Height: 2,000 ft
Floor count: 150
Location: East North Water and South Lake Shore Drive
Construction end: 2010
Architect: Santiago Calatrava
Development firm: Shelbourne Development Ltd.

Website (http://thechicagospire.com/)
Webcam (http://www.spireowners.com/spirecam.htm)

No spire
No observation deck

THE CHICAGO SPIRE FACT SHEET
400 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE; CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
WWW.THECHICAGOSPIRE.COM

The Design:
• Designed by Santiago Calatrava with principal design team members including Perkins & Will (Architect of Record), Thornton Tomasetti (Structural Engineers) and Cosentini (Mechanical/Electrical Engineers)
• The Chicago Spire, rising 150 stories, is a private residential building of 1,193 homes
• At 2,000-feet (609.6m) tall, The Chicago Spire will be the world’s tallest exclusively residential building and the tallest building in the western world
• Each floor of the seven-sided building rotates on average 2.44 degrees between floor plates, giving The Chicago Spire its distinctive fluid appearance; the building turns a total of 360 degrees
• The lobby footprint is 15,220 sq. ft (1,413.98sqm)
• Base-to-height ratio approaches one to ten, making The Chicago Spire the most slender supertall building in the world
• It has 2,594,893 gross sq. ft (241,073sqm) of space from the ground level
• The exterior will be constructed of high performance glass and steel
• Spectacular 53 ft high (16.01m) transparent lobby featuring Calatrava’s breathtaking sinusoidal motioned maple ceiling
• Among its many engineering achievements, The Chicago Spire will have the world’s longest elevator run at 1,864 feet (568.14m):
- Elevators will transport all residents from the ground floor directly to their floor
- Average wait time for an elevator is 32.5 seconds (Low, Mid-Low and Mid-High Rise Groups – 35 seconds/High Rise Group – 30 seconds)
- 17 elevators (14 passenger elevators in four banks, three freight/fire elevators)
- Elevators employ the largest hoist machines available weighing 45,000 lbs (20.411 MT)
• The Chicago Spire will incorporate world-class sustainable engineering practices to meet Gold standard of LEED certification; LEED is a green building rating system providing a set of standards for environmentally-sustainable construction
- Rainwater recycled for landscaping treatments
- River water used for cooling
- Ornithologically-sensitive glass included to protect migratory birds
- Bike storage (for approx. 400 bikes)
- Planting and development of parkland
- Underground parking to reduce environmental impact and heat gain
- Intelligent Building and Energy Management System will be incorporated to provide efficient use of resource while optimizing comfort
- Waste storage and recycling management
- Outdoor air delivery will be monitored to maximize occupant comfort
- 15 percent more efficient than current energy regulations

The Residences:
• All 1,193 residences are designed by Santiago Calatrava; no two units are alike
• Extraordinary collection of suites, one-through-four bedroom homes including a Calatrava signature unit called a Gallery
- A Gallery is larger than a suite and reflects the full artistic vision of Santiago Calatrava
- Features custom-designed circular bed enclosure with sliding glass doors to provide a separate sleeping area
- Wood wall panels also cover sections of ceiling
• Unit square footage ranges from 534 sq. ft (49.61sm) to 10,293 sq. ft (956.25sm) – a duplex penthouse with 360 degree unparalleled views
• Prices will range from $750,000 USD to $40,000,000 USD
• With generous 10 ft (3.09m) ceilings and windows combining vertical and trapezoidal glass panels, residences will have breathtaking and unique views of the lakefront, skyline, city neighborhoods and four states (Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan)
• Residents will enter their home through a hardwood door, with door hardware designed exclusively for The Chicago Spire by Calatrava
• Materials have been chosen from a natural palette and include:
- Wide-plank herringbone hardwood floors
- Elegant granite
- Marble and onyx stone
- Crafted European cabinetry
- Integrated American and European appliances
- European plumbing fixtures

The Amenities:
• The amenities in The Chicago Spire are exclusive to residents only
• Located on floors five through seven and encompassing 45,603 total sq. ft (4,236.65sm) of space, the amenity program will establish a new standard for a distinctive lifestyle. Amenities include:
- Full concierge services
- Annular (ring-shaped) recreational and lap pool
- Cigar room and personal humidors
- Residents’ library
- Children and teen games area
- Private movie screening theater
- Business center and conference room
- Private dining rooms

The Site:
• Located on 2.2-acre site bounded by Lake Shore Drive, Ogden Slip, Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, The Chicago Spire will be the focal point of Chicago’s skyline
• Approximately six-acre site plan designed by Santiago Calatrava incorporates DuSable Park; public park owned by the Chicago Park District in honor of Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, the first non-Native American settler of Chicago
• One-acre landscape plaza along the river will be open to the public for residents and non-residents to enjoy

The Sales Center:
• Overlooking the building site, the sales center encompasses the entire 18th floor of the NBC Tower (455 North Cityfront Plaza Drive), with a total of 19,815 sq. ft (1,840.87sm) of space
• Expansive model space features two outfitted units – including the signature Calatrava Gallery with the distinctive circular bed enclosure
• Features original artwork by Santiago Calatrava
- Ceramic sculpture to serve as focal point of sales center entrance
- Early sketches and watercolors documenting the evolution and inspiration behind The Chicago Spire’s design
- Various sketch books
• Includes 900 sq. ft (83.61sm) of exhibition space and Calatrava Museum, which will showcase the architectural models of Calatrava-designed buildings and bridges including: The World Trade Center Transportation Hub, the Athens Olympic Sports Complex, Malmo’s Turning Torso and the Milwaukee Art Museum

The Sales Campaign:
• We are currently scheduling appointments to accommodate the exceptional interest in The Chicago Spire; contact 312.516.4800 to schedule a time to visit the sales center
• Global sales launch and first public offering to occur in Chicago on January 14, 2008 followed by events in 14 other world cities, including: Dublin, Moscow, Hong Kong, Seoul, and New York

The Construction:
• Work commenced on-site June 26, 2007 with the first of 34 caissons
- Caissons are drilled 110-feet into bedrock
• The parking garage reaches seven levels underground with six floors (11.6 acres) of usable parking space
• Construction of the access ramps from lower Lake Shore Drive will begin Q4 2007
• It is anticipated The Chicago Spire will begin to rise from the ground Q3 2008
• Completion and occupancy expected to commence Q4 2011

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/748/1190924997spireparkxu1.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4961/spireex1jd7.jpg
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/4608/02cb7.jpg
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/6812/panoramicaex2gi2.jpg
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2268/csversionfskylinect8.jpg
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/531/csversionfcentralnightft3.jpg
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/3238/csnew2hl8.jpg
http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/8179/csnew3bt4.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/vrysxy/chicagospire_inside2.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m236/vrysxy/chicagospire_inside1.jpg
DuSable Park:
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3470/csdusable3jx7.jpg
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8707/csdusabletu6.jpg

Previous versions for reference:

Version A:
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/2074/spire3op.gif
Version B:
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/1595/f30ur.png
Version C:
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/3740/5041476jm.jpg
Version D:
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/5605/chicagospireab0.jpg
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/2443/csbig2ud.jpg
Version E:
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1793/csfinalsmallerkz0.jpg

And since the proportions are always wrong, I tried resizing the tower based on the new rendering to get an accurate height.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/2618/csreal2vp.jpg

looking good. i like the latest version.

