‘Starchitects’ Fight over Windy City Skyline

By Ioana Neamt, Associate Editor

Wanda Vista tower rendering

Local and out-of-state companies alike are ready to add even more bling to the city’s already crowded skyline.

A number of proposals have been submitted to the city council this week, including a new Helmut Jahn-designed tower that could become the fifth-tallest building in Chicagoland—a city known to be the birthplace of the modern skyscraper.

A mere two days after architect Rafael Vinoly and Miami-based developer Crescent Heights unveiled plans for a 76-story tower in the South Loop, renowned architect Helmut Jahn has now come forward with a proposal for an 86-story residential tower just one block away, at 1000 S. Michigan Ave. If completed, the tower would become the fifth-tallest building in Chicago, after the Willis, Trump, Aon, and John Hancock towers. Jahn’s tower could, however, end up sixth on that list, if Jeanne Gang’s 93-story Wanda Vista project tops out.

According to Crain’s Chicago Business, the new tower at 1000 S. Michigan would be developed by a joint venture between New York City-based JK Equities and Time Equities. The partnership would need to purchase the land from owner First American Bank in order to build their glass-clad tower, which is set to include 506 residential units, 598 parking spaces and several amenity and retail floors.

Helmut Jahn’s glassy tower is not the only new proposal submitted this week. Local developer Draper & Kramer revealed plans for a transit-oriented development in the new McCormick Place Entertainment District, while architect John Murphy announced plans for a 48-story apartment building, also in the South Loop.

Rendering courtesy of Studio Gang Architects and bKL Architecture