Chicago to be land of super-tall skyscrapers

 

Chicago is becoming the land of the super-talls.  Big news this week was the Chicago Plan Commssion’s approval of the Chicago Spire, an immense residential building consisting of 150 floors.

But there are three other spectacular buildings that are already being constructed in the Windy City.

Above left is the 90-floor Waterview Tower along the main branch of the Chicago River.   It’s a mixed-use tower that also will house a hotel by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.  Construction began in January of this year, and has a 2009 completion date. 

Above right is Aqua a stunning 83-floor tower that comes off more as a massive sculpture.  The tower’s surface will will be covered with undulating balconies resembling ripples or waves.  Groundbreaking was Sept. 1, 2006, and its scheduled for completion in 2009.

And last but certainly not least, it’s the Trump International Hotel and Tower at left.  It will be the second tallest building in Chicago behind the Sears Tower, but not for long.  The Chicago Spire will be much taller than the Sears Tower upon completion, giving Trump third-billing.

The downtown Trump tower is being constructed on the site formerly occupied by the Chicago Sun-Times, near the Chicago River.  The building will be 1,362 feet tall and contain 96 floors for various uses. 

The tower will include 472 super-luxury residential condominiums from studios to three bedrooms and up to five bedroom penthouses; and a five-star luxury hotel.

Groundbreaking was in March 2005, and will be completed in 2009.