On 400 Lake Shore Drive in Streeterville will rise stunning towers to replace the Chicago Spire.
400 N Lake Shore Drive is a prominent dual-tower project in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood. Developed by Related Midwest and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill under the leadership of architect David Childs, the development plan received approval in 2020 after several revisions. The project aims to provide a mix of luxury and affordable living options, enhancing the city's waterfront landscape where Lake Michigan meets the Chicago River.
The 400 Lake Shore Drive development is set to become an iconic urban landmark, featuring modern architectural elements and high-end finishes. Residents will have access to a wealth of amenities, including a wellness center, private event spaces, a spa, and an outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the city and lakefront. This project not only redefines luxury living but also serves as a gateway to the Chicago River, promising to be a significant investment in the local real estate market.
Strategically located, 400 Lake Shore Drive offers convenient access to Chicago's cultural venues, top-tier restaurants, and entertainment options. Its proximity to major parks and thoroughfares makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a sophisticated urban lifestyle. This development stands as the last undeveloped parcel at the junction of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, poised to transform the area into a vibrant and desirable destination.
Before we discuss the 400 N Lake Shore Drive project, let’s first go back in time to the original project on the site - the ambitious Chicago Spire.
Why was the Chicago Spire canceled?
The Chicago Spire, a project envisioned by Santiago Calatrava, was set to be a 2,000-foot, 150-story twisted tower and the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere. Construction began in 2007, but the global financial crisis in 2008 halted the project. The economic downturn made it impossible to secure the necessary financing, leading to the project's cancellation and leaving a 76-foot-deep hole at the site.
In 2021, Related Midwest revived the site with new plans, excluding the Spire. The updated project will feature two residential skyscrapers: an 875-foot north tower and a 765-foot south tower. This marks a significant shift from the original vision, focusing on practicality and market demands. The new towers are designed to meet contemporary needs, emphasizing luxury and convenience.
The original Spire project faced numerous challenges beyond the financial crisis. Funding issues plagued the development from the start, with developer Garrett Kelleher struggling to secure the estimated $1.5 billion needed. The collapse of key financiers like Lehman Brothers exacerbated these difficulties, leading to further delays and legal disputes with contractors and creditors. These disputes, combined with market conditions that were unfavorable for high-end residential properties, ultimately doomed the project.
Despite its ambitious design, the Spire was also hampered by its complexity and scale. The twisting form, while architecturally stunning, posed significant engineering and construction challenges, driving up costs and risks. The developer's financial troubles and the inability to attract additional investors sealed the project's fate. By 2010, the Spire was abandoned, paving the way for the current development at 400 N Lake Shore Drive, which aims to transform the site into a new urban landmark.
400 Lake Shore Drive
400 Lake Shore Drive is a prestigious dual-tower residential development located along Lake Michigan in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the project replaces the site originally intended for the Chicago Spire. The development combines modern architectural elements with luxurious finishes, offering residents an extensive suite of amenities, including a wellness center, private event spaces, a spa, and an outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the city and lakefront. Its strategic location provides easy access to cultural venues, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it ideal for a sophisticated urban lifestyle.
The two towers, rising nearly 900 feet, feature terraces cascading down their eastern facades. The design tapers both in plan and section, framing views of Lake Michigan while angling back towards the city. The towers incorporate the classic "Chicago window" reimagined with floor-to-ceiling glass and metal detailing that evokes the rippling surface of the lake. These architectural features create a striking and iconic addition to the Chicago skyline, serving as a gateway to the Chicago River.
The development includes expansive outdoor terraces reminiscent of a waterfall, providing residents with sweeping 180-degree views of the lakefront, river, and cityscape. These terraces extend the living spaces beyond the walls, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy the stunning surroundings. The design of 400 Lake Shore Drive aims to blend indoor and outdoor living seamlessly, enhancing the overall residential experience.
A plaza between the two towers will mark the end of Water Street, featuring amenities, public art, and spaces for residents and guests within a two-story podium. This area will redefine the north edge of Chicago’s Riverwalk, with open spaces and pedestrian routes connecting to the planned DuSable Park. The site, once home to Chicago’s founding figure Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable, will become a legacy shared with future generations, offering views of the lakefront, cityscape, and river.
The project is financed through a collaboration involving the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Wells Fargo, and other financial institutions. LR Contracting and BOWA Construction are the co-general contractors, with the completion of the first tower expected by early 2027. This development promises to be a significant investment in Chicago real estate, transforming the waterfront and enhancing the city’s urban landscape.
So let’s get to the exciting part.
