Chicago Development Trends

Chicago appears to be in the middle of another skyscraper boom, with countless projects either already underway or just waiting to be approved. The city’s skyline is set to change drastically in the coming years, with new skyscrapers set to tower over the rest.

Currently, Chicago has numerous skyscrapers over 1,000 feet tall including:

• John Hancock Center at 1,127 ft
• Aon Center at 1,076 ft
• Trump International Hotel and Tower at 1,388 ft
• Willis Tower at 1,453 ft

While not every development project in Chicago will exceed the 1,000-foot threshold, most still qualify as skyscrapers, so let’s look at the up-and-coming developments in Chicago…

Vista Tower

The vibrant Loop is already comprised of quite a few high-rises, including the Willis Tower, and once the Vista Tower is complete, it’ll become the third tallest building in Chicago, standing at 1,198 ft.

This $900 million construction is expected to be completed by 2020, and it will feature 94 stories, 406 luxury condominiumminium residences, and a five-star Wanda Vista Hotel.

The chief architect, Jeanne Gang designed the building which will consist of 3 towers, the east, middle, and west. Respectively, the towers will be 41, 71, and 93 stories tall. Designed by OLIN, Vista will boast a variety of green spaces and a rooftop garden.

One Chicago Square

Just below the John Hancock Center, One Chicago Square is expected to stand tall in River North at about 1,045 ft, although the final height has not yet been determined. The development of the building has been approved by the Chicago Plan Commission, and it’s expected to boast 2 towers with a shared base, the taller of the two becoming the fifth tallest structure in Chicago upon its completion.

One Chicago Square will feature up to 869 condominiumminiums and apartments, and the podium of the two towers would include a restaurant and event center, focused on hosting wedding receptions, a health club, and a grocery store.

Tribune Tower Redevelopment

Golub & Company and CIM Group received a permit to convert the Tribune Tower in River North into 163 luxury condominiumminiums. The building is expected to feature over 700 units, and about 200 hotel rooms, and when completed it should push the Trump Tower from second to third tallest structure in Chicago.

The conversion of the Tribune Tower and its redevelopment is expected to cost an estimated $1 billion, and upon its completion, it should reach the height of about 1,422 ft.

The new, redesigned building will have a slenderer look and will end in two points, giving it a more modern style.

One Grant Park

One Grant Park, also called NEMA, located in the South Loop is not expected to break any height records, but it will still manage to change the city’s skyline at the estimated 893 ft.

Designed by Rafael Viñoly, the skyscraper will boast 76 floors and feature about 800 rental units. The base of the building contains a parking garage, resident fitness amenities, and retail shops. There will be a public park and residential pool access.

While One Grant Park is not the tallest building, upon its completion it will be the tallest residential apartment building south of the Willis Tower. Its overall design is expected to be reminiscent of the Willis Tower since it’ll be made up of square structural bays of different heights.

Chicago’s skyline is set to change completely in the coming years, and there are more big development plans in the making, with over $20 billion expected to be spent on some of the grandest megaprojects. Find out how Focus is contributing to that growth today!