Tall Tower : Lake Shore Drive between Illinois and Grand, Chicago, Illinois 60601, United States

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50% of our readers like Tall Tower.

Sponsored by: Chicago Spire Condo Information

Planned as a broadcast tower along Chicago's lakefront, the Tall Tower would have a big impact on the skyline. Assuming it is built, it would be around the same height as the proposed Fordham Spire. Assuming both are built, they will be massive twin towers at the center of the city and a new icon for the home of the skyscraper.

The Tall Tower is envisioned as a building with three long legs connected at six points. Toward the top, the building comes together to form a pod for restaurants and observation decks. This would then be topped by a pair of thick antennae that are being compared to a tweezer or a pair of scissors. In a Chicago Tribune interview the architect, Cesar Pelli, preferred to compare it to a ship's mast, which is appropriate considering its proximity to Navy Pier, the Chicago River, and Lake Michigan.

> If completed, this would become the tallest free-standing structure in North America, taking the title away from the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada.
> The parcel of land this antenna is planned for is currently zoned for a 60-story building.
> The project is being proposed by J. Paul Beitler and L.R. Development Company.
> The Chicago Planning Department has been notified of the project, but there have been no formal approvals given by the city yet.

> March 10, 2006 - The Chicago Tribune reports that plans for this tower have been put on hold. The tower may end up at another Chicago location while the site is used for a previously-planned 58-story condo block.

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Discuss the architecture of Tall Tower and other buildings in Chicago.
Last 16 Comments

christopher diaz - Thursday, May 8th, 2008 @ 9:17pm • Rating:

Five stars.

I think that it does belong here because Chicago is the city of the birth of the tallest skyscapers. And who cares about Chicago skyline!

Anthony Matthews - Friday, December 14th, 2007 @ 8:43am • Rating:

Five stars.

I am Studing to become an Architect and i think the tower looks great. It would be great if more towers like this is made around the world and in the uk.

Tyler Ambrose - Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 @ 10:23pm • Rating:

Five stars.

I think that it should be made on the count that it would be a good contrast to the Chicago Spire and I also think it has a unique futuristic look.

David - Sunday, July 22nd, 2007 @ 12:19pm • Rating:

Five stars.

Actually, with its antennae, this structure fits the contours of Chicago's skyline even more than the Chicago Spire, which I also like. You find echoes here of the John Hancock and the Sears Tower. I agree: Chicago is a world-class city (I'm speaking with the bias of a Chicago native) and needs more iconic architecture. But it also needs architecture that is truly fresh. Unfortunately, some of the more recent buildings have not been original enough. Chicago has a great history, but it's also destined to enjoy a great future. Its architecture should reflect this fact.

Chris Litherland - Wednesday, July 18th, 2007 @ 8:02pm • Rating:

One star.

This thing is a disaster. It looks like it belongs in Las Vegas or somethin. It would destroy the skyline!

Chris Litherland - Wednesday, July 18th, 2007 @ 8:02pm • Rating:

One star.

This thing is a disaster. It looks like it belongs in Las Vegas or somethin. It would destroy the skyline!

Ryan - Monday, November 27th, 2006 @ 5:19pm • Rating:

Five stars.

I think that chicago will soon become the number one major city in the United States, And it gives a chance for chicago to host the summer olympics!

Andrew szynskie - Tuesday, September 12th, 2006 @ 5:52pm • Rating:

Five stars.

I like it because it will be another TALL masterpiece in America.

Jim - Thursday, April 6th, 2006 @ 1:41am •
If we really need two new 2000 ft tall broadcast antenae, we doesn't someone simply design them into a new skyscraper? Why spend $300M just to improve reception?

Thomas Semesky - Sunday, April 2nd, 2006 @ 7:57pm • Rating:

Five stars.

I would actually like to see this thing built, but NOT at the proposed location. It just wouldn't be able to compete with the more pleasant looking Fordham Spire nearby. And with two tall slender buildings really close to each other, the visual effect would be disastrous. Tall Tower should be built west or southwest of the loop, where it could stand out on its own. I think it would look great just south of Roosevelt Road and provide a more interesting looking skyline for people coming into the heart of the city from the south.

Redline - Wednesday, March 29th, 2006 @ 5:33pm • Rating:

One star.

I'm all in favor of adding new modern architecture to the Chicago skyline, but as a life long resident I must say, THIS BUILDING SUCKS! Certainly does not belong in Chicago. As a city we should recruit another great archetect like Daniel Libeskind to build something....and not interfere with his vision of the building,...like they did in NewYork

Nocturnal State - Thursday, March 23rd, 2006 @ 9:36pm • Rating:

One star.

Good God! This is the most horrific Structure I have ever seen. Whoever proposed to place this must not be fond of Chicago. It is an insult to even propose this!

Tod - Friday, March 17th, 2006 @ 9:33pm • Rating:

One star.

Terrible. It belongs on a wind-farm somewhere. Or in Vegas. This ugly thing pales in comparison to the Spire.

Dj - Friday, March 10th, 2006 @ 6:34pm • Rating:

One star.

It looks like this project may be on its last leg according to a couple artciles in the paper and thank God. Just put it out of its misery.

Brett Haase - Thursday, February 23rd, 2006 @ 10:16pm • Rating:

Four stars.

Chicago needs more icons on the skyline. I'm certainly more particular to Calatrava's Fordham Spire, but this work does have a certain uniqueness that sets it apart as a work of architectural sculpture. This is an acceptable addition to Chicago's outstanding skyline.

urbaneddie - Wednesday, January 18th, 2006 @ 12:31pm • Rating:

One star.

It reminds me of that evil eye tower thing from Lord of The Rings movie ...

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