I've noticed that not a lot of Chicago forumers post here, so I figured I'd go ahead and make a thread for the tallest building constructed in the United States since the Sears Tower in 1974 (second tallest if the Freedom Tower in NYC actually starts going up first)...

With the spire included, the height of the building will be 1,360ft (415m). The condominiums on the 89th floor will be the highest above ground anywhere in the world.

The architect is Adrian Smith of the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merril, who also designed the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai.

Demolition of the existing Sun-Times Building is nearing completion, and Trump has closed on a $640 million construction loan from Deutsche Bank. Actual construction should begin in early summer. There's supposed to be a new rendering coming out soon, but for now I'll just use the one from Emporis:

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/554/6324chicago_tower.jpg


Here's the site as of last week:

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3A883923232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232376992%3B7%3C%3Aot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3A883923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232376992%3B837ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3A883923232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232376992%3B83%3Bot1lsi

so this thing is going to be built, how many years did it take them to approve this? This tower is been around for ages now, although it's a good one.

I've read on the newspaper today that it is the second biggest project in Chicago ever after the Sears Tower. It cost's about US$640 mil.....wow....how great...and 70% of the condominiums are sold in just few months....

It would be good to see a render of it on the skyline. It's not dissimilar in shape to the Sears Tower this one.

so this thing is going to be built, how many years did it take them to approve this? This tower is been around for ages now, although it's a good one.
I believe the initial announcement was supposed to take place in September 2001. Initially, the tower was supposed to be the tallest in the world, but after the terrorist attacks in New York City that was out of the question. The initial design released in 2002 was really boring and shorter than the current one, and the design was modified significantly over the course of a couple years. The building was initially supposed to contain offices and condominiums, then the hotel condominiums were added and the office portion was dropped.

This was more or less a done deal by last summer, but it took some time for the occupants of the existing building on the site (the Chicago Sun-Times, one of the city's major newspapers) to move to a new location and for demolition to commence.

It's much harder to initiate projects like this one in the U.S. than in Asia, because they're built solely with private investment (and funded by banks, not billionaires), and they're built within established neighborhoods with existing buildings on the site.


The cost of the building is actually projected at around $750 million (the construction loan is for $640m, but Trump will be providing some of his own money as well). The sale value of the apartments when complete will total about $1.1 billion.

that's a lot of money to be generated from flat sales, some nice profit in there.

great location for a great tower

looks like they are demolishing something at the waterfront for this project?

It is a beauty, that's for sure.

great location for a great tower

looks like they are demolishing something at the waterfront for this project?
Yes. The former building was the headquarters of the Chicago Sun-Times. It was very industrial-looking because they actually used to print newspapers in the lower levels. It was located along the river because the huge reels of paper used for printing were delivered by barge.

This is what used to be there:

http://www.december.com/places/chi/images/suntimes.jpg

Now it's just the bottom level left, and that should be gone soon...

any renders?

Looks good!The spire fits well too.

Donald Trump secured the financing this week to build the whole thing. I believe it was through CitiBank/CitiGroup.

I love this tower. Absolutely stunning project. :yes:

I believe this was the 'prize' awarded on the TV show, Apprentice, wasn't it? The guy who won was allowed to manage the project (?).

nice very nice....

I just noticed they changed the Spire design...Great !! :okay:

it reminds me of bloomberg's tower

Very awesome, a classical skyscraper in a modern design!

Donald Trump secured the financing this week to build the whole thing. I believe it was through CitiBank/CitiGroup.
Deutsche Bank, actually.


Very little of the Sun-Times building left now... should be a whole in the ground by week's end (photos courtesy of Tom at SSP):

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/39682260.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/39682261.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/39682284.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/39682285.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/39682290.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/39682298.jpg



This building is in Chicago, so you can count on it being one of the best-documented construction projects on record. There will be plenty of photos over the next couple of years...

i likey.....

any renders?
Trump's lawyers have said they won't release the final design until it has been approved by the city. People are not pleased about this, of course, but it's only the spire design that should be changed.

Great news for Chicago.

Absolutely amazing tower!

Deutsche Bank, actually.

Oh yes that's right. I read it on CNN's ticker, and I couldn't remember for sure.

Speaking of Deutsche Bank. Do they plan on building a new building in NYC or are they waiting to occupy one of the NWTC buildings?

Nice to see such a horrible building (http://www.december.com/places/chi/images/suntimes.jpg) be replaced by such a beauty...:)

The released renderings make it seem like a rather dull tower. But then that doesnt matter in a city like Chicago where there are already so many wonders...

The released renderings make it seem like a rather dull tower. But then that doesnt matter in a city like Chicago where there are already so many wonders...
I think it'll actually be much more interesting in reality than in the current rendering. If anyone here is familiar with the facade details of the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai (designed by the same architect), this building will have a similar facade, albeit a little more glassy and less silvery grey.

The Sun-Times building is now pretty much gone, and a crane has been assembled to begin installing the caissons to support the new building:

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3B%3A93523232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E2323782757389ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3B%3A93523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2323%3D873%3D756%3D3232873665725nu0mrj

Really nice tower for a great city! actually i like this one much more than the one in NY.

.

From the most recent renderings, I think this will be the most beautiful tower in the U.S. IMO.

If you notice how the Trump Tower has 3 different levels that will offset the height of the buildings surrounding Trump Tower making it more easy on the eyes. I think this one is beautiful. But the other 1,000 footer going up right across the river from the Trump Tower has my heart...Waterview Tower.

The other 1,000 footer going up in Chicago. (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=149542)

As of 4:16pm yesterday (GMT -6:00), they've drilled and lowered the first caisson into the ground, officially beginning the foundation of Trump Tower:

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3C348%3B23232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E2323784324755ot1lsihttp://images.snapfish.com/342%3C348%3B23232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E23237843234%3A2ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/342%3C348%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E2323784323%3A83ot1lsihttp://images.snapfish.com/342%3C348%3B23232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232378432377%3Aot1lsi

Thanks to BVictor @ SSP for the photos...

If you notice how the Trump Tower has 3 different levels that will offset the height of the buildings surrounding Trump Tower making it more easy on the eyes. I think this one is beautiful. But the other 1,000 footer going up right across the river from the Trump Tower has my heart...Waterview Tower.

The other 1,000 footer going up in Chicago. (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=149542)

Speaking of the Waterview, has there been any news on it lately?

As of 4:16pm yesterday (GMT -6:00), they've drilled and lowered the first caisson into the ground, officially beginning the foundation of Trump Tower:

Although I'm as excited to see this get off the ground as soon as possible, let's not jump the gun. . . Victor said that the caisson was for the viaduct. . . not for the "foundation of Trump Tower". . . we'll get there Chi-town. . . in due time. . . :)

Alright, so I went by the site today and ran into Sidewalk Joe, a retiried guy I know who knows everything and anything about cassions and Case Foundation. I he told me a nice tid bit of information that he recievied straight from the horse’s mouth:

THE FIRST TEST ROCK CAISSON WILL BE DRILLED NEXT WEEK, AS EARLY AS MONDAY!

