Architect Santiago Calatrava had big plans for Chicago. In 2007, construction started on the Spire, a twisting supertall skyscraper along the lakeshore and Chicago River. The 2,000-foot tower would have been right up there with Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as one of the tallest towers in the world.
Then the economy tanked, construction of the Chicago Spire was canceled, and the site was left vacant.
Curbed Chicago reports that Gensler is stepping in with its own supertall building. The Gateway Tower will be the same height as the Chicago Spire, only without the twisting shape. Gensler conceived a glass rectilinear structure with X-bracing. The tower bends at the base, and a supporting “leg” extends over Lake Shore Drive.
The tower will have space for condos, apartments, hotels, and tourist attractions. Access will be made available to the Riverwalk and water taxis. A skydeck will have a restaurant and sky garden. Vertical cable cars will carry passengers up to mid-level attractions.
Specific designs are still unknown for the 2.2-acre site, as it remains in only the conceptual stage. If built, the Gateway Tower will be the tallest building in Chicago, considerably higher than the 1,450-foot Willis Tower.
Click to enlarge.
Related Stories
Green | May 16, 2016
Development team picked for largest Passive House project in North America
The 24-story curved building would be 70% more efficient than comparable housing in New York City.
High-rise Construction | May 2, 2016
UPDATED* Construction to begin this summer in Chicago on Studio Gang’s Vista Tower
The 1,186-foot tower will be the third-tallest building in the city.
Wood | Apr 29, 2016
Anders Berensson Architects designs 40-story wooden skyscraper for Stockholm
The structure, which will be made entirely out of cross-laminated timber, will rise 436 feet into the air, making it Stockholm’s tallest building.
High-rise Construction | Apr 28, 2016
bKL Architecture proposes world’s third tallest tower for China
The mixed-use H700 Shenzhen Tower will have sky gardens, angled recesses, and an attached plaza. It will trail only the Burj Khalifa and the Jeddah Tower in terms of height.
Mixed-Use | Apr 24, 2016
Atlanta’s Tech Square is establishing The ATL’s Midtown district as a premier innovation center
A much anticipated, Portman-developed tower project will include collaborative office spaces, a data center, and a retail plaza.
High-rise Construction | Apr 21, 2016
Ingenhoven Architects unveils plans for two Tokyo towers
The Toranomon District will add a business and a residential high-rise, both of which feature green and energy-efficient design.
High-rise Construction | Apr 20, 2016
OMA reveals designs for its first Tokyo skyscraper
The goal is for the Toranomon Hills Station Tower to transform its neighborhood and serve as a hub for international business.
High-rise Construction | Apr 12, 2016
Santiago Calatrava tower in Dubai could be taller than the Burj Khalifa
The slender structure will have 10 observation platforms, two Hanging Gardens decks, and a illuminating flower bud at the top.
Virtual Reality | Apr 8, 2016
Skanska will use Microsoft HoloLens to lease planned Seattle high rise
The mixed reality headset will allow people to take a holographic tour of the building while keeping visual contact with the leasing representative.
BIM and Information Technology | Apr 5, 2016
Interactive 3D map shows present and future Miami skyline
The Downtown Miami Interactive 3-D Skyline Map lets users see the status of every downtown office, retail, residential, and hotel project.
