Related Midwest breaks ground on two-tower skyscraper project at former Chicago Spire site

Developer Related Midwest and city officials came together Monday to officially break ground on the first phase of its highly anticipated two-tower skyscraper project planned for the long-abandoned Chicago Spire site. 

Monday’s ceremony marked the beginning of construction on the first of the two towers planned at 400 Lake Shore. Once completed, the first tower will become the 13th tallest building in Chicago at 72 stories or 857 feet tall, according to Related Midwest. The high-rise will contain 635 residential units, 20% of which will be designated affordable housing.

In conjunction with the initial phase of the skyscraper project, Related Midwest will also begin construction on the adjacent DuSable Park, a 3.3-acre site on the opposite side of DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Related Midwest intends to build an extension of the Chicago Riverwalk to connect the skyscraper complex to the new park, allowing safe and easy pedestrian access.

The groundbreaking marks an impressive step forward for the ambitious project, which has spent years in development. Once finished, the towers will fill a gap in Chicago’s skyline left by the ill-fated Chicago Spire.

Initially conceived in 2007, the Chicago Spire was a concept designed by architect Santiago Calatrava for a massive spiral-shaped hotel and condominium. The Spire was set to become the tallest building in the western hemisphere at the time of its conception, but ultimately never came to fruition. 

The project lost funding during the financial crisis of 2008, after construction had already begun, leaving an empty pit in the heart of downtown Chicago. Related Midwest’s new project will transform the abandoned eyesore into an architectural marvel and a symbol of prosperity for the Windy City. 

Early construction on the first tower is already underway, with the first structural slab set to be complete by the end of the year. Related Midwest anticipates initial occupancy of the building to begin in 2027.

Related Midwest President Curt Bailey gave remarks at Monday’s ceremony, celebrating the project’s long-awaited commencement and thanking all who contributed to its design. “When completed, (400 Lake Shore) will include a pair of towers, who’s cascading silhouettes will descend from nearly 900 feet in the sky, creating a gateway that opens to the lakefront, and frames the impressive views,” said Bailey. 

“As we break ground today, we do so with immense optimism for the future of Chicago…400 Lake Shore is a testament to the enduring strength of our great city and I am confident it will inspire future generations to continue building and dreaming big.”