This test caisson, will be an actual caisson of the building, and therefore, will make the building officially under construction. The current plan is to place it near the northwest corner of the site (near the Kinzie-State-Wabash parking garage) and drill 8 feet into the bedrock. The purpose of this is to take a look at the composition and condition of the first few feet of bedrock and determine how far into the rock all of the caissons need to go. The solid bedrock is estimated to be 105 feet down. A third drilling crane has arrived on site, and will be assembled starting tomorrow. The caisson top (the large steel tubes placed into the holes) should be on site by Friday or Saturday. It will be 8-12 feet in diameter, so everyone keep an eye out for this because the sooner they get this, the sooner they start. Brandenburg also needs to continue some site clean up, because there is a pile debris located around where this is going to go. So keep your eyes peeled and stay tuned; the moment we have all been waiting for is rapidly coming upon us.

In other news, the Wabash viaduct portion of the project has drilled a access hole into an abandoned freight tunnel stub, 42 feet down. The city had them fill it will four feet of grout. I will put the pictures from today up tomorrow evening, after I recharge the camera battery.

Most recent pics of the site from BVictor:

http://images.snapfish.com/34332%3A2%3B23232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232378%3B%3C356%3B5ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/34332%3A2%3B23232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232378%3B%3C362%3A5ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/34332%3A2%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D959%3D583%3DXROQDF%3E232378%3B%3C356%3B3ot1lsi

Some unfortunate news. I heard it on WGN 9 and they have an article in the Chicago Tribune.

Trump dumps lofty goal for tower's spire

By Blair Kamin, Tribune architecture critic. Tribune staff reporter Gary Washburn contributed to this report
Published March 9, 2005


Donald Trump's spire isn't going higher.

The flamboyant developer and reality TV star said Tuesday he no longer wants to construct the nation's tallest building in Chicago.

Last month, Trump caved in to Mayor Richard Daley's demand that he keep a decorative spire atop his Chicago tower. Trump then set his sights on an even taller spire, one that might make his building top Sears Tower as the nation's tallest. Instead, Trump said Tuesday that he would retain the spire's previous height, making his tower about 90 feet shorter than the 1,450-foot-tall Sears.

The reasons: Plans for the extended spire looked awkward, Trump said. And some people who have bought units in the 92-story hotel and condominium tower expressed concern about living in the building, apparently because its greater height could make it a terrorist target.

"I don't want to change the profile of the building, both physically or psychologically," Trump said in a telephone interview from his New York City office. "What difference does it make? [The record] isn't what it used to be."

Asked if that means he is scared of terrorism, Trump replied: "I'm never scared."

But he acknowledged that after the news hit the front pages that he might construct the nation's tallest building, his staff called 10 people who have bought units in the building, formally known as Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. Three, he said, preferred that the building's height remain lower than Sears'.

"That's a pretty good percentage--30 percent," he said. "That, carried forward, would make 30 percent of the people less happy."

Trump reports he has sold about 65 percent of the units in the skyscraper, now under construction on the riverfront Wabash Avenue site formerly occupied by the squat, seven-story Chicago Sun-Times Building. With 35 percent of the units left to sell, Trump made the right choice, one Chicago real estate developer said.

"I certainly think there are buyers out there at the high-end who would prefer not being in ... a building that draws attention to itself for unnecessary reasons," said Tom Weeks, president of LR Development, which has developed such high-profile luxury skyscrapers as the Park Tower at 800 N. Michigan Ave.

Not building the extended spire will save him about $1.5 million dollars in construction costs, Trump said.

Mayoral spokeswoman Jacquelyn Heard said Daley "understands it's a business decision."

The Daley administration had welcomed Trump's desire to shoot for having the nation's tallest building, saying it would be "amenable" to such a plan. But Ald. Burton Natarus (42nd), who represents the ward where the skyscraper is being built, threatened to file an ordinance blocking the tower if Trump sought "administrative changes" to the project, such as altering the height.

Tuesday's development was the latest switch in a skyline drama that has had more twists and turns than Trump's reality TV show, "The Apprentice."

Trump originally planned a 2,000-foot tower, but scaled it back to a blocky 78-story high-rise after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Last year, he appeared satisfied to have a sleek tower of 1,125 feet, two feet shorter than the John Hancock Center, which would have made Trump's tower the city's fourth-tallest building. After no one lined up to buy antenna space atop the building, Trump decided last year to ditch the spire.

But Daley urged the developer to put it back. And last month, when the Daley-Trump face-off was revealed, Trump's architects, the Chicago firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, said the spire would reach to a height of 1,360 feet, or 235 feet taller than the building's roof.

Topping Sears, as City Hall suggested the developer might do two weeks ago, would have meant extending the spire at least 326 feet above the roof.

But those extensions made the spire "a little bit gangly" and "very convoluted," Trump said.

Stressing that he has sold more than $600 million of units in the building, Trump said, "I am very superstitious about changing things that are very successful."

The spire, he said, would remain at the "original height," though it is "more beautiful" now than when it was largely a structural feature designed to hold up an antenna. A 1,360-tower would be Chicago's second tallest building, shorter than Sears, but taller than the Hancock and the 1,136-foot Aon Center.

Architects at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill could not be reached for comment.

Communications antennas do not count in a building's overall height, according to the Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, the international arbiter of height rules. The council counts decorative spires as part of a building's height, however. The world's tallest building, Taipei 101 in Taiwan, is 1,667 feet tall.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0503090342mar09,0,729767.story?coll=chi-news-hed

Actually, it is really good news in the end. In Chicago, it's important that the Tower maintains its' prestigous look. And an akward spire that would make it the tallest in the Nation would not have upheld Trump Tower's beauty. I think everyone will be pleased with the final results. Now Trump Tower will be the 2nd Tallest in Chicago, making sure Chicago maintains the tallest buildings in America. Atleast, the greatest # of them.

A very beautiful high building.
I hope this tower have an obeservation deck.

Somehow it seems that 400m tall buildings are nothing special anymore, but i want to see everyone of them growing.

This tower is a great addition to the skyline of Chicago. I think that someday i will visit this city.

I think that i will see many pictures of the construction :D

Is there a webcam where i can see the construction ?

Its a good thing Trump removed the spire. Now the crown jewel of Chicago can remain its tallest.

^^the spire is not removed, it just won't be expanded

loveing this project aleady, looking forward to watching it grow over the next few years. When is it predicted to be complete?

By Mid-2008 is the last estimate that I heard. Chicago will have two 1,000 foot skyscrapers going up at the same time. Both are going up on the Chicago River. Chicago's skyline looks like a gap-toothed child's smile right now with the huge Aon Center and John Hancock on the East side and the the Sears Tower on the West Side. Both of these 1,000 footers are going up directly in the center of the city which will give Chicago's skyline a brand new look.

Waterview Tower is slated to be completed in 2007.

I really like this design! It will look great with the non-expanded spire in the Chicago skyline, my favorite city in the US. I cant wait to see it when completed!
Keep us updated Chi-Town

I like this tower!! ;)

Who wouldn't! It fits perfectly with Chicago.

