for this multi building development soon?

Originally Posted by OakAngeles

Apologies if this has been discussed already, but what appears to be demo work is underway at 458 N Union. I'm assuming its part of this 4 part rehab/new tower project by Shapack Partners.

https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/s...nd-509-n-union

The article is a bit dated so if anyone has more up to date info I'd love to find out. The project would certainly have a big impact on that neighborhood, especially considering its proximity to the new casino

[Randomguy34]

^ Here's the thread for the project: https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/sho...=251497&page=3

[BrickellBased]

Originally Posted by Randomguy34

^ Here's the thread for the project: https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/sho...=251497&page=3

Thanks dawg!

[OakAngeles]

Very glad that they are reusing the Salvation Army building, it's a real eye catcher in that stretch of Grand. Also glad that the intersection there is about to get some TLC. It always struck me as odd that there were so many vacant buildings right there compared to all the development surrounding it. Makes a lot more sense now considering they were the properties that had been bought for this project

My bus to work takes me past the development sites so I'll keep an eye on any progress and keep everyone updated. As of this morning it just looks like theyve gutted the old A&B Machineworks building but I have to assume the whole thing is getting taken down soon. I'll try and snap a few pics if I can

If this really is the start of this 4 piece project, that whole riverfront area from Grand to Chicago is about to be one giant construction site. Which is gonna be hell for my commute but at least ill have something to watch in traffic

[BrickellBased]

Originally Posted by OakAngeles

Very glad that they are reusing the Salvation Army building, it's a real eye catcher in that stretch of Grand. Also glad that the intersection there is about to get some TLC. It always struck me as odd that there were so many vacant buildings right there compared to all the development surrounding it. Makes a lot more sense now considering they were the properties that had been bought for this project

My bus to work takes me past the development sites so I'll keep an eye on any progress and keep everyone updated. As of this morning it just looks like theyve gutted the old A&B Machineworks building but I have to assume the whole thing is getting taken down soon. I'll try and snap a few pics if I can

If this really is the start of this 4 piece project, that whole riverfront area from Grand to Chicago is about to be one giant construction site. Which is gonna be hell for my commute but at least ill have something to watch in traffic

Great, pics or it didn't happen.

jk but yeah, this part of the west loop area is mega prime location for downtown workers and I would expect it to be in high demand once built out.