Revitalizing Chicago’s Lakeshore Drive: From Abandoned Pit to Skyline Landmark

A Decade-Long Void Along Chicago’s Iconic Waterfront

If you’ve driven along Chicago’s renowned Lakeshore Drive in recent years, you might have noticed an unusual sight near where the expressway crosses the Chicago River—a massive, yawning excavation that remained untouched for over fifteen years. Originally intended as the foundation for America’s first megatall skyscraper, designed by the acclaimed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this enormous hole became a symbol of stalled ambition in a city celebrated as the birthplace of the skyscraper.

The Ambitious Vision of the Chicago Spire

Back in 2005, Chicago was gearing up for a new architectural rivalry. Donald Trump had just commenced construction on his towering international hotel and residential complex, which would become the city’s second tallest building upon its 2009 completion, second only to the iconic Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), the world’s tallest from 1973. Meanwhile, plans were underway for an even more audacious project: a 610-meter, 150-story skyscraper that would rank just below Dubai’s Burj Khalifa globally.

Initially dubbed the Foromspire after its original developer, the tower’s twisting, dynamic design promised a mix of luxury condos, a hotel, and a broadcast antenna. However, financial difficulties soon plagued the project. The original developer faltered, and Dublin-based Shelbourne Development, led by Garrett Kelleher, took over, renaming it the Chicago Spire and shifting focus exclusively to upscale residential units—over 1,000 apartments in total.

Construction Halted by the Great Recession

By mid-2007, the project had secured unanimous approval from Chicago’s Plan Commission and city council, and construction began with the excavation of a deep circular foundation supported by piles extending to bedrock. Each floor was designed to rotate slightly, creating the tower’s signature spiral form. Yet, progress was abruptly halted in 2008 as the global financial crisis struck, freezing funding and leaving the site as a 20-meter-deep crater in one of Chicago’s most valuable locations.

Anglo Irish Bank, the primary lender, neared collapse, and Shelbourne faced legal challenges. Architect Calatrava was owed millions, and the project was indefinitely suspended, leaving a glaring void in the cityscape for over a decade.

New Beginnings: Related Midwest’s Redevelopment Plan

In 2014, Related Midwest, the Chicago branch of the developer behind New York’s Hudson Yards and London’s King’s Cross regeneration, acquired the site. They quickly dispelled rumors of reviving the Spire, opting instead for a fresh vision unveiled in 2018: two skyscrapers of more moderate height replacing the single megatall tower.

The taller tower would rise to 335 meters, combining hotel accommodations and condominiums, while the shorter one would reach 260 meters, dedicated to rental apartments. Esteemed architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, led by David Childs—the mind behind One World Trade Center—was commissioned to design the project. Childs, who passed away in 2025, envisioned the towers as elegant, tapering forms that would create a new “gateway” to Chicago, respecting the city’s historic river-lake confluence where early settlers founded Chicago.

Design Evolution and Community Input

Ground-level plans included a new park connecting to Chicago’s famed Riverwalk, featuring metalwork inspired by Lake Michigan’s rippling waves and incorporating the iconic Chicago window style, a nod to the city’s architectural heritage. However, Alderman Brandon Reilly placed the project on hold shortly after its announcement, demanding the removal of hotel rooms and a reduction in the podium size between the towers.

After extensive redesigns, the south tower’s height was reduced to 233 meters, while the north tower slightly increased to 266 meters. The design process involved hundreds of iterations, balancing wind resistance, unit sizes, and market demands. The revised plan received approval in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed construction once again.

Breaking Ground: Construction Resumes in 2024

Finally, in 2024, construction commenced on the first phase: the taller tower featuring 635 rental apartments, with 20% designated as affordable housing. This phase is being built within the original Spire excavation, known as a cofferdam, presenting unique engineering challenges.

Don Banaki, Executive Vice President at Related Midwest and President of LR Contracting, explained how the team navigated the site’s complexities. Approximately 3 million gallons of water were pumped out, and a critical Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) line was relocated. Over 600,000 pounds of steel—equivalent to about 150 cars—were delivered, followed by 250 concrete truckloads pouring 9 million pounds of concrete to form the mat foundation, a thick slab distributing the building’s weight evenly.

Innovative Reuse and Efficient Construction

Remarkably, many of the original Spire’s foundation piles were reused, with some relocated or abandoned as needed. The construction team coordinated carefully to minimize disruption to adjacent townhomes and condominiums. As the core of the new tower rose from the hole, excavated sand from nearby was used to backfill around the structure, optimizing resources and reducing waste.

Once the structure surpassed ground level, the infamous “hole” vanished, replaced by a bustling construction site. By April 2025, crews were pouring a new concrete floor every three days, with nearly one-third of the tower completed. Simultaneously, a second team installed the glass curtain wall, essential for the building’s distinctive window design.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Chicago’s Skyline

Unless unforeseen global events intervene, the first residents are expected to move in by 2027. Construction of the second tower will begin only after the first is fully occupied, allowing flexibility to respond to market conditions. Related Midwest remains committed to completing the two-tower complex, which will bring balance and vibrancy to this historic site.

While the Chicago Spire’s original vision was never realized, its successor represents a pragmatic and inspiring renewal. The new towers not only fill a long-standing void but also contribute meaningfully to one of the world’s most celebrated skylines, blending innovation with respect for Chicago’s architectural legacy.

Inspiring Future Generations

Beyond construction, this project fuels inspiration for aspiring architects and builders. Initiatives like Brickbarrow, a LEGO subscription service dedicated to architectural education, help nurture the next generation of skyscraper innovators. Discover more and get involved at brickbarrow.com.