Chicago Spire's Final Design Released (Finished Tower Will Be World's Tallest Residential Building)

NBC5 ^ | December 7, 2006

[MinorityRepublican]

CHICAGO -- The development company that plans to build the new Chicago Spire released its final design on Thursday, and said it plans to apply for final approval with the city on Friday.

Architect Santiago Calatrava designed the 2,000-foot tower, which upon completion will be the tallest residential building in the world, according to a press release by the Shelbourne Development Group.

Calatrava said the building said he believes the final design is "more mature than it was initially."

The building will stand at 400 N. Lake Shore Drive, at the mouth of the Chicago River. The tower's final plan includes several changes from the original design, meant to enhance the building's integration with the riverfront and minimize traffic flow, according to the release.

It will not include a broadcast antenna, nor a hotel or retail space. The number of floors increased from 124 to 150, with a total of 1,300 residences. The design also includes a massive underground parking garage.

"We have taken what was a highly-innovative design and turned it into something even more desirable," said Garrett Kelleher, executive chairman of the development company. "We look forward to the city's approval and to breaking ground next year." Click here to find out more!

The Chicago Planning Department will begin its review Dec. 8. The earliest the city might approve the changes would be next month, the developer said.

[upchuck]

windows on the world did not rotate

Now that I think about it, you're right. It's been a few years and I'm confusing it with some other place.

Still, like you said, it was a magical place.

What a shame.

[Reeses]

Needs a nuclear reactor

A couple of round containment domes at the base would complete the phallic theme. It's interesting the Arabs are going for the tallest record after attacking the Twin Towers. There's an obvious phallic competition going on.

[MinorityRepublican]

So we should wimp out and not build anything taller than 60 story skyscrapers?

[MinorityRepublican]

So we should wimp out and not build anything taller than 60 story skyscrapers?

[ken5050]

No doubt naming rights have already been sold to, dare I say it..TARGET!!!

[ken5050]

Bingo...because the tower tapers...the movement at the top will be dramatic..and you can't dampen it...

[fish hawk]

Someone copied the Narwale tooth with the tip broken off.

[MinorityRepublican]

Bump!

[monkapotamus]

[MinorityRepublican]

That's cool, where you find that?

[MinorityRepublican]

That's cool, where you find that?

[Yardstick]

Looks like a drill bit.

Yeah, but with a reverse thread. How's that supposed to work?

[Velveeta]

The new design looks like it's missing the "spire".
I much prefer the original design:

[monkapotamus]

I made it.

[RedWing9]

Much closer to Chicago, is the Renaissance Center in Detroit, with a rotating restaurant and bar at the top. The views are spectacular at night, seeing the "wheel", the river and Windsor. I know, I know, "who would want to vacation is Detroit???"...

[MinorityRepublican]

Bump