Ladies and Gentleman grab a towel to clean your selves up because this update will make you wet your pantaloons....

http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3253%3E95%3A%3E5%3B7%3EWSNRCG%3D3232887%3B6%3B553nu0mrj
That's right! What you are staring at is the first rock caisson of Trump Tower! As of 2:00 this afternoon it is officially UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C463ot1lsi
That sucker is 8 feet in diameter, with a 10' diameter top. Notice the huge drill bit.
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C464ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C465ot1lsi
Sinking the rebar cage for a hardpan caisson of the viaduct, or possibly the tower, I'm not sure on this one. Its pretty far into the site.
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C466ot1lsi
And then filling it with concrete...
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C46%3Aot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C467ot1lsi
Carefull now, those 8' drill bits are a litle heavy :hahaha: :lol: :laugh: :clown:
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C468ot1lsi
There ya go.
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C469ot1lsi
Hook it boys!
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C46%3Bot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C472ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C473ot1lsi
Come on let's do the twist :D
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3253%3E95%3A%3E5%3B7%3EWSNRCG%3D3232887%3B6%3B565nu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C475ot1lsi
Spinning off the clay
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C476ot1lsi
^Preping the next caisson top
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C477ot1lsi
Brandonburg is still working on the 7' concrete mat foundation of the former Sun-Times building.
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C478ot1lsi
Going in for more
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C479ot1lsi
Varroius tools on the site: caisson tops, tubes, bits and buckets
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C47%3Aot1lsi
second caisson top in place
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C47%3Bot1lsi
Twisting it down
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C34%3Bot1lsi
Problem setting it in place, so they pulled her out agian.
Next 3 shots from the Kinze-Wabash-State parking garage
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C353ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C354ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323796%3C5%3C355ot1lsi
And after removing more clay, the second top was put back into place.
http://images.snapfish.com/3434336323232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3253%3E95%3A%3E5%3B7%3EWSNRCG%3D3232887%3B6%3B447nu0mrj
Actual drilling of the bedrock should begin about Saturday. Well there you have it. The day we have been waiting 5 years for has finally come.
:dance: :dance: :righton: :righton: :righton: :righton: :righton: :cucumber: :banana: :carrot:

kick ass. . .

Awesome tower ... can't wait to see this one going up. It's about time Chicago had another supertall to bring its skyline into the 21st century. :)

Because this building is now officially under construction, you can find updated construction photos at Emporis:

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/cs/?id=102119


There are 65 new construction photos for March.

I got a question...how much of this project was sold before construction started? The Toronto Trump tower, I'm guessing is about 30 % sold and construction would probably start early next year or something.

Nice pics, keep em' rollin.

I love this building, but I like the Waterford better....the details....it's all in the details.

I got a question...how much of this project was sold before construction started? The Toronto Trump tower, I'm guessing is about 30 % sold and construction would probably start early next year or something.
About 70-75%

Very good news! I will defo becoming back, when this baby completes :)

a pic from last week... the site was pretty busy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/peteybong248/DSC05277.jpg

great pix!!
drills are pretty big!

This one is special. Can't wait to see it finally be born. :naughty:

I walked by yesterday (March 28, 2005) and took some pictures. I'll try to take some on a regular basis since I live just three blocks away.

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Images/NearNorthSide/TrumpTower-003.jpg

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Images/NearNorthSide/TrumpTower-004.jpg

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Images/NearNorthSide/TrumpTower-005.jpg

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Images/NearNorthSide/TrumpTower-006.jpg

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Images/NearNorthSide/TrumpTower-007.jpg

http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Images/NearNorthSide/TrumpTower-008.jpg

At one point I could see the massive auger pulled out of the drilling shaft, and then a crane lowering a section of steel collar into it. Not a bad way to spend a day. I'll keep posting new pictures on my web site: Chicago Architecture Info (http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/ShowBuilding/109.php).

^The works are in a good status!

Leave it to Donald Trump to think big.

Any new info/ pics since the last update a month ago?

:omg: These caissons are HUGE !!!!! Look at the worker size compared with the steel tube!!!!! :runaway:

NEW FINAL RENDERINGS, plus more construction shots:

http://img231.echo.cx/img231/179/riverwalk0328053pu.jpg

http://img231.echo.cx/img231/5299/wabash0328053qv.jpg

http://img231.echo.cx/img231/6449/lakeview0328058ma.jpg


Now that's what I call a caisson...
http://www.skyscrapers.com/files/transfer/sixwm/2005/04/355267.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.com/files/transfer/sixwm/2005/04/353621.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.com/files/transfer/sixwm/2005/04/353622.jpg

fits so well!

am i the only one who can't see the construction pics?

I'm surprised no one has posted these yet, straight from the official site (unless I missed them).

Remember, some of these are a bit older in design, but they provide a new perspective nonetheless:

http://img159.echo.cx/img159/2598/trump26uq.png
http://img159.echo.cx/img159/7063/trump10np.png
http://img159.echo.cx/img159/4586/trump30tu.png
http://img159.echo.cx/img159/8611/trump41as.png
http://img159.echo.cx/img159/4523/trump54ki.png
http://img159.echo.cx/img159/462/trump68ma.png
http://img159.echo.cx/img159/3173/trump72qw.png
http://img27.echo.cx/img27/5021/trump80yl.png

This is exactly what Chicago deserves.

Simply marvelous!

Stunning.. :)

Great!Just cant wait to see it complete!

Those renderings are unbelievably good :yes:

:uh: Woooooohh Duuuuude!

Those renderings are unbelievably good :yes:
That's clear :eek2:

I went to the KONE website...

KONE to Deliver Elevators for Trump Tower, the Second Tallest Building in the United States
Apr 14, 2005


KONE has been chosen to supply all 26 elevators for the 97-floor Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago. When completed, it will be the second tallest building in the United States, rising to 414.5 meters. Four of the elevators to be delivered will be KONE's fastest in North America with a maximum travel speed of 8.0 m/s.

“KONE has won numerous prestigious major projects around the world in the past two years. Now another high-profile customer has demonstrated confidence in KONE’s leading technology and project management expertise by awarding the contract for the elevators for the tallest skyscraper to built in North America in over three decades. Winning the Trump Tower bid is a testimony to our competitiveness in the major projects business and our ability to win trophy projects in North America”, explains KONE’s Area Director for North America, Heimo Mäkinen.

Trump Tower, located in the heart of Chicago, will be home to 472 luxury condominiums and a five-star hotel with 286 luxury condominium guest rooms. The project also includes a conference center with a health spa, two ballrooms, a retail and dining area, and 1000 indoor parking spaces. The first stage of Trump International Hotel and Tower will be opened for occupancy in mid-2007, and full occupancy will be achieved by the spring of 2009.

Sender:

KONE Corporation

For more information, please contact:
Minna Mars, SVP, Corporate Communications & IR, tel. +358 (0)204 75 4501

www.kone.com
www.trumpchicago.com

Click the thumbnail picture to get a high-resolution picture of the Trump Tower.

Chicago strikes back! Great!!!!

What a building! :eek:

:drool: :drool: :drool:

A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!

too bad the morons in charge of the WTC aren't more like teh donald.

-

Second tallest??? :omg:

that is some gorgeous architecture.

Dont count the spire please , it is almost 100 metres shorter than Sear !

Sexy.

beautiful

wow ! thats a cool looking building !

This is a great tower. Can't wait to see more construction pix.

2007 can't get here fast enough. What a contrast this 2nd tallest building in America will provide for the city of Chicago compared to its' monster iron structures from the 60's. This new tinted blue glass scraper will reshape the Chicago skyline.

I'm with you King. I wish it were finished yesterday and about 100 feet taller!

No more updates of the construction status? C'mon Chicago dudes!

