This video traces the ambitious rise and spectacular fall of the Chicago Spire, a proposed megatall skyscraper designed by Santiago Calatrava, which began construction in 2007 but was halted by the 2008 financial crisis, leaving a prominent, unfinished excavation on Chicago's Lakeshore Drive for over 15 years. It then chronicles the site's eventual redevelopment by Related Midwest, featuring a new two-tower project designed by Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM), led by David Childs. The video details the significant engineering challenges and solutions involved in utilizing the original caissons and repurposing the massive 20-meter-deep foundation pit for the construction of the first new tower, which commenced in 2024, finally transforming Chicago's long-standing architectural embarrassment.
Summarizing the Evolution of Chicago's Waterfront Landmark
0:00 The Lingering "Gaping Hole": For over a decade, a massive, unfinished excavation on Chicago's Lakeshore Drive stood as a stark reminder of a failed megatall skyscraper project, once envisioned to be America's first.
0:51 The Ambitious Chicago Spire Project: Initiated in 2005, the "Forom Spire" (later "Chicago Spire") was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. At 610 meters and 150 stories, it was planned to be the world's second-tallest building by 2012, featuring a distinctive twisting design.
2:04 Financial Troubles and Renaming: Early funding issues led to Garrett Keller's Shelbourne Development taking over. The project was renamed "Chicago Spire" and reconfigured to consist solely of over 1,000 luxury apartments.
3:28 Construction Halted by Global Recession: Despite unanimous city approval and initial foundation work (a 20-meter-deep circular excavation with caissons), the 2008 Great Recession caused the project's indefinite suspension, leaving the deep crater untouched for over 15 years.
4:22 A New Vision for the Site: In 2014, Related Midwest acquired the site, abandoning the Spire's revival. They proposed a two-tower development by Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM), led by David Childs (designer of One World Trade Center), envisioning a new visual "gateway" to Chicago.
7:11 Design Revisions and Pandemic Delays: The new plans underwent revisions, altering tower heights (South tower 233m, North tower 266m) and other aspects. Approved in 2020, the project faced further delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
8:25 Construction Begins on Phase 1: In 2024, construction finally began on the first tower (the taller North tower), which will feature 635 rental apartments, with 20% dedicated to affordable housing.
8:53 Reusing the Existing Excavation: Construction involved significant challenges, including pumping out 3 million gallons of water, relocating a CSO line, and pouring 4,000 tons of concrete for a new mat foundation reinforced with 600,000 pounds of steel, while also reusing many of the original caissons.
11:06 Rapid Above-Ground Construction: Once the core was built within the backfilled hole and reached ground level, construction accelerated, with new concrete floors poured every three days and glass curtain wall installation following closely.
12:37 Future Outlook and Legacy: The first tower is projected for occupancy by 2027. The second tower's construction will depend on future market conditions. The new development replaces a long-standing symbol of failure with a pragmatic, functional addition to Chicago's iconic skyline.