This is one of those buildings that doesn't look good in renders but it is gonna look amazing in person.

slight -OT, but does anyone have any Chicago panorama (like the ones above) with the 3 supertalls imposed? (CS, Waterview and Trump?) The view along the river will be the ****

Fantastic job SpyGuy. This last version is a beauty. It will sure be the crown jewel of the Chicago Skyline and in my humble opinion once it is built, Chicago will have the best skyline in the world :cheers:

Yes.

Let's keep our fingers crossed that the detailing remains the same as this:

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1039/csupua5.jpg

i love the new design!!!

i like version D because i am not feeling version C at all.

Btw, spy, nice work in making CS more anatomically correct, so to speak.

Version A is the best still, but still a breathtaking tower! Estimated prize?????

Spyguy's render is amazing! :eek:

That absolutly beautiful! How did Caltrava become such a brilliant artist? I bet he fell into a vat of toxic waste carrying books on architechture, artistic masterpieces, and Frank Llyod Wrights biography. I can't wait till it's built, I'll be calling my buddy asking if I can crash on his couch for a week, just so I could explore it. Chicago, you are one luck SOB of a city.

Let's keep our fingers crossed that the detailing remains the same as this:

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1039/csupua5.jpg

Yeah I think it is, just the top is curved.

Version D is absolutely the best of all Versions

I dont get you guys. this building is one of the ugliest buildings I've ever seen and it's going to destroy Chicago's beautiful skyline!

this building is one of the ugliest buildings I've ever seen and it's going to destroy Chicago's beautiful skyline!

that is the EXACT same sentiment that was expressed by many in chicago when the john hancock center was proposed. hmmmmmmmmmm............

some people are comfortable with the way things are, and thus they fear change. others eagerly anticpate the future because what is can always be improved upon.

I dont get you guys. this building is one of the ugliest buildings I've ever seen and it's going to destroy Chicago's beautiful skyline!What building do you consider beautiful?

What building do you consider beautiful?

I'll give you one from the Chicago-
Sears Tower. simple and beautiful.
and another one out of the new age-
International Finance Tower in Hong Kong.

I dont get you guys. this building is one of the ugliest buildings I've ever seen and it's going to destroy Chicago's beautiful skyline!

Yeah, just like the Eiffel Tower destroyed the Paris skyline....right?

The building is called Chicago Spire-But where is the spire? I agree this building has gone bad,since the redesign, the previous design with the spire at the top was much better and sleak!

It's actually very simple: the building *is* a spire. There is no need for an appendage. And this design is head-and-shoulders above the original, which was awkward and disproportionate.

What is it doing around rectangular "spires" then?
It certainly doesn't fit, in my opinion, to the chicago "square" like skyline!

I'll give you one from the Chicago-
Sears Tower. simple and beautiful.
and another one out of the new age-
International Finance Tower in Hong Kong.

I think the longer you hang around this site you will appreciate buildings like this more and not just classic iconic buildings that have already been built.

Yeah, just like the Eiffel Tower destroyed the Paris skyline....right?

I didn't say that. :)

What is it doing around rectangular "spires" then?
It certainly doesn't fit, in my opinion, to the chicago "square" like skyline!

It will fit perfectly in the skyline when Trump, waterview and future buildings in Lakeshore east compliment it. The renders don't show what it will look like when its actually completed. They just show what it will look like as if it were completed today.

Who ever thinks it won't fit is a moron.

I love Chicago's 'bulky' and 'massive' skyline. It's solid, if one could say that. It just sits there and doesn't seem to be impressed by anything else. In my humble opinion I think this spire is going to detach that feeling I get by looking at Chicago's skyline. In fact I think it's a hideous thing.

However.

Living in Holland we've had some pretty weird buildings being put up (a new one proposed in Rotterdam called "Pschor" (what's in a name?) is probably the most ridiculous and hidious idea out there. Though experience proves that it does grow on you. A lot of people even protest when those ugly yet striking buildings are torn down. Add to that, that i'm a big fan of contrast.

It'll win hearts. It'll take a while. But it will. At least it's far more dearing than the new tower(s) in NY. But then again, a whole different sentiment comes into play there. But to stay on-topic: hope to see the spire built soon. :-)

I do not understand why people keep saying that "it will not fit on Chicago's boxy skyline". Can't you guys see beyond your noses?

It's almost like saying that anything out of the box will not fit any city. These type comments in my opinion are equivalent to saying that Transmerica Pyramid would not fit San Francisco, or Swiss Re would not fit London, or Bank of China would not fit Hong Kong, etc......crazy!!!!

Let's keep our fingers crossed that the detailing remains the same as this:

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1039/csupua5.jpg

While the detailing does look nice, I would prefer a more smooth curved surface as opposed to a segmented facade that gives the ilusion of a curve.

I am thinking something more along the lines of the perfectly curved facades of Malmo's Turning Torso or Madrid's Torre Espacio.

I think the building would look more elegant this way. It would be more striking, with a curved surface that perfectly twists up to the sky.

Turning Torso:
http://images.dpchallenge.com/images_challenge/500/339643.jpg

http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/58839/58839_1152567651_large.jpg

Torre Espacio:
http://static.flickr.com/89/234990651_24d1689d97_o.jpg

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4396/dsc03311db8.jpg

I like the segmented levels; that way its unique from the two (nice) tower facades that you put up

Who ever thinks it won't fit is a moron.

it's my opinion...u can't say it's wrong and i can say the same thing for those who think it will fit, but i am more mature, then certain other ppl here!

its perfectly possible for an opinion to be wrong.

In this case, you are wrong ...bwahahahahHAHAHAHA

just messin wit ya :D

But I agree that CS will definitely be THE star of Chicago if it gets built, and once its up no one in their right ming would think, "Hmmm, it doesnt fit." People will marvel at it instead.

These didn't "fit" either

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4067/bar69rd.jpghttp://img153.imageshack.us/img153/198/sears25fn3mg.jpg

wow, JHC and Sears as younglings... *saves*

it's my opinion...u can't say it's wrong and i can say the same thing for those who think it will fit, but i am more mature, then certain other ppl here!

Wahhhhhh


I'm pretty sure you find pieces of shit attractive as well.

Yeah, just like the Eiffel Tower destroyed the Paris skyline....right?

Yeah and the ESB ruined New York and the Opera House ruined Sydney's Harbour..


Seriously though, it is probably the best proposed building on the planet at the moment. It is seriously going to lift Chicago's skyline so much, and also be world famous.

Well this redesign is better than the last one, but not as good as the first one.

It will be a change for Chicago, and we'll see how it goes. But it's not the favorite.

That and lets wait to make sure it actually starts getting built.

I think the taller the skyscraper the more it grows on you , at first i thought it wasnt a great desing , now i like the fact that it's different

We'll see.

But right now I am "meh" about it.

While the detailing does look nice, I would prefer a more smooth curved surface as opposed to a segmented facade that gives the ilusion of a curve.

A perfectly smooth rotation would be difficult both structurally and architecturally. The latest design twists 360 degrees over the course of 2000 feet. Engineers and architects had to calculate the amount of shifting of each floor plate needed to obtain that degree of curvature over the extent of the structure. If you wanted a perfectly smooth curve, you'd have to lessen the rotation of each successive floor plate. The sum total of those lost increments of rotational degree wouldn't allow for the 360 degree rotation throughout the building. Additional floor plates would have to be added to compensate for that deficit. Turning Torso's smoothness is made possible because it's much shorter and doesn't have nearly as much rotation.

never really thought about it til now, but could this one have a public observation deck, despite being all residential?

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5779/trumpchispire1du8fq.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
i added the trump tower in the back

never really thought about it til now, but could this one have a public observation deck, despite being all residential?

In theory, it could. But it won't. The developer, Kelleher, has repeated stated in public meetings that there are no plans for a public observation area.

the skyline of chicago will look great with the new supertalls and the other 200-300m towers

In theory, it could. But it won't. The developer, Kelleher, has repeated stated in public meetings that there are no plans for a public observation area

suckage.

ah well. Sears and JHC would still be tops, I guess.

@megatower - that looks cool. Now add Waterview! :nuts: :banana: :lol:

Its pretty good. Not great but pretty good.

Version A, would have fitted in the skyline of the city, but not this pasta twirling thingy, look at it, and what's going on at the top? that circluler top will not make the tower smooth, it's like they wanted to go higher but were unsure, so the closed it, where as in Version A you can see that it's reaching to the sky and that's what makes every spire look good...I am sorry, for all the fans of this building, but may be you have to accept the criticism, for this tower to be loved!

the skyline of chicago will look great with the new supertalls and the other 200-300m towers

and that picture didn't even have the other 1,000 footer in waterview right across the river near Trump. These three supertalls right off the river will crown Chicago's skyline for the new millennia.

Its pretty good. Not great but pretty good.

Spoken like a true Manhattanite. IMO, it kicks a$$ on anything NYC has proposed. And I like NYC.

Film crews were crawling all over downtown Indy today filming some sort of montage music video thingy to be shown at the Superbowl... I couldn't help but think what is being shot in Chicago for the same purpose, and just how frickin awesome this tower would have looked in it... You Chicagoans are truly blessed... I apologize in advance for your Superbowl disappointment..

Spoken like a true Manhattanite. IMO, it kicks a$$ on anything NYC has proposed.

I don't think so but if it makes you feel better to say so, more power to you.

And I like NYC.

Of course you do. Those who don't are either weak in spirit, weak of mind, or just plain ignorant.

I don't think so but if it makes you feel better to say so, more power to you.



Of course you do. Those who don't are either weak in spirit, weak of mind, or just plain ignorant.

how can you judge people for their opinion on new york? a bit narrow minded perhaps?

anyways, the first version of this tower was much nicer. however, this one is bigger so i'm not complaining! congratulations to chicago for always being one step ahead of the competition :)

this is a skyscraper forum if you dont like new york or chicago you're probably in the wrong place. I do agree with him however, the original design looked a lot better, this one ends to abruptly and just looks a bit too much like a giant dildo. But heck if it gets built ill be making the trip out to see it in person, will be one of the most incredible skyscrapers ever built even if it is ugly.

version A is supposedly financially unfeasible, so this is the closest thing we are going to get to version A.

ANd no, it does not look like a 25'' dildo, you guys watch too much hentai or something.

I love 2IFC in Hong Kong too, very understated and elegant.

This Chicago tower looks pretty good and is bloody tall however I wish they'd retained the twist style of the original proposal as it looks better than what is currently proposed.

I don't think so but if it makes you feel better to say so, more power to you.



Of course you do. Those who don't are either weak in spirit, weak of mind, or just plain ignorant.


Well, now you're no longer speaking like a Manhattanite, per se. Now you're speaking like a, well, same thing.

When will we know for sure if it gets built?

When will we know for sure if it gets built?

WHen construction begins. Hpefully that will be sometime this summer.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/369235596_17d19e9fa2_o.jpg

oh, that looks great with Waterview tower :)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/369235596_17d19e9fa2_o.jpg

I like this.

Now where are the proposed/approved/U/C 700-800 footers? <.< j/k, thats just greedy.

Those who don't like NYC are either weak in spirit, weak of mind, or just plain ignorant.

It sounds like you're all 3!

About the outstanding picture of Chicago's Skyline, in roughly 2010, does anyone have a picture of what the skyline would look like from the South driving on the Dan Ryan?

This is the main hall of La Lonja de la Seda (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonja_de_la_Seda) (the Silk Exchange), a gothic building in Valencia, Calatrava's birthplace.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/VALENCIA_ES_Lonja_inside.jpg/400px-

^^

I think we know where he got his inspiration from

The design is so...so...i think that Chicago have a sample architecture...however, the city is beautiful.

:)

I love to see where Calatrava received his inspiration. But what he has designed is a 2,000 foot monster like the world has never seen! Calatrava's newborn Chicago Spire will put that hall to shame!

Ok so here's a question if the Chicago Spire will not have spire... why call it the Chicago Spire?

maybe because the whole tower looks like a spire :)

I love to see where Calatrava received his inspiration. But what he has designed is a 2,000 foot monster like the world has never seen! Calatrava's newborn Chicago Spire will put that hall to shame!

I love Calatrava... he's definitely my favorite architect, but it's kind of hard to put that hall to shame. :) It's not like you can actually compare them anyway.

These (not official) were made & posted over at SSP by UberAlles & CGII:

UberAlles (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=124368):

http://www.boca-del-mar.com/publish/CS_skyline.jpg

http://www.boca-del-mar.com/publish/CS_skyline2.jpg

CGII (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=124368&page=2):

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/5350/64548834do6.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/1931/13314594np1.jpg

http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/8597/21496971ot9.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/5443/32346674ub0.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/8079/29711463gd2.jpg

http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/3802/56441491ih4.jpg

I SINCERELY hope they build this one.
also, maybe they could color it black, and put 2 large antennae on top.
:lol:

totally badass.. welcome to the future.

It's sooo thin.

It looks incredible! It's so thin and futuristic.

I love Calatrava... he's definitely my favorite architect, but it's kind of hard to put that hall to shame. :) It's not like you can actually compare them anyway.

the hall's columns are what, 60 feet? Calatrava is going to build 2,000 ft. high! :banana:

his scale is amazing.

:yes: WOW, those renderings are amazingly realistic. Calatrava should hire CGII to work for him, because I think they are better than what we have seen so far. Of course, as the design is finalized, I expect to see more detailed ones!

This is the main hall of La Lonja de la Seda (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonja_de_la_Seda) (the Silk Exchange), a gothic building in Valencia, Calatrava's birthplace.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/VALENCIA_ES_Lonja_inside.jpg/400px-

Except that the columns here end in a complex web of vaulting that is very satisfying to the eye. In other words, as one follows the graceful twisting upwards, the eye is lulled pleasantly into a playful dance that ends only when a crick in the neck develops.

With the new Chicago Spire, the eye is likewise lulled upwards (again, pleasantly) until it is jarred to an abrupt stop. It dose this with all the attractiveness of a sheet being lifted off a man's torso thanks to a morning stiffy. Admittedly, it is one hell of a stiffy, but beautiful it certainly is not. The earlier version may have been economically impossible given Chicago's real estate prices; but that was a real masterpiece. This is just pretty good. If that.

i don't like the ending, it looks like a thin twisting dildo. i'd like to see the large antenna back.

i don't like the ending, it looks like a thin twisting dildo. i'd like to see the large antenna back.

it's not the finished product, settle down there big guy. besides, all you need to know is she'll stand 2,000 ft. tall! :banana:

Just because its going to be 2000 feet doesn't make it good.

Anyways, its going to be a while until the final product is released. And then even more for it to begin.

Just because its going to be 2000 feet doesn't make it good.

Anyways, its going to be a while until the final product is released. And then even more for it to begin.


We can see that you're highly enthusiastic about this project.

Just because its going to be 2000 feet doesn't make it good.

Anyways, its going to be a while until the final product is released. And then even more for it to begin.

Yes it does. :cheers:

all you need to know is she'll stand 2,000 ft. tall!

No, that isn't all we need to know. I hate to break it to you but there is no causal relationship between height and beauty. Unfortunately you are not alone in thinking there is one--how else can one explain the adoration people heap onto fugly-ass towers like the Sears Tower and the old WTC.

Chicago should demand better. I'm liking this thing less and less.

^^ So if you could design the tower what would you do?

He'll probally give it the antenna back.

Might as well build a statue. That's all the spire ever was.

^^ So if you could design the tower what would you do?

Calatrava already did it with his first draft.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/1595/f30ur.png

That is pure poetry in the form of a skyscraper. But I guess it just wasn't possible given Chicago's inexpensive real estate prices. So what did the developer do? He told Calatrava to increase the floor space by some ridiculous percentage. He told him to eliminate the spire on top. And he told him that the building still had to twist. So instead of giving Calatrava the opportunity to start over and create something fresh and beautiful, the developer created a set of demands that resulted in the total bastardization of the original, poetic design.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5779/trumpchispire1du8fq.jpg

If this is poetry, then its a pornographic limerick.

That wasn't the first draft though. That version had a height increase, so I guess you could consider it a bastardization as well.

Why does Chicago have so many haters?

Same reason Dubai does...jealousy. :ohno:

That wasn't the first draft though. That version had a height increase, so I guess you could consider it a bastardization as well.


My mistake, it may not have been the original design but it was certainly not a bastardization of the concept. It was an improvement through slight tweaking of the design. Improvement and bastardization, very different words with very different meanings.

Same reason Dubai does...jealousy.


Jealousy? Very funny.:lol:

The truth is that I love Chicago. I've been more times than I can count and I've always enjoyed it. Its got a great skyline and Calatrava's first (or second) design would have have taken it to another level. It was better than any other proposed tower in the world, including all the WTC towers. Contrarily, this fourth design is just kind of crummy; and with it's massive size I think it would be a huge aesthetic mistake. To me it's as blatently obvious as the words I am typing. I'm surprised more Chicagoans aren't calling for a #5. Tell Calatrava to clear his mind (forget spirals, forget spires, and forget 2000 feet) and start over. Just make it beautiful again.

Why does one have to be a Chicago-hater if he doesn't like Sears? Or this spire-thing?

I reserve the right to love Chicago for dozens of other buildings, and not because of their heights.

http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/3802/56441491ih4.jpg

HOTNESS!

i'm still very doubtful about this whole project, but when i see imagery like that,
i simply want to suspend all disbelief. this tower is from dreamland.

beyond breath-taking.

Interesting, with perhaps more positive indicators present than ever ... nevertheless ... skepticism abounds.

Why does one have to be a Chicago-hater if he doesn't like Sears? Or this spire-thing?

I reserve the right to love Chicago for dozens of other buildings, and not because of their heights.

Of course dislike of the spire is not tantamount to Chicago-hatred.

At the same time, come on! some hatreds are more transparent than others. Especially when they emanate from, say, NTC. ;)

Calatrava already did it with his first draft.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/1595/f30ur.png

That is pure poetry in the form of a skyscraper. But I guess it just wasn't possible given Chicago's inexpensive real estate prices. So what did the developer do? He told Calatrava to increase the floor space by some ridiculous percentage. He told him to eliminate the spire on top. And he told him that the building still had to twist. So instead of giving Calatrava the opportunity to start over and create something fresh and beautiful, the developer created a set of demands that resulted in the total bastardization of the original, poetic design.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5779/trumpchispire1du8fq.jpg

If this is poetry, then its a pornographic limerick.
Well this isn't 'poetry', it's a tower, therefore your explanation doesn't work. Why put such an ugly spire on top of such an elegant building? To me, the spire would have killed the 'poetry' in the design of the building. Of course, again, this isn't 'poetry' so it doesn't matter.

Well this isn't 'poetry', it's a tower, therefore your explanation doesn't work. Why put such an ugly spire on top of such an elegant building? To me, the spire would have killed the 'poetry' in the design of the building. Of course, again, this isn't 'poetry' so it doesn't matter.

here you go...

Main Entry: po·et·ry
Pronunciation: 'pO-&-trE, -i-trE also 'po(-)i-trE
Function: noun
1 a : metrical writing : VERSE b : the productions of a poet : POEMS
2 : writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm
3 a : something likened to poetry especially in beauty of expression b : poetic quality or aspect <the poetry of dance>

Why does one have to be a Chicago-hater if he doesn't like Sears? Or this spire-thing?

I reserve the right to love Chicago for dozens of other buildings, and not because of their heights.

because some just want to be an attention wh0re and they just say the same thing in 10 different posts in the same thread. say your piece and then get out. there are repercussions for the foolish acts of others.

Hey, Sears and Version 'D' looks good. Calling them "fugly-ass" and the other a "bastardization" is wee bit too much of a stretch don't you think? A "If its not beautiful/elegant, its ugly and repulsive" black and white view? :bash:

Going to the Chicago boards it seems like the majority of the natives give the :okay: to version 'D', and I'm hoping the neighborhood organizations as well as the local govt approve this spire.

Still, this building does not get as much unnecessary flak as 1WTC (which is a sweet tower itself)

Hey, Sears and Version 'D' looks good. Calling them "fugly-ass" and the other a "bastardization" is wee bit too much of a stretch don't you think? A "If its not beautiful/elegant, its ugly and repulsive" black and white view? :bash:

Going to the Chicago boards it seems like the majority of the natives give the :okay: to version 'D', and I'm hoping the neighborhood organizations as well as the local govt approve this spire.

Still, this building does not get as much unnecessary flak as 1WTC (which is a sweet tower itself)

I understand what you are saying and I appreciate you addressing my points instead of hurling insults at me. In my defense, I never said this tower was "repulsive," or even less than average. It's a pretty good looking building. And bastardization is a derogatory term only in relation to the original design. If you start off with one of the greatest skyscraper designs ever, then even a significant reduction in quality leaves you better than most. My contention is that pretty good can become pretty bad on such a massive scale.

And calling the Sears Tower and the old Twin Towers fugly may have been little harsh, but that is my just preference in building design. I'll stop posting now if no one wants to continue dialogue with me.

Good luck Chicago!

Well, people have different tastes and it's very hard to convince someone to not like something. It's not like you can provide a mathematical proof showing how their opinion is wrong. Sure not everyone will like it but that's normal. I think it's a stunner and they need to start building this asap and a lot of others think this way as well (not only because of height btw, most people hated version C even though it had the same height). Therefore if so many people like it it mustn't be such a bad tower afterall ;)

i really hope it gets built. It pushes Chicago into a new era, we are in the 21st century, nobody should forget that. how do we expect to be moving into the future if we alienate buildings that look alien to us...that is not cool. My point is that hopefully, cities like Chicago will continue to construct these NEW, DIFFERENT towers, otherwise in a few years another city is going to construct it. While everyone back in Chi-town is going to be living in the old age with simple boxes and telling themselves as to why they didn't build a tall spire.

I understand what you are saying and I appreciate you addressing my points instead of hurling insults at me. In my defense, I never said this tower was "repulsive," or even less than average. It's a pretty good looking building. And bastardization is a derogatory term only in relation to the original design. If you start off with one of the greatest skyscraper designs ever, then even a significant reduction in quality leaves you better than most. My contention is that pretty good can become pretty bad on such a massive scale.

And calling the Sears Tower and the old Twin Towers fugly may have been little harsh, but that is my just preference in building design. I'll stop posting now if no one wants to continue dialogue with me.

Good luck Chicago!I don't think you should discontinue dialogue. You just have a different opinion of some of the people here. Sometimes people, including myself, get a little defensive. That fugly comment didn't help though:lol: . Anytime you put down WTC and Sears there's likely to be people unhappy about that. On a different thread, we had a little disagreement. You must not have realized but you quoted a quote that was talking about the Sears and Hancock and said that they were ugly. I took it a little personel and fired back. I now know that you were talking about Sears and Burj Dubai. But in any event, you should be allowed to have your opinion, as long as you are not biased, which it does not look at all like you are :)

Why does Chicago have so many haters?

I don't hate Chicago lol. In fact I used to live there. It's a nice city. I just think this tower needs some improvement.

I for one think it looks better now. More substantial. The original design looked too much like a dental drill to me.

I work on the Navy Pier so I'm so looking forward to watching it go up.

Chicago needs this tower badly.

I'm sick of formed and painted concrete blocks with cheap reflective glass windows. I mean, River North: a big mess of crappy designs.

looking good. i like the latest version.

it is incredible,amazing.

You know, the render C had me worried for a second.... but Calatrava delivered in the end. He always does :) Now, lets just get buildin'!

is it already u/c? wow, looks alot better than the freedom tower in NY. chicago really beats NY in every way

is it already u/c? wow, looks alot better than the freedom tower in NY. chicago really beats NY in every way

Not yet, no.

http://www.chicagospireonline.com/

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7897/cscentersn8.jpg
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/992/csleftxc8.jpg
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/2560/csnabypieruk7.jpg
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3873/csskylinevq0.jpg
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/516/csnightgc9.jpg

@last pic:

How I wish that beam of light was a spire.... Adding a long-ish spire will make it a challenge to BD... But, can't be greedy; 609.7m is plenty enough for this city :o

beautiful pics, especially the last with the light-spire

Seriously underscaled in this render:

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3873/csskylinevq0.jpg

the 300m tall two prudential plaza looks really small :)

that render at night with some lights on and some off is about the first time this building has ever looked "real" in an image. for various reasons the facade and placing of the building have never quite looked right, but that night picture has done it for me, love it again.

SURPRISE!!!!!

These were taken 2 hours ago. As you can see, there are now 2 caisson/soil testing rigs on site.

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/6919/p1060575cl2.jpg

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/1828/p1060576vx9.jpg

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/1207/p1060595ny1.jpg

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/108/p1060596ky6.jpg

lol

What the...

Great news!

These didn't "fit" either

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4067/bar69rd.jpghttp://img153.imageshack.us/img153/198/sears25fn3mg.jpg

Wow, great pics, excellent point. The Sears' footprint (and of course its stature) is still extremely large for that part of town, but the Hancock's effect has been diminished with the incredible amount of growth near the Magnificent Mile.

Geez, look at how HUGE they BOTH look compared to the buildings around them!

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/516/csnightgc9.jpg

Okay, i'm sorry, that last picture looks WAAAY too suggestive. :lol:

Hey guys, remember the story of the Chrysler building in New York......don't say nuthin !!!! then......

Hey guys, remember the story of the Chrysler building in New York......don't say nuthin !!!! then......

OOPS:righton:

wink.

Yeah, but there wasn't an FCC regulation preventing buildings over 1,000' . . . the Chi-Spi CANNOT exceed 2,000'.

Yeah, but there wasn't an FCC regulation preventing buildings over 1,000' . . . the Chi-Spi CANNOT exceed 2,000'.

Oh, but it could, it just requires a bit more paperwork.

^^ exactly, and depressio it will exceed 2,000

I doubt it will.

2000 feet will be the max.

That is... if it gets built. And at this rate...

... And at this rate...

At this rate? It was only announced a year and a half ago. Not only that, there were a few things that hapened with the project that required more time. Look at Trump. I believe that took three years to start construction from the time it was first announced. Someone explain the rush to me.

^^ exactly, and depressio it will exceed 2,000

Do you know something we dont? And where do you get your info?

At this rate? It was only announced a year and a half ago. Not only that, there were a few things that hapened with the project that required more time. Look at Trump. I believe that took three years to start construction from the time it was first announced. Someone explain the rush to me.

Exactly. This tower has gone through significant changes in both design and ownership in little over a year. If they start work sometime later this year, that would be amazingly quick, especially considering how long projects like FT have taken.

^^ exactly, and depressio it will exceed 2,000

Okay, that's retarded . . .
I think it will get built, but I can't foresee it exceeding 2,000'. Being any taller probably would push the limit of "fitting in". But I probably shouldn't say that, especially looking at that pic of the Sears (barely 2/3rds tall at that point).

I am mesmerized by the rendering with the 'light spire'. If that were a real spire then by far this would be the most beautiful building proposed! Hopefully they can finagle slightly over 2000' with a real spire!

Do you know something we dont? And where do you get your info?

I think he would like to think he does. But no he's just hoping for the best.

I think he would like to think he does. But no he's just hoping for the best.

No. I know. I knew he wouldnt respond with anything.

I just noticed something, technically the building will have to fill out that extra paperwork and get the extra approvals,from the faa and fcc, because as us miami forummers have noticed-

the height of a building underconstruction is considered to the top of the crane and if this building is going to be about 2000 feet i expect the crane will top atleast 2050feet. Meaning they will have to get approval from the faa to have a crane that high, thats if its true that structures over 2000 ft have to get apporved by faa or fcc.....

and im stating this because in miami we have had the faa get on our ass about cranes being up at certian heights, they have to be cleared by the faa as to not affect flight paths.

If the FAA doesn't approve exemptions for guyed masts in the middle of nowhere, why would they for a tower in the middle of Chicago? Serious question, by the way--I'm not trying to be obnoxious, but saying "just requires a bit of extra paperwork" doesn't sound very accurate to me. The FAA is not particularly impressed by tall buildings, and I can't imagine them relenting to a "but it NEEEEDS a spire!" argument.

Do you know something we dont? And where do you get your info?
actual i kinda do, my step dad knows the architect of the spire

Wow big deal, I guess it makes you feel good and superior inside huh Megatower?

Who cares if your stepdad knows the architect, it's not like you are going to get more information than us. You're a member of the public, like everyone else.

I am mesmerized by the rendering with the 'light spire'. If that were a real spire then by far this would be the most beautiful building proposed! Hopefully they can finagle slightly over 2000' with a real spire!

that would be the best. a 2000' tall tower with a spire :)

Wow big deal, I guess it makes you feel good and superior inside huh Megatower?

Who cares if your stepdad knows the architect, it's not like you are going to get more information than us. You're a member of the public, like everyone else.


and we all know that "knows the architect" is a relative term. How well he actually knows him is questionable.

ABout the guyed masts over 2000 ft, there's at least one in north dakota at 2024 ft, and there might be a couple more at 2000 ft or like 2 ft taller.

SO the FAA does approve over 2000 ft, in the middle of nowhere.

ABout the guyed masts over 2000 ft, there's at least one in north dakota at 2024 ft, and there might be a couple more at 2000 ft or like 2 ft taller.

SO the FAA does approve over 2000 ft, in the middle of nowhere.

There is at least 1 in ND(and possibly others) but they were built before the FAA enacted that policy. Nothing over 2000 feet has been built since the policy was adopted. That being said I don't see why they don't at least try for approval of something taller than 2000 feet once , say, construction has started. The worst that could happen is they could get a 'no'. Who knows, maybe they will have an alternative plan feasible for the tower once it starts construction that would allow for a spire?

and I seriously doubt that 'Megatower' knows anything or anyone associated with this tower. His step-daddy knows the architect, yet he has kept quiet all this time about this information until now? yeah right!:lol: :lol: :lol: He would not have been able to keep his trap shut about that. He knows nothing.

It's interesting how this tower has gone from something that to me was remotely deconstructivist to something very sensual and organic.

The new design is quite different for Chicago. I'm excited to see the podium/base design of the tower... is this something we won't see for awhile, perhaps?

I'd say it was far from being remotely deconstructivist.

and we all know that "knows the architect" is a relative term. How well he actually knows him is questionable.

Yeah you're right. It's amazing how much people exaggerate certain facts to make them look superior.

A classic example of this is megatower.

I'd say it was far from being remotely deconstructivist.

I know, I said "through my eyes". There were elements of it. I used that term to describe how different that design was from the very organic current design.

I was actually going to withdraw my comment because I didn't see the "to me" upon reading it at first, but when I posted it the forum was stuffed so it was taking ages to edit so I just left it.

Bring back version B please. I agree this design is a bastardisation of the original more elegant concept.

Bring back version B please. I agree this design is a bastardisation of the original more elegant concept.

This is getting really irritating. Version B is, or A, or C, is not coming back. The first two are economically unfeasible, which means they're not going to get built in their current forms ever. While I agree with you that, yes, both A and B are very elegant and graceful, Version D or a slight tweaking of Version D is what is getting built.

That's if it get's built at all? this whole tower has gone from inspiring to disappointing really. I understand the your frustrations, it does get a bit tired I guess. People are human and like to express their dissatisfaction. Unfortunately sometimes it gets rededitive. This world is economically driven and aethetics and beauty are sometimes sacrificed for the mighty dollar. It's still elegant but just has not the same presence or graceful integration that the earlier designs embodied. I don't much like the exposed dick at the top, it's just too phallic. It would certainly suit a tapering spire or flat roof with spire much more IMO.

I guess we should focus on the positives, it's still thin and different and will add something to the Chicago skyline. Still I think there are other cities it may suit more. I have always thought the slenderness at odds with the masculinity of the context and especially the bulk of towers like Sears and John Hancock.

On the contrary, I believe that it will fit in well with the Hancock and Sears, because of its femininity. You also have to remember, if and when this building is completed, Trump Tower (regarded as a more "feminine" tower) and Waterview Tower (Which IMO is somewhat of a more "neutral" tower) will already have an enormous impact on the skyline. So when all is said and done, the Chicago Spire will not be the lone standout "Feminine Out-of-Place" tower that people keep claiming it to be.

Wow. I can't believe some of you are still pining for the drill bit. That spire was wildly disproportionate.

Wow. I can't believe some of you are still pining for the drill bit. That spire was wildly disproportionate.

That was a large part of it's appeal, my friend. haha

mmm only to some was it appealing. I really cant wait for this tower. Things just cant move fast enough, can they? lol Bt as soon as this baby is built itll be time to take a little weekend drive over to Chitown to visit this beauty.

February 22, 2007

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/1428/dsc0736copyvm7.jpg

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/1627/dsc0740copynt1.jpg

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2527/dsc0743copymt6.jpg

What a prime location!

Damn, I had forgotten it was almost March, the Due month for the start.

Let's keep our fingers crossed that the detailing remains the same as this:

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1039/csupua5.jpg
Looks great but jst a lil' edgy from this angle )='

Damn, I had forgotten it was almost March, the Due month for the start.

oh :eek:, it really should start next month? have always thought in summer :D. damned, that's fantastic :banana:

I thought is was suppose to start in June, cause it had to got back for reapproval from the city after the changes.

CHICAGO SPIRE UPDATE 02/16/07

-This project probably won't come before the plan commission until April

-The development team has been meeting with different city departments over the past week or 2.

-They still want to begin drilling caissons sometime in July. I was told July 1, but we know how that usually goes.

-A sales center should be opening around the same time as the drilling of caissons begin. Sometime in July.

Latest news from Bvic regarding the schedule.

Somewhat related to this:

Odd couple plans new Streeterville tower
Carley and Reschke team up in challenge to Calatrava's Spire

"Developer Christopher Carley is planning a luxury hotel and condominium development a few blocks from the site where he once proposed building the tallest building in North America, before losing control of the project."

Read more: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=23994

^heh, bring it on.

I hope its significant, as in 1,000' significant :P

^heh, bring it on.

I hope its significant, as in 1,000' significant :P

The site is zoned for 1.6m sq ft.

1.6m sq ft means? Sorry, can't relate to number of floors of possibly going up. especially being such a huge lot site compared to CS's...

I'm confused when it will start the construction at March or June? I hope it will become reality asap.

finally my dream came true

All the months of waiting and wondering are finally over now, this is going to be one of the greatest skyscraper landmark buildings to ever be built, from the renderings it looks way better than the sears tower.

I hope nothing bad happens and it doesn't get cancelled or anything.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. There's no guarantee that this building will end up a reality. When caissons are in the ground, then we can celebrate. Until then, I'll remain skeptical.

I'm confused when it will start the construction at March or June? I hope it will become reality asap.

It'll start when it starts. It doesn't matter whether it's March or June. Just keep checking this thread for updates.

This is the main hall of La Lonja de la Seda (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonja_de_la_Seda) (the Silk Exchange), a gothic building in Valencia, Calatrava's birthplace.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/VALENCIA_ES_Lonja_inside.jpg/400px-




Except that the columns here end in a complex web of vaulting that is very satisfying to the eye. In other words, as one follows the graceful twisting upwards, the eye is lulled pleasantly into a playful dance that ends only when a crick in the neck develops.