No more updates of the construction status? C'mon Chicago dudes!

Not too much but if you go over to the Chicago forum or over on SSP, you might find something.

Lets see, the height is now 1,131 to the roof and 1,362 to the spire. The height was raised slightly. Hmm, Bradenburg (the demo guys) are gone from site, I believe. Go over to the Chicago forum or SSP. It would be a little bit more helpful than I am at the moment.

Thanks Chgolvr83, I will visit Chicago at SSP ;)

Thanks Chgolvr83, I will visit Chicago at SSP ;)

Not a prob. :) You should. It seems to be updated a little bit more frequently than here.

Off topic: If you like Chicago construction (or any for that matter), there are some interesting proposals you should take a look at. See ya.

Unbelievable!!! Way to go Chicago!

Chicago truly deserves this tower... :okay:

I guess this building is the most exiting building under construction since the freedom tower is preety much at an complete standstill.

^most exciting uc in america maybe... have you heard of dubai

or shanghai or hong kong

or even in new york, the Times Tower ;)

dunno this is as exciting as NY, but not quite up there with Burj dubai, union square, SWFC

I meant the united states. Yes ive heard of the NY times tower but, in the category of height this gets the prize.

AND WHO HASNT HEARD OF THE BURJ DUBAI!!!!!!!!!!! I MEAN 180+ FLOORS IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE!!!!!!! THIS BUILDING IS GONNA BE SO TALL ITS SCARY. I THINK THIS BUILDING WILL HOLD THE WTB TITLE FOR A LONG TIME.

I have to say that i like this Trump Tower very much. :applause:

I meant the united states. Yes ive heard of the NY times tower but, in the category of height this gets the prize.

In fact, the Times Tower is taller than the Trump tower. The New York tower is 347 m.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=205662
At least, the height to the spire. Does the heigh of the Trump Tower includes the spire?

If you include the spire of the Trump Tower, the total would be 1362 ft. Tied for 6th place, if this building was in 2005, 5th place if it was before the taipei.

However, if you are like me, The Petornas tower should count as 1 building. So the Trump would be 5th and 4th if before the Taipei building finish.


BTW... this tower is taller than the Johm Hancock, even if you dont include the spire. 5 ft shorter than the Aon if the spire wasnt included.

So this building would be 3rd if the spire wasnt included, 2nd if the spire was included.

But look at these stunning statsics about the 3 tallest building in Chicago.

Sears= 442m, 1450 ft
Trump(w/ spire)= 415 m, 1362 ft
Aon=346m, 1,136 ft
Trump(w/o spire)= 345m, 1,131
John Hancock= 344m, 1,127 ft.

If you include the spire of the Trump Tower, the total would be 1362 ft. Tied for 6th place, if this building was in 2005, 5th place if it was before the taipei.

However, if you are like me, The Petornas tower should count as 1 building. So the Trump would be 5th and 4th if before the Taipei building finish.


BTW... this tower is taller than the Johm Hancock, even if you dont include the spire. 5 ft shorter than the Aon if the spire wasnt included.

So this building would be 3rd if the spire wasnt included, 2nd if the spire was included.

But look at these stunning statsics about the 3 tallest building in Chicago.

Sears= 442m, 1450 ft
Trump(w/ spire)= 415 m, 1362 ft
Aon=346m, 1,136 ft
Trump(w/o spire)= 345m, 1,131
John Hancock= 344m, 1,127 ft.
Ok, I didn't know that the data of the thread (343 m. and 1125 ft) was without the spire. Anyway, antennas on the John Hancock or Sears tower are NOT counted to their official height, but the one in taipei and the one in petronas are counted (they are not antennas, they are spires) The same happens to New York imes Tower, it's a spire, not an antenna. This one is an antenna or a spire? I suppose that if it's a antenna will not count in the official height, but if it's a spire it will count. I suppose that antennas are not counted because can be "easily" modified, like the ones in john hancock were modified in the past.

^^Its a spire.

^JHC and Sears antennas don't count in their "official" height. . . for the record. . .

^JHC and Sears antennas don't count in their "official" height. . . for the record. . .
I forgot the word NOT :tongue2:
In fact, counting antennas, I think that WTC in New york was the talles one, or I am wrong?

AND WHO HASNT HEARD OF THE BURJ DUBAI!!!!!!!!!!! I MEAN 180+ FLOORS IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE!!!!!!! THIS BUILDING IS GONNA BE SO TALL ITS SCARY. I THINK THIS BUILDING WILL HOLD THE WTB TITLE FOR A LONG TIME.

Take it easy jeremy, we all here know the project of Burj Dubai. The works have already start and building it's just growing up from the ground level.

^DON'T BE AFRAID BURJ DUBAI WAS DESIGNED BY THE SAME ARCHITECT AT SOM AS TRUMP CHICAGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LETS TALK IN ALL CAPS WHY DON'T WE!!!!

Fresh pics from today...

http://render.snapfish.com/render2/is=%3Dip6gXJoxRpxQQQQxlaex0QPxQQQQlae0QPnGGfVtB%7C%3DTj6gXo0xKjxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnGGKjfVtB%7CRup60lQ%7CYup6JaQ%7CRip6Peoa%7CRTj6eo%7C%3Dup6gXoxqpxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnGGqpfVtB%7CYTj6nl%7CYip6o0QJ%7C//bd=no/of=50,480,480
http://render.snapfish.com/render2/is=%3Dip6gXJoxRpxQQQQxlaex0QPxQQQQlae0QPnGlfVtB%7C%3DTj6gXJPxKjxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnGlKjfVtB%7CRup60lQ%7CYup6JaQ%7CRip6Peoa%7CRTj6eo%7C%3Dup6gX0GxqpxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnGlqpfVtB%7CYTj6nl%7CYip6o0QJ%7C//bd=no/of=50,480,480
Parking garage under the Wabash viaduct
http://render.snapfish.com/render2/is=%3Dip6gXJ0xRpxQQQQxlaex0QPxQQQQlae0QPnGefVtB%7C%3DTj6gXo0xKjxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnGeKjfVtB%7CRup60lQ%7CYup6JaQ%7CRip6Peoa%7CRTj6eo%7C%3Dup6gXo0xqpxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnGeqpfVtB%7CYTj6nl%7CYip6o0QJ%7C//bd=no/of=50,480,480
Steel girders in place for the wabash viaduct. The trench below will be an electrical substation vault.
http://render.snapfish.com/render2/is=%3Dip6gXGJxRpxQQQQxlaex0QPxQQQQlae0QPnGafVtB%7C%3DTj6gX0PxKjxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnGaKjfVtB%7CRup60lQ%7CYup6JaQ%7CRip6Peoa%7CRTj6eo%7C%3Dup6gX0GxqpxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnGaqpfVtB%7CYTj6nl%7CYip6o0QJ%7C//bd=no/of=50,480,480
Tightening bolts
http://render.snapfish.com/render2/is=%3Dip6gXJexRpxQQQQxlaex0QPxQQQQlae0QPnGnfVtB%7C%3DTj6gXJQxKjxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnGnKjfVtB%7CRup60lQ%7CYup6JaQ%7CRip6Peoa%7CRTj6eo%7C%3Dup6gX0PxqpxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnGnqpfVtB%7CYTj6nl%7CYip6o0QJ%7C//bd=no/of=50,480,480
http://render.snapfish.com/render2/is=%3Dip6gXGGxRpxQQQQxlaex0QPxQQQQlae0QPnlQfVtB%7C%3DTj6gXPaxKjxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnlQKjfVtB%7CRup60lQ%7CYup6JaQ%7CRip6Peoa%7CRTj6eo%7C%3Dup6gX0GxqpxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnlQqpfVtB%7CYTj6nl%7CYip6o0QJ%7C//bd=no/of=50,480,480
http://render.snapfish.com/render2/is=%3Dip6gXJoxRpxQQQQxlaex0QPxQQQQlae0QPnlPfVtB%7C%3DTj6gX0GxKjxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnlPKjfVtB%7CRup6JaQ%7CYup60lQ%7CRip6o0QJ%7CRTj6nl%7C%3Dup6gXJQxqpxQQoPxeoax0aGxv8uOc5xQQQQlae0QPnlPqpfVtB%7CYTj6eo%7CYip6Peoa%7C//bd=no/of=50,480,480
Wabash Viaduct, from this point to the north the viaduct will be constructed of steel girders with decking on top; from here to the south, the viaduct will be poured in place concrete above the 2 levels of parking (shown below).

Nice pictures of the construction site!

Thanks for the update!!!! Building's structure will be made of steel? That will make the building rise faster!

i cant wait untill it gets underway!

I guess we can expect to see a crane on this site within the next month or so.

It's strange that there is no crane right now ;)

New Update??

Yeah I wonder what's happening. Are they above ground yet or is there still a good bit to go?

I doubt it, but I'll be downtown tomorrow with my camera and I'll check the area out and post some pics.

What is the cheapest Apartment in the Trump Chicago?

^Tens of thousands of dollars.

Dont count the spire please , it is almost 100 metres shorter than Sear !
As with all buildings spires should not be counted the Petronas Towers were never the worlds tallest for me they used cheap ass spires :bash: anyway now spires are becoming more and more popular to be cheap to get height you saw the old wtc design discracful. :badnews:
Tommorow i might as well go build a 2 story house with a 1698ft metal tube and call it a spire and have the wtb :drunk: :rofl:

Great update!

if you built a 2m building with a 700m spire id be damn impressed by it!!!!!

worlds tallest building doesnt have to imply the heighest place people can go in it. but anyway thats why we have DIFFERENT CATEGORIES so petronas was tallest to spire sears to floor, CN for observation towers, and some radio mast for supported by ropes.

dont get so dissapointed with buildings having spires, if it finishes off a tower, and provides necessary communications antennae, then why the fuck not. Have you ever wondered what petronas would look like without spires, ill tell you SHIT

oh

Spires apart, there is no more updates?

Update is looking good!

Seems like they've completed the underground levels?

Scince I'm in Sweden what is the status for Trumph Tower? Are they gonna add the spire?

The spire was in its orginal plan, and will be built.

this building will be the world's 6th tallest building when this is completed,(assuming the freedom tower will be built afterwards).

Looks wonderful. I am afraid that despite its planned height, the Freedom Tower looks far less impressive and/or good looking than this building.

Hey whats new here????
Do you all forgot this building, since 3weeks now nobody writes something in here!! :wtf:

I wanna see new PICS !!!

PLZZZ

if you built a 2m building with a 700m spire id be damn impressed by it!!!!!

worlds tallest building doesnt have to imply the heighest place people can go in it. but anyway thats why we have DIFFERENT CATEGORIES so petronas was tallest to spire sears to floor, CN for observation towers, and some radio mast for supported by ropes.

dont get so dissapointed with buildings having spires, if it finishes off a tower, and provides necessary communications antennae, then why the fuck not. Have you ever wondered what petronas would look like without spires, ill tell you SHIT
:) It would be quite an amazing building! :)

From what I've seen of this building, the girth seems quite unnecessary. Trumpy must be making up for a lack of girth elsewhere.

But hey. Some of us like girth. I know I do.

____________________________________________

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6030/insideleftbottom3vz.jpg

No more updates?

GGG that's really funny, i love girth too :D

Pics from geoff_diamond:

http://img288.imageshack.us/img288/9313/trump010wa.jpg

http://img288.imageshack.us/img288/739/trump028nk.jpg

http://img288.imageshack.us/img288/8761/trump032wp.jpg

http://img288.imageshack.us/img288/3663/trump044zt.jpg

http://img288.imageshack.us/img288/1515/trump053pg.jpg

http://img288.imageshack.us/img288/9313/trump060bd.jpg

Hmm, seems like the real tower part is still under pilling progress, looking great!

Great update, just less than 4 more years to go, lol.

amazing steel structure! Thanks for the pictures

Great update, just less than 4 more years to go, lol.

Lets hope not. The Trump Tower being built down here in Tampa has already hit delays.

Sweet; not just digging or columns or whatever. Now this is going somewhere :)

Credit goes to Pandemonious:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF2105.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF2101.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF2103.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF2091.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF2106.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF2094.jpg

New sign up:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF2096.jpg

Tight updates :okay:

It can't be built fast enough.

That is going to be such a sweet building right on the riverfront.

The project I have been waiting for. Cleanlined, right on the water, in a big city in N. America... haha

Thank you for the picture update!!!

Thanks for the update!

soon it will rising!

I thought that it was already rising after not seeing a new pics for nearly a month, but it looks like I was wrong.

The caisson work should start wrapping up, as the same people will also begin work on the Waterview Tower sometime in September I believe.

Credit to Jaroslaw (Chicago Shawn for explanation):

http://home.uchicago.edu/~jaroslaw/1708052.JPG
http://home.uchicago.edu/~jaroslaw/1708053.JPG
http://home.uchicago.edu/~jaroslaw/1708054.JPG

What is happening: the caisson drilling is now over, and the last foundation crane was taken apart.

Next up: excavation, which is already happening. 60,000 cubic yards of dirt will come out of this site, with a concrete pour of 4200-5000 cubic yards (which could by the city's single largest pour). After the foundation is complete the tower will begin to rise.

:cheers:

Thanks for the update. Any estimations on the expected start of the rise?

I'm not quite sure, but I'd make a guess of around late 2005 or early 2006.

Early 2006 is more likely for above ground level. They still have to dig a 35 ft hole, pour the foundation and build 4 underground floors. And all this will happen as the weather starts to get cold and rainy...

Don't forget the snow...

I Hope the Anntena counts so that it can be in the top ten, petronas did that so why cant we

You mean the spire? Yes they'll officially count and make TTC 2nd in Chicago (3rd if Fordham Spire is made).

Now that we have them you guys hardly look! :)

Credit, again, goes to Pandemonious:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF2133.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF2131.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF2132.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF2134.jpg

Great to see this project getting underway - one of my favourite projects actually.

It will be the biggest change to Chicago's skyline in decades. :)

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1606/ttccomp8af.jpg

That will be one super tower!!! I'd like an apartment up in therre! :D

amazing tower

when is it going to finish

2008

I would love to live at the top of the Trump Tower if I had a couple million dollars laying around.

^ A couple? You still may need 26 more. Last I saw, the penthouse was going for or bought for $28 million and 11,000 sq ft. Insane!

We should all try and befriend that fat cat. :)

2008

Either late 2008 or Early 2009.

