With site mobilization now in progress, 400 N Lake Shore Drive ranks as Chicago’s tallest construction project in 2023. This phase, while preliminary, marks the resumption of construction activities on a site that lay dormant after the abandonment of the previously planned 2,000-foot Chicago Spire. Now under development by Related Midwest, the Streeterville property is being transformed into two residential towers.
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Photo by Jack Crawford
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Photo by Jack Crawford
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Photo by Jack Crawford
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Rendering by SOM
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Rendering by SOM
The initial phase of the project includes a 72-story north tower, with some variation in the reported height. CoStar has indicated a height of 857 feet, while Urbanize cites 858 feet. This tower, rising from the 76-foot cofferdam originally intended for the Chicago Spire, will comprise 635 apartment units. Regarding affordability, 20 percent of these units, amounting to 127 apartments, are designated for individuals earning up to 60 percent of the area’s median income.
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Model via YIMBY+
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Model via YIMBY+
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Photo by Jack Crawford
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Photo by Jack Crawford
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Photo by Jack Crawford
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Photo by Jack Crawford
The second phase of the project involves the construction of a southern tower, which is planned to stand at a height of 765 feet and accommodate the remaining 465 units. This stage is expected to commence following the completion and leasing of the first tower. Based on market demand, Related will decide at a later date whether this subsequent structure will consist of condominiums or apartments.
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Model via YIMBY+
400 N Lake Shore Drive (lower center). Model via YIMBY+
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Site plan by SOM
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Site plan by SOM
Between the dual skyscrapers, a shared podium will house a total of 300 parking spaces. Atop the podium, plans show several ground-floor amenities: a cafe in the north tower, dog spas, large lobby areas, package rooms, and extensive landscaping across the site. In addition to these green spaces, the project will also feature an extension of the riverwalk and a pathway beneath Lake Shore Drive. This pathway will provide a direct corridor to the planned 3.3-acre DuSable Park, which is set to be constructed alongside the first tower.
Site Plan for 400 N Lake Shore Drive. Drawing by SOM
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Photo by Jack Crawford
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Photo by Jack Crawford
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Rendering by SOM
400 N Lakeshore Drive. Rendering by SOM
SOM’s design will feature bay windows and a champagne-colored panel system, marking a departure from an initially proposed terracotta exterior. The buildings’ massings resemble sail-like volumes, with a step-back style as they ascend.
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Rendering by SOM
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Model via YIMBY+
400 N Lake Shore Drive. Model via YIMBY+
The caisson permit was issued earlier this month, with LR Contracting Company and BOWA Construction as the general contractors. Urbanize recently reported that the foundation work for the project is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2024 and continue throughout the year. Construction is expected to begin its vertical phase by the first quarter of 2025. The north tower is anticipated to be completed by the third quarter of 2027, with a firm completion date pending for the southern tower.
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Will be great if both towers get built. Anyone hear any status on the new tower at the Tribune site, it sure would be nice to fill in some of these parking lots in Streeterville and River North.
I’m sorry, I’m going to call this out to Jack and Ian.
I really done think this should’ve gotten #1.
Site prep and mobilization I don’t think should be considered “construction” as nothing has been officially kicked off.
The Spire had site prep and mobilization and look how that didn’t happen? I get Caisson permits *practically* seal the deal. I’m not too sure where financing is with this? But I wouldn’t have put it as #1
Considering also you guys point out that foundation is not set to start until 2024. Maybe I’m being a bit anal about this. But technically I think this was given #1 just for the hype of it. This should’ve been shoved to 2024s list. Sorry
I don’t think it’s really that big of a deal. It’s a fun list to count down the new year.
Hi C, thank you for your thoughts on this. We understand there are varying opinions on what qualifies as ‘under construction.’ Our decision to include 400 N Lake Shore Drive in our 2023 list is based on a definition that recognizes site prep and mobilization – beyond mere demolition – as tangible steps in the construction lifecycle. This encompasses all significant phases of a construction project, starting from post-demolition preparatory work to completion.
Also, unlike the Spire and Waterview, this this has a construction loan in place.
Excellent choice, incredible project
This is the kinda project everyone will cry about because it’s NOT the Spire, but once completed, will feel like it always belonged to the skyline. I think it’s a more grand and welcoming entrance to the river and with the affordability aspect, real Chicagoans can live in these towers.
It may be “safe” and a boost in height would’ve benefited one of the most prominent sites in Chicago, but what I like most about the skyline is how the height gradually pushes up the farther you get from the lake.
100%. Chicago’s skyline is one of the most iconic in the world (in my opinion) for exactly what you stated. Our skyline is very delicate and has specific high points and low points that makes it look like a mountain range on the prairie. While a supertall on this site would be nice, I think this project plus site I across the river in Lakeshore East will frame out the entrance to the city very nicely
Excellent project, though the original taller scheme was even more promising. One would hope that the economic climate is more conducive when starting phase two, pushing that tower taller. That was the original concept design and is a more appropriate way to frame the Chicago River.