Three tower cranes added to Chicago’s workforce over a three-week span from late June to mid-July have boosted our count into double digits as we enter the month of August.
Yes, Chicago isn’t nearly as busy with construction as it was in 2017, when there were as many as 35 cranes operating at one time, and more than 60 throughout the year. But we’ll be fine. These things are cyclical.
There could be a couple more cranes on the horizon—if not straight overhead—before summer comes to a close. 410 North Elizabeth is permitted and it recently got permission to begin caisson work as well. It could get started any day. 1630 South Wabash has its tower crane permit, but we’re still waiting for work to resume there after piles were driven for the foundation more than a year ago. 1010 South Wells has a pending permit for its crane, but is in the same holding pattern as 1630 South Wabash.
From north to south, Chicago’s ten tower cranes are working on:
Bally’s Casino Hotel
Chicago’s newest and northernmost crane, it’s erecting the 34-story, 500-room hotel that, along with the casino, is scheduled to open by December 2026.
Bally’s Casino Hotel tower in River West
400 Lake Shore North Tower
At 72 stories, the tallest building under construction in Chicago. The crane has been jumped three times, with three more additions to come before topping out.
400 Lake Shore North Tower in Streeterville
370 North Morgan
Erected in July, Chicago’s westernmost crane is helping build a 32-story, 494-unit rental tower.
370 North Morgan in the Fulton Market District
Thompson Center
Working on the transformation of the new Google Midwest HQ.
The Thompson Center in The Loop, under renovations for Google
626 South Wabash
A 19-story apartment building with a focus on student living.
626 South Wabash in the South Loop
UIC Grenshaw parking garage
The University of Illinois Chicago. It is under the state’s authority. Therefor, there are no Chicago construction permits issued for this build.
UIC Grenshaw parking garage on the University of Illinois Chicago campus
Shedd Aquarium
Along with the Thompson Center renovation, one of two Chicago cranes working on existing buildings.
Shedd Aquarium on the Museum Campus
AbbVie Cancer Pavilion
The only construction site currently in Chicago with more than one tower crane.
Abbvie Foundation Cancer Pavilion in Hyde Park
Obama Presidential Center Museum Tower
The city’s longest-serving crane. The Obama Center has had as many as three tower cranes working on the center.
Obama Presidential Center Museum Tower in Jackson Park
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I really enjoyed this round-up! LOL at “the city’s longest-serving crane” – poor guy.
thanks for the update! much appreciated! we will take 10 for now!
Weird seeing the tower crane out at Veridian in Schaumburg as well.
What a wonderful round-up! Truly warming up the cockles of my heart, thank you!!
Nice to see tower cranes in the air
Great write up,in my opinion. Let this be a solid indicator of the state, of our economy. Developers don’t borrow in uncertain times. If the interest rates come down, well see more!