Let's be optimistic here. Trump can make 2008 happen. He'd bitch someone out before spending any extra nickel on a project.

I'd be willing to bet that detail work will still be underway well into 2009. Even Taipei 101 isn't 100% complete and 2005 is 2/3 over. Exterior work could well be done by 2008, however.

Photos by Chicago Shawn:

http://images.snapfish.com/3447%3B49523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A59%3C34359ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3447%3B49523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A59%3C34362ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3447%3B49523232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A59%3C3436%3Bot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3447%3B49523232%7Ffp3%3Enu%3D3253%3E95%3A%3E5%3B7%3EWSNRCG%3D3232%3B4%3A%3B43459nu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/3447%3B49523232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A59%3C34376ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3447%3B49523232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A59%3C3437%3Bot1lsi

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/6977/3t8ds.jpg

Let's be optimistic here. Trump can make 2008 happen. He'd bitch someone out before spending any extra nickel on a project.

I'm not sure he would get too mad publically at this project considering it's his first Apprentice winner Bill ? running the project. Wouldn't want to make his show look bad?

Constructioning is going good...

Shouldnt the Offical Height be changed to 1362 FT?

^Absolutely not. You should know damn well Chicago doesn't count spires.

But since roof height is 1,131ft the title could be changed to reflect that.

I'm happy to see this one getting worked on...

From that one angle it looks really skinny! I'm so used to seeing the water view which makes the tower look big.

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/6977/3t8ds.jpg

ow, good model!

it's taller than the JHC. that's taller than i had expect.

Just what exact address in the Trump being constructed?
I'm going to Chicago (Downtown), maybe I could get some pics?

You don't know where the old Sun Times building was? Or the Wrigley Building?

nope i dont

Just what exact address in the Trump being constructed?
I'm going to Chicago (Downtown), maybe I could get some pics?
It's right where Wabash crosses the river. If you stand on the Michigan Avenue bridge, look west and you can't miss it.

this is going to be a cool building when it is done

so far, whose r the key prominent buyers there?

STR ^Absolutely not. You should know damn well Chicago doesn't count spires.

But since roof height is 1,131ft the title could be changed to reflect that.
__________________
Sir you make some great models, keep it up, but you have made a foolish statement, Chicago doesn't count Spires? Since when does the city of Chicago count anything? Spires are reflected in height because they are a part of the building, hence the reason that the Fordham Spire, proposed for CHICAGO is slated at 2000 feet. Trump will be 1362' while Sears will remain at 1450' roughly.

Huh? What was the point in reposting what he said? :?

I wonder how this'll look on completion. I think it'll look a bit different from the renders because they overdo the shinyness of it.

edit

The extra-shine is being done on purpose in order to reflect the historic buildings surrounding it (plus maybe the river, lake).

So it'll really be that shiny then?

New update:

By Krzycho:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/krzycho/chicago6/PC280063.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/krzycho/chicago6/PC280064.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v514/krzycho/chicago6/PC280065.jpg

Nice building in the background going up.

Still bellow street level?

think they are still on piling works for the main tower, this is something else

Still bellow street level?

What you see or have been seeing was construction for the Wabash Ave viaduct which should be complete in November. They are now in the process of excavating where the concrete mat will lay for the tower to "float" on. Tons of progress have been made but Im also glad that theyre taking their time and doing things right, you know?

Sir you make some great models, keep it up, but you have made a foolish statement, Chicago doesn't count Spires? Since when does the city of Chicago count anything? Spires are reflected in height because they are a part of the building, hence the reason that the Fordham Spire, proposed for CHICAGO is slated at 2000 feet. Trump will be 1362' while Sears will remain at 1450' roughly.

You obviously aren't from Chicago. Post your statement in the Chicago section and see the responses. And just for the record, Fordham has never explictly stated the spire would reach 2,000ft. They have explicitly stated the roof will be 1,458 feet, which is more crucial because if the the roof was lower than Sears' 1,450, we Chicagoans would balk at the claim of it being taller.

It all stems back to Petronas and the false claim of it being taller and the theft of the offical title from its rightful owner.

So to sum up the Chicagoans offical height list:
Fordham Spire: 1,458
Sears Tower: 1,450
Aon Center: 1,136
Trump IHT: 1,131
JHC: 1,127

I was just asking because I don't know what is street level or what are underground levels of the tower. There is any graphic (I can't see it in the renders) that show the building on the street?

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/500/2404trumpbase2.jpg
http://img308.imageshack.us/img308/951/trump6da.png

Nice building in the background going up.

If you're referring to the building in the background of the first pic, that's the Regatta. And it is coming along pretty quickly now.

The hole is getting massive, and should be wrapping up work within the next three weeks as these crews are moving fast. Over half of the soil required for excavation has been removed from the site. After excavation is finished, the concrete mat will be poured and our baby will start to rise.

http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376855ot1lsi
Twisting rebar together on the viaduct

http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376856ot1lsi
gap between the viaduct and the drawbridge

http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376857ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376858ot1lsi
Parking garage levels below the Wabash Avenue viaduct

http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376859ot1lsi
notice how far below the water level the pit is now.

http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A9537685%3Aot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376863ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376864ot1lsi

Next 3 from from the top of the adjacent Kinze-State-Wabash Self Park Garage.
http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376866ot1lsi
The last big gap in the viaduct has been caped and is covered in rebar.

http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376867ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376869ot1lsi
Looking east, with Regatta rising in the background

And now the TRENCH a la TRUMP...
http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376874ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376875ot1lsi
tops of the caissons unearthed
http://images.snapfish.com/3449456323232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A95376877ot1lsi

^^Very good job.

Thanks! Now I understand what is the street and what is the building footprint. Great job and thaks again! ;)

A lot has happend since my last visit, good. I hope it will speed up more the next month though!

"It all stems back to Petronas and the false claim of it being taller and the theft of the offical title from its rightful owner."
Classic USA

how rich is trump?

and didnt he nearly go bankrupt at one time

great job Chicago Shawn :okay:

"It all stems back to Petronas and the false claim of it being taller and the theft of the offical title from its rightful owner."
Classic USA

No, classical logic, my stereotyping friend. Most of the argument is neatly laid out in the following link: http://elevator-world.com/magazine/archive01/9606-003.htm

What I did, realizing that, as the rules stand, the only way to avoid cheating is to eliminate spires AND antennae from height from counting towards the WTB title. Otherwise, it is only a matter of time before something like the hideous cage, like in Freedom Tower version 2 (which was mercifully scrapped) would be created just to gain height.

But hey, if you want to blindly follow a group of people who have obviously flawed judgement rather than form your own opinion, go ahead and spout more insipid, offensive comments like the one above.

