Two Skyscrapers Will Finally Rise Above the Failed Location of the Chicago Spire

Two towers, one reaching 1,100 feet and the other 850 feet, will take their place in the Chicago skyline.

1 minute read

May 21, 2018, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Chicago Spire

Forgemind ArchiMedia / Flickr

Developer Related Midwest recently announced the long-awaited successor to the development site that still bears signs of a failed development infamously designed by Santiago Calatrava.

The site of the never-built Spire, as the Calatrava design was dubbed, sat dormant for years in prime real estate long lake Shore Drive in Chicago. Now, Elizabeth Blasius reports, the developer has a plan for what's next.

In a generous and surprising nod to the Chicago School of Architecture, David Childs with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has designed two sister towers in terracotta and glass for the former site of the Chicago Spire. Announced Tuesday night at a community meeting by developer Related Midwest, renderings for the development show two towers rippling upwards, set upon a masonry base resembling a rectangular photo carousel.

The development is now known as 400 North Lake Shore Drive, and Blasius includes more info on the design and development plans, although details on how the construction of the new building will address the interrupted remains of the Spire have not been made available.

Thursday, May 17, 2018 in The Architect's Newspaper

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Aerial view of green park with purple blooming jacaranda trees in Pasadena, California.

Los Angeles County Invests in Wildfire Recovery for Parks, Trails, and Open Space

The $4.25 million RESTORE Program supports the recovery of parks, trails, and open spaces damaged by the January 2025 wildfires through targeted grants that promote community healing, wildfire resilience, and equitable access to nature.

15 minutes ago - Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District

Sprawling housing development in suburban Summerlin near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Nevada Bills Aim to Establish Home Insurance Assurance Amidst Wildfire Risk

Republican sponsor hopes the FAIR plan would be “a true market of last resort.”

1 hour ago - Nevada Current

Small red car driving on forested road passing "Welcome to Virginia" sign.

Virginia Law Allows Judges to Mandate Speed Limiters

The law could set a new precedent for speed limiting tech on U.S. vehicles.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA