400 North Lake Shore Drive is undergoing a transformation after years of stagnation due to the failed Chicago Spire project. Originally, the site was meant to house one of the tallest buildings in the world, designed by Santiago Calatrava. However, the financial crisis of 2008 halted the project, leaving only a deep cofferdam that became a local eyesore. In 2014, Related Midwest acquired the site, and in 2018, they unveiled a new plan that has since been revised several times. The current design, led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) under David Childs, features two towers—one 875 feet tall and the other 765 feet—housing 635 residential units, including 127 affordable units. Construction officially began in January 2024, with significant progress already made by late September. The first tower is expected to be completed by 2027. The project also includes the redevelopment of DuSable Park and an extension of the Chicago Riverwalk, enhancing the public’s access to the waterfront. Additionally, Related Midwest secured $500 million in financing to support the project. The project reflects Chicago’s evolving architectural landscape, offering modern design with sustainability features like bird-friendly glass. It’s set to become an iconic part of the city’s skyline, finally filling a gap that was left vacant for over a decade.