I understand your logic in stating that the roof you should be what counts, but what about buildings where the roof and spire are inseperable or indecipherable? Buildings have long since been measured by their architectural pinnacle, example being both the Chrysler building and the Empire State Building. Clearly a building like Freedom Tower, Fordham Spire, and Petronas have spires to add height only. I also understand the theory that a two story house with a massive spire could qualify as the WTB. Thing is, why change the rules? So that Chicago can retain the WTB? I intend no personal attack or city attack, I think that Chicago is a true world class city, with possibly the most forward thinking architecture. So . . . my problem lies in the fact that so many people seek to apply different rules to different buildings. Total pinnacle height, height to the architectural top, highest floor, roof, highest usable floor etc etc. Just hoping we could all agree on what the WTB is . . . right now it's Taipei 101. Tomorrow, who knows?

http://images.snapfish.com/3449963923232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3A8%3B%3B%3B367ot1lsi
The last major gap in the Wabash roadway deck has been poured.
http://images.snapfish.com/3449963923232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3A8%3B%3B%3B369ot1lsi
The trench has gotten bigger....
http://images.snapfish.com/3449963923232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3A8%3B%3B%3B374ot1lsi
...And as you can see, a concrete slab has been poured at the bottom of the trench between the tops of the caissons.
http://images.snapfish.com/3449963923232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3A8%3B%3B%3B375ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3449963923232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3A8%3B%3B%3B36%3Bot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3449963923232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3A8%3B%3B%3B378ot1lsi
Truck begining its reverse decent into the pit.
http://images.snapfish.com/3449963923232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3A8%3B%3B%3B379ot1lsi
4 levels of work at the site
http://images.snapfish.com/3449963923232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3A8%3B%3B%3B382ot1lsi
Excavation of the lower trench almost finished.
http://images.snapfish.com/3449963923232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3A8%3B%3B%3B384ot1lsi

great updates, when will the structure start to rise ????

Most guess that it'll rise late in the year or early next year. Weather is a key reason for this I'd assume. But they've been lucky so far; this summer has been nearly rain-free and moderately warm with many days in the 90-100 F range. Even in the last few days the temperature had been in the lower 90's.

If I was working on this project, there's no way I would work outside during one of those notorious Chicago winters. :nono:

A few Pics from thursday..

http://images.snapfish.com/3449%3B58323232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3B57%3B8%3B%3A%3Bot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3449%3B58323232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3B57%3B8%3B%3B2ot1lsi
Begining to frame up the rebar for the foundation mat
http://images.snapfish.com/3449%3B58323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2344%3D%3A4%3B%3D6%3A8%3DXROQDF%3E2323%3A%3B57%3B8%3B%3B5ot1lsi

And one from today, looking down from the 36th floor of IBM Plaza...
http://images.snapfish.com/3449%3B58323232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3253%3E95%3A%3E5%3B7%3EWSNRCG%3D3232%3B%3A66%3C7%3C%3A9nu0mrj
You can really see the rows of caissons here. :cool:

I thought that they were done with the foundation work by now.

Its moving!

A few, VERY recent photos by Pandemonious:

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/9186/dscf02308qx.jpg
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/9549/dscf02251dp.jpg

Great

Here are some more from today:

http://images.snapfish.com/344%3A662323232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3253%3E95%3A%3E5%3B7%3EWSNRCG%3D3232%3B%3B535%3B549nu0mrj
Schlacking tar across the viaduct and prepping it for the final pouring of the roadway

http://images.snapfish.com/344%3A662323232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3253%3E95%3A%3E5%3B7%3EWSNRCG%3D3232%3B%3B535%3B54%3Anu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/344%3A662323232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3253%3E95%3A%3E5%3B7%3EWSNRCG%3D3232%3B%3B535%3B54%3Bnu0mrj
Rebar getting twisted together for the mat foundation pour. I can not believe how fast that was done.

Wondering what is this? secret access tunnel?

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/8591/34499639232327ffp643dot3e23443.jpg

Thx for keeping us updated! My cousin is a cardesigner and lives in Chicago. Indeed the best city in USA. Trump tower is one of the buildings i look forward to se done most in the world right now :D.

GREAT updates!

No, classical logic, my stereotyping friend. Most of the argument is neatly laid out in the following link: http://elevator-world.com/magazine/archive01/9606-003.htm

What I did, realizing that, as the rules stand, the only way to avoid cheating is to eliminate spires AND antennae from height from counting towards the WTB title. Otherwise, it is only a matter of time before something like the hideous cage, like in Freedom Tower version 2 (which was mercifully scrapped) would be created just to gain height.

But hey, if you want to blindly follow a group of people who have obviously flawed judgement rather than form your own opinion, go ahead and spout more insipid, offensive comments like the one above.
So your saying that somebody could build a 2-story building with a 2000 foot Spire and get the WTB title?

That would be pretty funny to see. You would need a beast of a foundation to support a spire that tall.

^^ LOL

LOl where do u get those ideas?

how does the new Trump tower size up to the Sears tower?

By STR:

http://img363.imageshack.us/img363/6977/3t8ds.jpg

From BVictorL

A view to the southwest across the construction site - 2005-9-27
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/09/401724.jpg

A view to the northeast into the construction site - 2005-9-27
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/09/401714.jpg

Construction workers relocating a large piece of steel rebar - 2005-9-27
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/09/401715.jpg

A bundle of rebar being delivered for installation - 2005-9-27
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/09/401716.jpg

A construction worker using hot tar to help seal the Wabash Avenue viaduct - 2005-9-27
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/09/401721.jpg





***At this rate, the pouring for the concrete mat could take this place Friday and continue into Saturday***

Love the updates!
BTW i'm going to downtown this weekend, so I might take some construction pics! :)

This building certainly is tallish, and the facade looks good in the renders, but the design isn't very creative IMO. I think that's just Trump, the guy doesn't have much taste or flair, at least not in a good way (going by his apartment at least).

True, it's not completely reinventing the wheel, but nonetheless it's a solid design, and unquestionably the best Trump tower to date (including current proposals). I think it's fitting that it is in Chicago, considering it's similarities with the design of Sears Tower. Only take Sears, make it a little smaller, and round off the edges and have it a blue/green/glassy reflective color.

Its a good building for the city of Chicago. I think it will fit right in and its citizens will grow to love it.

More updates from BVictor:

Looking into the excavation site with steel rebar being placed for the mat foundation - 2005-9-29
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/09/402368.jpg

View to the southwest over the construction site - 2005-9-29
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/09/402369.jpg

A section of the Wabash viaduct ready for its final layer of concrete - 2005-9-29
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/09/402365.jpg


Will the concrete start pouring this weekend? Find out next time, same bat time, same bat channel.

damn
the skyline at the chicago river will be soooooooo great with all the additions
i can't wait to go there in a few years

According to BVictor:

"Well, they started pouring the mat foundation today at around 12. They will be pouring all night until they are finished. I was told several different figures, but they are pretty much in the same ballpark. They will be pouring between 5000 and 5500 cubic yards of concrete which will arrive in roughly 550 to 600 different trucks."

:eek2: :eek2: :eek2:

^^That's ALOT of concrete! :eek2:

600 trucks can hold alot of concrete. That must be a huge foundation.

Beautiful parade of cement trucks, photos again by BVictor:

View to the northwest (mat pour A) - 2005-9-30
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/402573.jpg

One of the concrete pumps at work (mat pour B) - 2005-9-30
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/402575.jpg

A view to the northeast with 2 concrete pumps at work (mat pour C) - 2005-9-30
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/402576.jpg

A parade of concrete trucks ready to deliver their load (mat pour D) - 2005-9-30
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/402578.jpg

View to the southwest (mat pour E) - 2005-9-30
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/402579.jpg

A concrete pump delivering material (mat pour F) - 2005-9-30
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/402581.jpg

Concrete trucks under the Wabash Avenue viaduct (mat pour G) - 2005-9-30
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/402583.jpg

View over the excavation site with 3 concrete pumps now at work (mat pour H) - 2005-9-30
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/402584.jpg

Many concrete trucks ready to deliver their load (mat pour I) - 2005-9-30
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/402585.jpg

View to the northwest (mat pour J) - 2005-9-30
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/402587.jpg

They're still pouring concrete today!

