The historic Illinois Bell Building, located at 225 W Randolph Street in The Loop, is finally set for renovation as scaffolding rises around the structure, signaling the imminent start of construction. The building, which has been granted landmark status and Class L tax incentive by the Chicago City Council, is being redeveloped by Onni Group, with work expected to reach completion for the revamped offices in 2024.
The Loop’s LaSalle Street is set to undergo a significant transformation, with the city announcing three winning proposals as part of the LaSalle Reimagined initiative. These mixed-use makeovers will receive $188 million in tax-increment financing (TIF) dollars and will add 1,059 apartments to the financial district, with 317 of them being affordable.
After nearly a year following the initial foundation permit, a tower crane permit has been issued for an 18-story residential high-rise developed at 633 S LaSalle Street in The Loop. Developed by London-based firm, The Collective, this 162,000 square-foot, co-living project will comprise of 117 shared apartment units, collectively made up of 381 individual bedrooms.
Welcome to the second part of our “Lost Legends” series, where we delve into the histories of some of Chicago’s iconic buildings and structures that no longer stand today. In this installment, we will discuss the Morrison Hotel, which was once a prominent edifice near the center of The Loop and one of the tallest buildings ever demolished. We will explore its design, historical significance, and the legacy it left behind.
The architectural landscape of Chicago is ever-evolving, with many structures meeting their end to make way for new, cutting-edge designs. While demolition is necessary for a thriving metropolis, it often comes at the cost of losing touch with the city’s historical roots and in some cases the demise of beloved landmarks in the name of pragmatism.
