Tallest residential building in the world given green light

Iconic building designed by renowned architect Calatrava to transform famed skyline and become one of the world’s most exclusive addresses.

Savills (L&P) Ltd has announced that the Chicago Planning Commission has given approval for the building of The Chicago Spire, a 2,000 foot tall elegantly twisting landmark tower with 150 floors containing 1,200 unique and modern residences. It will be the tallest building in the USA and Europe and the tallest exclusively residential building in the world.

Work on the site is due to start within the next month and the apartments will be marketed globally and exclusively by Savills (L&P) Ltd starting this summer. Completion will be by 2010.

Irishman Garrett Kelleher, Chairman of Shelbourne Development and owner of the building has lined up a global team of construction, engineering and property professionals who have a record of working on the most innovative and challenging construction projects in the world. The iconic building has been designed by internationally renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava.

The Chicago Spire will be located on a 2.2 acre site at 400 North Lake Shore Drive, where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan. Architect Santiago Calatrava said that he set out “to design an innovative and soaring tower that would transform a naturally beautiful site into a truly special destination”. The Chicago Spire will include a four-storey glass lobby area and the building will have an advanced energy efficiency and environmental policy.

Because of the unusual shape of the building, no two residences will be the same. Each apartment is expected to be large although detailed designs of internal layouts and prices have not yet been finalised. These will be announced within the next few months.

Garrett Kelleher remarked that the development team had worked hard to ensure “that the building would bring the best possible design, structure and luxurious living space to Chicago. The Chicago Spire will define a new lifestyle for US and international purchasers”. He continued “We are delighted that the City of Chicago has embraced Santiago Calatrava’s vision and I know that The Chicago Spire will become a world-renowned building in a short few years” said Mr. Kelleher.

Dominic Grace of Savills (L&P) Ltd, who are acting as consultants and international sales and marketing agents, adds: “We feel privileged to be working with such a world class team on The Chicago Spire. It is an incredibly exciting scheme in which to be involved - especially as Chicago will now become home to the world’s tallest skyscraper outside Asia - the city that produced the world’s first skyscraper in 1885. The planning permission comes at a time when the US Olympic Committee has selected Chicago as the 2016 USA applicant city”.

For more details on The Chicago Spire and about Shelbourne Development, please see shelbournedevelopment.com.