With the new Chicago Spire, the eye is likewise lulled upwards (again, pleasantly) until it is jarred to an abrupt stop. It dose this with all the attractiveness of a sheet being lifted off a man's torso thanks to a morning stiffy. Admittedly, it is one hell of a stiffy, but beautiful it certainly is not. The earlier version may have been economically impossible given Chicago's real estate prices; but that was a real masterpiece. This is just pretty good. If that.


Good appreciations!!

More illustrative pics:


Simulations by Spyguyof previous design:

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/1039/csupua5.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a250/kiko9/DSCN9958.jpg


http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/451/csuporce1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a250/kiko9/DSCN9959.jpg


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a250/kiko9/DSCN9960.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a250/kiko9/DSCN9957.jpg


600 years far from today :D

That's a nice hall..but unless the architect himself has said so, the similarities are only a nice coincidence.

RE: The Silk Exchange, Valencia and The Chicago Spire

"There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know."
-- Harry Truman

Very interesting posts.

From SSP:

March 11th 2007:

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/75512913.jpg

Also, tonight is a public meeting with the developer and architect, so more details should come later today.

Yummy in my tummy! Yellow steam-shovels and boring devices.

Lol @ that little kid pointing at the shovler.

When will podium designs be out?

When will podium designs be out?

If youre talking about the podium that the tower sat on in the first design, its no longer part of the project. The structure will meet street level. This was the last Ive read about it anyway.

Lol @ that little kid pointing at the shovler.

It wasn't too terribly long ago that every time my son saw a bulldozer I had to stop the car so we could watch.

^^ Awww That remind me alot of my childhood back in southern California. When I see the construction site, I always like hey mom! look what they're building new shopping mall, homes, shopping center, office complex and apartment complex. :)

that thing is amazing

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-070312spire,1,1286499.story?coll=chi-news-hed

Skyscraper details released

By Blair Kamin
Tribune architecture critic

Published March 12, 2007, 9:23 PM CDT

Two weeks from disclosing their final plan for the nation's tallest building, the project's developer and architect offered fresh details Monday night, trying to calm fears about traffic and presenting their own plan for a nearby park to honor Chicago's founding father.

"We have given a lot of importance to the relationship to the city," said the skyscraper's architect, Zurich-based Santiago Calatrava, whose designs include the birdlike addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum.

But Calatrava and Dublin-based developer Garrett Kelleher did not win over the leader of the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR), an influential citizens' group. SOAR will hold the first public meeting on March 26 about the proposed Chicago Spire, a 2,000-foot, twisting design that has won worldwide attention.

"They didn't get into traffic at all. We need a lot more information on traffic," Gail Spreen, SOAR's president, said in an interview after Kelleher and Calatrava made a presentation that dwelled on the project's ground-level features at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave.

Addressing Calatrava's plan for the lakefront green space that would recognize Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, a trader considered Chicago's first non-native resident, Spreen termed it "very interesting."

But she cited a coalition of groups that has worked for years with the Chicago Park District to develop a plan for the 3.24-acre park, which would sit just east of Lake Shore Drive and the proposed skyscraper. "To just dismiss their plans isn't right," she said.

Calatrava, however, stressed his plan incorporates many features suggested by the coalition, such as areas for education, fishing and wetlands, and he observed that his design would work with new pedestrian bridges he is proposing along the lakefront bike path.

"We put all of that together," he said, calling the coalition's efforts "heroic."

Meant to house about 1,300 high-priced condominiums, the 150-story Chicago Spire would rise on a now-vacant site west of Lake Shore Drive along two-lane East North Water Street in the already congested Streeterville neighborhood.

At 2,000 feet, it would be 550 feet higher than the 1,450-foot Sears Tower, now the tallest building in the U.S. The Chicago Plan Commission is expected to review the proposal April 19.

Addressing skeptics who contend he lacks the economic might to build the tower, Kelleher said that it would be financed through a combination of debt and equity, adding that the Anglo Irish Bank "is fully committed to the project." He did not offer details.

He also skirted questions about the price range for the condominium units, saying that the most expensive condos in Chicago sell for $1,200 per square foot while the top-of-the-market condos in London go for $9,000 per square foot.

Condos in the Chicago Spire, he quipped, would be "somewhere in there," drawing laughter from the crowd.

Kelleher has consistently declined to specify the skyscraper's construction cost.

Calatrava's DuSable Park plan calls for two hills at the park's west edge that would rise to the lower level of Lake Shore Drive, joining with tall trees to shield the park from the noise and pollution of car traffic.

The architect would leave room for passageways running beneath Lake Shore Drive that would lead to the park from East North Water Street and the walkway on the Chicago River's north bank.

Chicago architect John Syvertsen, chairman of the architecture foundation's board, was impressed with Calatrava's greening of the skyscraper's environs. "It seems as if it was harder, and now it's soft," he said of the landscape around the tower.

Addressing traffic concerns, Calatrava showed images of Zurich with narrow streets and other features meant to slow cars. He wants to "guarantee to neighbors how [North] Water Street will not become a highway," he said.

Calatrava also disclosed Monday that he is suggesting that the skyscraper have an above-ground, indoor circular lap pool that would allow condo owners to swim alongside the tower's glass walls, making the entire circuit of the building.

Kelleher said, though, that he hasn't signed off on the idea.

bkamin@tribune.com

I don't like the new rendering at all :( why they scrapped the "spire"?

^^ To increase the number of condos. This will make the project more economically feasible.

and i think 150F sounds much better than 124F ( which is also a big number already)

New Renders:

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/75607250/large.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/75607292.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/75608459/original.jpg

looking better than the others, not so thin at top

Looks good, real good. But now it really does look like a dildo.

Looks like the empire state building....

If youre talking about the podium that the tower sat on in the first design, its no longer part of the project.
That is unacceptable!

The new "renders" are the best-looking since the original, in fact I may prefer this design! :hug:

Looks like the empire state building....

I don't think it looks anything like the Empire State Building, if anything, it looks like one of the Petronas.

Looks like the empire state building....

lol, the design has nothing to do with the ESP

lol, the design has nothing to do with the ESP

I think he may mean its so much bigger then anything around it, or maybe he's just crazy.

I think it looks like an elongated Gherkin. This is my favorite version. i still wouldn't mind it a tad shorter but i think its a winner.

I feel kind of so-so on this version - I really like the base and the landscaping and all that. But the top is sort of goofy for me, like it's whipped cream or something. Anyway, I'll wait for more and better renderings.

The new renders look much more organic.. Like a seashell perhaps or something plantlike that occurs naturally in the wild. I think they've finally gotten it right.

this version is aight, though with new rednerings every other month Im not sure what its gonna actually look like anymore.

Weird!

I love this version. It seems more masculine and fits Chicago skyline better than previous ones.

I LOVE NEW RENDERINGS!!!! It look much better now. I think it should add small steel sphire. It would look fabulous! GO CHICAGO! :banana:

Can't believe Chicago will get the biggest dildo on earth!

well everyone has no problem with 2IFC... and this is better than that. more like a pillar in a church IMO.
looks great

lol. well... ummm... yea...

I don't hate it. I don't love it. As before, I am "meh" about it.

New Renders:

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/75607250/large.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/75607292.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/75608459/original.jpg

Amazing !!!

That HAS TO Be Built !!!!

Go Chicago.