Wow, more pictures, this time from Pandemonious at 9:15 AM:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF0347.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF0348.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/Pandemonious/Construction/DSCF0354.jpg

GRrrrreat Update

Supreme updates. The construction is simply august !!

nice update and excellent work

Can't wait to see it when it's done

Great Pictures. Theres not too many places in this world were you can be above the construction site and be that close. :)

Exactly how does the viaduct fit in with the rest of this project? Great Pics.

Hope this helps:


The viaduct, which was originally constructed in 1930, will be completely demolished and rebuilt as part of the Trump Tower Chicago development. The $8 million project includes a total deck replacement, street resurfacing and new sidewalks. The project also includes the installation of ornamental streetlights, irrigated landscaped medians and a new traffic signal on Wabash, just north of the bridge. The improvements will benefit motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists who use this roadway.
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/webportal/COCWebPortal/COC_EDITORIAL/fnl_wabash.jpg

Trump's Big Pour
It took 30 trucks 600 trips to make concrete history

By Mike Conklin
Published October 3, 2005

Builders of the Trump Tower, which will be the world's tallest concrete-reinforced building when it's completed in 2009, got serious over the weekend about their concrete.

Really serious.

In what contractors called the "big pour," trucks worked round-the-clock for nearly 24 hours to bring 5,000 cubic yards of concrete to the site and dump it into a single hole called the mat. This steel-reinforced opening that measures 200 feet long, 66 feet wide and 10 feet deep will be a below-ground level anchor for the 92-story building.

Unlike the Sears Tower, Aon Center and Hancock Building, which are all steel-reinforced, the Trump Tower is using concrete because there is less room available on the site for the foundation. Without the concrete mat, say architects, the structure could never climb as high and still stay as thin.

"This mat is the heart of the building," said McHugh Construction's Dale Hendrix, a 45-year senior vice president -- and veteran in concrete -- who coordinated the pour. "This was a really unique challenge, something you're going to look back on some day and be proud of. I love this."

The Trump Tower has a $600 million construction budget, and the concrete-only portion handled by McHugh will be an estimated $130 million of that total. The building is expected to require 180,000 cubic yards of concrete when it is completed, but at no point, said Hendrix, will anything be as complex as the weekend's big pour.

Highly anticipated by everyone on the Trump project, the big pour kicked off Friday at 12:10 p.m., a few minutes early. As pedestrians above walked by mostly unaware, workers scrambled to witness the convoy's first ready-mix truck -- its huge drum turning -- rumble onto the Lower North Wabash Avenue site.

This was the first of 30 green, orange and white concrete trucks used non-stop by Prairie Material Sales Inc., the Bridgeview-based supplier. Before this marathon of mixing ended late Saturday morning, the fleet would make 600 trips between the company's sprawling distribution site at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street and the mat. An observer clocked the last delivery at 10:45 a.m.

Prairie, the largest privately owned ready-mix company in the U.S., used two shifts of drivers, and each truck carried up to 9 cubic yards, or slightly more than 1,800 gallons.

"We've had projects where maybe we've taken more concrete to one location -- O'Hare for one, but never with all the specifications like this," said Gerry Krozec, a Prairie vice president. "This [pour] involved things that have never been done in this business."

The sunny yet cool weather was perfect for the pour, which required a special formula for the cement -- the powderlike material mixed with sand, gravel or crushed stone, and water -- to create the concrete. Because this was the first time the formula has been used, chemists were on hand to test the concrete's consistency and temperature throughout the pour in a makeshift laboratory.

Conventional concrete is made to sustain weight at 7,000 pounds, or less, per square inch (psi). For the Trump Tower mat, where it will have to support the building's 360,000-ton bulk, it was specially mixed for 10,000 pounds psi, according to Krozec. This was done by making a concrete mix that was cooler and thicker than normal.

High-powered, portable lights ringed the pour as it continued through the night. McHugh and Prairie workers used suites booked at the Hotel 71, just across the Chicago River from the site, to catch a few winks during the long hours of work.

The fleet of Prairie trucks assembled four hours before their scheduled 12:30 p.m. site arrival at Prairie's distribution center, where they were gassed, warmed up and filled with concrete.

Their route, a five-mile round trip, took them east on Chicago Avenue past the old Montgomery Ward headquarters, under elevated tracks, past Moody Bible Institute and south on Clark Street, where they turned east on Kinzie Street to continue eastward into the street's lower level and onto the site.

On the return, Hendrix was careful to have the trucks go east on Kinzie to Lower Michigan Avenue, where they turned north and worked their way back to the Prairie premises to reload via Grand Avenue and Dearborn Street.

"It would've been closer, and probably easier to maneuver, if they'd used Rush Street instead of Lower Michigan," he said, "but that would've taken them within a few feet of an outdoor restaurant [Phil Stefani's 437 Rush] while everyone was eating. That's a trick you learn in this business."

When the Prairie drivers arrived at the Trump site, they proceeded to one of two points ringing the mat. They dumped the concrete on conveyor belts that could carry as much as 170 yards per hour.

Then McHugh workers spread the material across the mat opening and, when the pour was complete, covered it with protective sheets of Styrofoam and plywood purchased for this one-time use. They will remain in place for at least a month.

There still is plenty to be poured -- 5,000 yards of concrete is a small percentage of the 180,000 total to be used in the project. But now that the mat is complete, the concrete will flow on a floor-by-floor basis. It will take a custom-built pump imported from Germany to handle the job on the high-rise's uppermost levels.

"Some of our pumps would have to struggle to get it that high," said Hendrix. "That won't be a problem with this new one."

According to Emporis, a construction research database service, the tallest concrete building in the world now is CITIC Plaza in Guangzhou, China, which is 80 floors.

Chicago has seen its share of record-holders: the 64-story Two Prudential Plaza, completed in 1990, was the world's tallest reinforced concrete building until it was supplanted by the 65-story building at 311 South Wacker Drive completed the same year.

Decades earlier, Marina City, just a block from Trump Tower, held the title as the world's tallest concrete-reinforced structure. The two distinctive 60-story towers were a four-year project completed in 1964 -- and Marina City was the first job Hendrix worked in construction.

- - -

By the numbers

5,000 cubic yards of concrete poured for the mat

180,000 cubic yards of concrete to be used in total

30 trucks carried the concrete to the site

7,000 pounds per square inch is the strength of conventional concrete

10,000 pounds per square inch is the strength of the concrete for this mat

awesome updates there people... damn thats a huge amount of concrete being poured :cheers:

From BVictor:

Steel rebar rising for the eventual formation of columns - 2005-10-3
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/403826.jpg

Formwork being positioned on the recently completed mat foundation - 2005-10-3
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/403827.jpg

Lowering a steel rebar cage into place that will eventually become part of a column - 2005-10-3
https://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/6/2005/10/403828.jpg

GREAT

So these are the first pictures of the tower rising. May not be even close to ground level, but it is rising...