The Spire, envisioned as a 2,000-foot behemoth, would have become the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. In 2016, though, the project was scrapped and the site at 400 N. Lake Shore Drive has been vacant — until now.
On June 17, developer Related Midwest broke ground on a new plan: a two-tower, residential structure which will stand at 72 stories and deliver 635 rental units in its first phase. Those units will offer studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans.
A rendering of 400 Lake Shore via Related Midwest
The site, located in the Streeterville neighborhood where Lake Michigan meets the Chicago River, represents the area’s last undeveloped parcel of land. So, in addition to the towers, Related also will lead construction on DuSable Park, a 3.3-acre space located east of Lake Shore Drive and accessible via Founder’s Way.
In addition to DuSable Park, 400 Lake Shore, as the future development is called, will offer 4.5 acres of public land, including an amenitized plaza, a two-story podium and an extension of the Chicago Riverwalk.
The groundbreaking ceremony on June 17 brought 200 guests together to witness Phase 1’s kick-off. Those guests included local elected officials, project partners, labor leaders and other community stakeholders.
“Chicago is a city defined by innovation and tenacity, that continuously rises to meet challenges and exceed expectations,” Related Midwest President Curt Bailey said at the event. “400 Lake Shore is the latest embodiment of this spirit and will set a new standard for vibrant, and equitable, urban living. I deeply appreciate everyone who has played a role in getting us to this pivotal moment.”
According to a press release from the company, the 70-foot-deep cofferdam at the site will be filled by August of this year, with vertical construction expected to be completed by October 2025. The first units are slated for delivery in 2027.
Construction at 400 Lake Shore site via Related Midwest
The towers are designed by the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill along with David Childs, the architect behind One World Trade Center and 35 Hudson Yards in New York City.
Angling toward one other, the design aims to form “a new gateway to the city” and preserve skyline views as metal detailing “evokes the rippling surface of Lake Michigan.”
“After a robust community review process, this development will deliver infrastructure, traffic and public safety improvements, entirely funded by Related Midwest, in addition to the highly anticipated improvements to DuSable Park,” 42nd Ward Ald. Brendan Reilly said. “I am grateful for the developer’s commitment to collaboration and investment in downtown Chicago.”