March 13, 2007

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/1175/dsc0276copyrt2.jpg http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/5382/dsc0280copyif5.jpg
^ DuSable Park

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/1470/dsc0285copynm1.jpg
^ the markers barely show up

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8214/dsc0289copyqm8.jpg
^ this one's more interesting for what's going on in the background

Looks like the empire state building....

Um it looks nothing like the Empire State Building.

I rather like the new design. It may look like a dildo but it still looks incredible. Imagine looking up at it from street level.

thank you retrograde :)

Hmmm I'm assuming the 'markers' are for the core? Too small to be CS' actual footprint? or something else?

ah well, whatever it is, its looking good for CS' future :P

This looks like its going into the constuction phase. I didnt read the whole thread so can anyone tell me if its going to really happen? If Chicago doesnt have the worlds tallest anymore it will have the US by far. New York...ur turn.

This looks like its going into the constuction phase. I didnt read the whole thread so can anyone tell me if its going to really happen? If Chicago doesnt have the worlds tallest anymore it will have the US by far. New York...ur turn.Well, the design is forever being refined, but there is a little preliminary work on the site as we can see by the above pic posts by Retrograde. It had to go back to Council for re-approval, therefore we now see a further refinement. So we would assume @ this stage it almost seems a certainty.

More from BVictor1 on this:


Originally Posted by BVictor1
CHICAGO SPIRE UPDATE 02/16/07

-This project probably won't come before the planning commission until April

-The development team has been meeting with different city departments over the past few weeks.

-They still want to begin drilling caissons sometime in July. I was told July 1, but we know how that usually goes.

-A sales center should be opening around the same time as the drilling of caissons begin. Sometime in July.

So is the scaling more accurate now?

I realized, that put a spire on this latest render (the beam of light works) and it has the silhouette of Petronas. Maybe its just me, though :scouserd:

This looks like its going into the constuction phase. I didnt read the whole thread so can anyone tell me if its going to really happen? If Chicago doesnt have the worlds tallest anymore it will have the US by far. New York...ur turn.

Well... USA has many cities... We don't always have to depend on Chicago or New York City for next world's tallest buildlings. There are many US cities can do it too. Las Vegas is getting there too but not tallest building in the world but one of them.

http://www.pbase.com/temper/image/75607292.jpg
Nice redesign... now I don't know whether to hate it or smoke it.

This tower went from ugly -> beautiful -> doobie.

Any guesses on shapes future redesign iterations before its finalized?

... -> umbrella? -> onion? -> parakeet? --> ?....

... now I don't know whether to hate it or smoke it.



:lol:

I realized, that put a spire on this latest render (the beam of light works) and it has the silhouette of Petronas. Maybe its just me, though :scouserd:

That's what I was trying to say....

But wuth the EMpire.

Silohuette

It was my fault for my lack of expectations management. They tried to warn us that it was more of a snubnosed bullet than a rocket.

Oh well, git 'er done anyway.

Looks awesome. :)

oh the thin top looks so retarded

oh the thin top looks so retarded

You may be referring to a beam of light coming out of the top. Now Burj Dubai, *that's what I call a thin top*. ;)

someone slap the FCC and FAA and tell them to raise the max height limit for all US structures to 3,000ft

They need add spire.

Wow I liked the last design but this looks frickin' awesome. Great work, let's go Chi-Spi! :)

They need add spire.

than chicago has a 700m tower ^^

I thought I read somewhere that they were going to build 2 big Geodesic domes at the base, one on either side to compliment the design. I think they will be used for parking.

You may be referring to a beam of light coming out of the top. Now Burj Dubai, *that's what I call a thin top*. ;)

no i wasnt taling about the light beam. i knoe thats a light beam.

i dont like the way the top goes into a point.

I thought I read somewhere that they were going to build 2 big Geodesic domes at the base, one on either side to compliment the design. I think they will be used for parking.

Parking is all underground.

Parking is all underground.

Hey look up, right above your head. That thing you see is the joke flying right over you.

Hey look up, right above your head. That thing you see is the joke flying right over you.

LOL!

BVictor posted this on SSP:

Kelleher has said that they have submitted for foundation permits and that that the caisson contract is about ready to be sent out for bid.


This Kelleher guy doesnt wait, does he? Gotta meet that June/July start date. Better hurry.

I thought I read somewhere that they were going to build 2 big Geodesic domes at the base, one on either side to compliment the design. I think they will be used for parking.


I get what you mean.

Photos from the New Eastside http://www.neweastside.org

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/6691/spiremidlevelop800x562yv2.jpg
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/3456/spiregrondlevelop800x57qw0.jpg

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4240/spiredusablemodelfromeovn6.jpg
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4906/spiredusablefromseop800cu6.jpg
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/8761/spiremodelfromwop800x59yk2.jpg
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1876/spiremodelsop495x600my3.jpg

:okay:, thank you spyguy

WOW! Very impressive! GET IT BUILT! GO CHICAGO! :cheers:

Wow that looks very impressive! Thanks Spyguy! :)

The diameter of the base is 224 ft. The sides on the sears tower are 225 ft at the base. The diameter of the Petronas towers at the base is 150 ft. This thing is big.

:ohno: Man looking at the model there...my first thought was...will they build it?....i just cant fathom it...however im already witnessing the DUBAI wonder building...its just after 9/11 i tend to think the worst in alot more people:ohno:

:ohno: Man looking at the model there...my first thought was...will they build it?....i just cant fathom it...however im already witnessing the DUBAI wonder building...its just after 9/11 i tend to think the worst in alot more people:ohno:

This building should have no real terrorist threat. It is a residential building full of foreign millionaires. Far from a sign of American imperialism which the WTC portrayed.

I have a question here... Will this building have an observation deck? I really hope it will have one. I'd love to go back to Chicago and go up that building to see the entire city of Chicago one day.

I have a question here... Will this building have an observation deck? I really hope it will have one. I'd love to go back to Chicago and go up that building to see the entire city of Chicago one day.

No. It's a residential tower. Imagine if you lived there and your house was basically a tourist attraction. Big turnoff for buyers.

WOW this building is massive. You can actually see the frame of the building now and the base is just beautifull. I wonder if the building would be white.

No. It's a residential tower. Imagine if you lived there and your house was basically a tourist attraction. Big turnoff for buyers.

That's stupid! :ohno:

>>>You can actually see the frame of the building now and the base is just beautifull. >>>

Excuse my ignorance, but has this actually broken ground?

That's stupid! :ohno:

Its not going to offer a better view than Sears/JHC anyway.

And, having lived in the Chicagoland area, can I once again offer my opinion that the Hancock has the better view over Sears, despite the lower elevation. Observation decks are great, and can be good money-makers (what with the souviner shops, etc.), but I agree a residential building is not a good place for one.

>>>You can actually see the frame of the building now and the base is just beautifull. >>>

Excuse my ignorance, but has this actually broken ground?

No. It hasn't even been approved yet.

Very interesting!

Thanks, hydrogen...I thought that was the case, but an earlier post sounded like it had started...I guess he was talking about renderings.

I really wonder if this thing will be built. Besides the possibility it could become a terrorist target, (didn't Trump lower his height because of this?), it really is a bit odd for the "stately" Chicago skyline. Just an opinion.

BTW, the terrorism threat I think is bogus and stupid.