Parts of 400 N Lake Shore Drive
400 Lake Shore Drive is a mixed-income development consisting of rental residential towers and green spaces.
A. North Tower
The North Tower of the 400 Lake Shore Drive project will rise 72 stories and house 635 residential units, with 20% designated as affordable housing. Scheduled to be completed by early 2027, this tower will feature concrete, glass, and terra cotta materials, with a design that includes terraces cascading down its facades. Its construction is already underway and aims to significantly impact Chicago’s skyline.
The exterior features a modern interpretation of the iconic "Chicago Window" and a metal and glass facade with various setbacks, creating a distinctive sail-like shape.
Expansive outdoor terraces on the tower will provide residents with sweeping, 180-degree views of the lakefront, river, and cityscape. These terraces extend the living spaces beyond the walls, creating unique outdoor living areas.
B. South Tower
The south tower of the 400 Lake Shore Drive project will follow the completion of the north tower and will stand at 765 feet. It will offer residential units and a hotel, constructed primarily from concrete. This tower will accommodate 465 residential units, adding to the overall residential capacity of the development.
The south tower will feature a design by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, including bay windows and a champagne-colored panel system. This design marks a change from the originally proposed terracotta exterior. The building's massing will resemble sail-like volumes with a step-back style as they ascend, complementing the north tower's aesthetic and contributing to the distinctive skyline.
A shared podium between the two towers will provide 300 parking spaces and various ground-floor amenities. These amenities will include a cafe in the north tower, dog spas, large lobby areas, package rooms, and extensive landscaping across the site. This podium will enhance the overall functionality and appeal of the development, offering convenience and luxury to residents and visitors alike.
C. DuSable Park
The area is named after Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable, Chicago's first non-native permanent settler believed to have come from Haiti. Related Midwest will contribute $10 million to develop DuSable Park, which will have a direct entrance from the 400 N Lake Shore Drive grounds. The park, envisioned by former Mayor Harold Washington, will be built after the completion of the towers.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill have expanded the 2006 framework plan for DuSable Park to include a founders plaza, observatory, promenade, boardwalk, outdoor classroom, boat drop-off, and educational and artistic components. The project will incorporate 4.5 acres of public land, featuring a plaza between the towers, a two-story podium, and art installations. This is in collaboration with the Chicago Park District.
Construction of DuSable Park will begin as part of the first phase of the project, prior to the full occupancy of the buildings. Related Midwest is obligated to complete the park to receive the final Certificate of Occupancy for Tower One. The project also includes extending the Riverwalk along the south edge of the site and creating a new pedestrian lane connecting the Riverwalk to the Ogden Slip. These elements will be part of the initial phase of development.
The project aims to extend the Riverwalk to Lake Michigan, passing through the new DuSable Park on the east side of the drive. The 3.3-acre DuSable Park will be accessible to the public via Founders Way, a proposed extension of the Chicago Riverwalk.
D. DuSable Founders Way
DuSable Founders Way is a vital component of the 400 Lake Shore Drive development in Chicago. Located between Michigan Avenue and the N Lakeshore Drive bridge on the north bank of the Chicago River, it extends the Chicago Riverwalk to connect the new DuSable Park to the riverfront. This project enhances public access and integrates green spaces into the urban fabric of Streeterville, providing a continuous pedestrian pathway from the Chicago River to Lake Michigan.
The pathway, named in honor of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, the founder of Chicago, is part of the broader public amenities included in the 400 Lake Shore Drive project. DuSable Founders Way and the 3.3-acre DuSable Park aim to promote pedestrian connectivity and enhance the urban experience by offering accessible routes and recreational areas. The development is currently in its initial phases, focusing on foundational work and infrastructure, with the pathway set to be completed alongside the North Tower by early 2027.
DuSable Founders Way and DuSable Park represent significant investments in public green spaces, expected to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. These initiatives provide recreational areas, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the waterfront, and foster community engagement. The project underscores a commitment to integrating natural landscapes within urban environments, promoting sustainability and well-being.
2024 UPDATES
In March 2024: The construction of 400 Lake Shore Drive in Streeterville has made significant progress with a major concrete pour, involving 250 truckloads delivering nine million pounds of concrete. The developers completed the concrete pour for the building’s mat foundation, using over 2,300 cubic yards of concrete and 622,000 pounds of reinforcing steel. This milestone follows the granting of caisson permits in December 2023.
Conclusion
400 Lake Shore Drive will transform Chicago's skyline. It honors Chicago's architectural heritage through two beautifully planned residential buildings. It will ensure that the gaping hole left behind by the failed Chicago Spire will finally have a great real estate property in Streeterville.
Aside from these residential properties, Related Midwest is working with the Chicago Park District to develop DuSable Park and DuSable Founders Way, which will complete the pedestrian experience from Michigan Avenue to Navy Pier. With approval already secured in 2020, the company will break ground and start construction at the end of the year and give locals more than 2,600 new jobs.
This promises more economic progress to Streeterville and the rest of Chicagoland.
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