If someone could dig up the KPF render(ing) of the three-tower project as originally envisioned in the late 1980s, that would be interesting for reference. I'm sure 1000 SSP points are waiting for whoever can pull this out.

I've got it somewhere in my archives. . . it was uploaded to Emporis back in the day but I can't find it there anymore. . . I'll post it as soon as I can, unless someone beats me to it. . .

. . .

^^^Gotcha, thanks. Found the site pictures.

http://chicago.curbed.com/2016/11/2/...d-wacker-drive

Dug this up on the developer's website. Don't think I've seen the second tower or the inside before. The website also lists a new height at 775'. I hope they actually go for some mixed-use here.


https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...g?format=1500w
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...pg?format=750w

^New to me as well. Can anyone recall how long the website has listed Walsh as the Construction Company? That they list the GC obviously shows this project pretty serious. Not to mention it's a frequently updated website, as their cover page shows two new gems- 1326 S Michigan and Cook County Hosp.

I thought this was dead, awesome news!

Is this actually happening? Surprised given the height. Very little chatter on it.

Looks good. Haven't looked at this one in awhile. Definitely in a hot area of the Loop, but I'll believe once its in the news.

In an article about the OPO a month ago, Murphy Development said they're waiting for a anchor tenant to sign and then they'll start ground breaking. I'll try to dig up the article they were quoted

Edit: Found it! Dated 09-26-19

There are also plans for a seperate tower south of 301/321 S. Wacker
https://www.chicagotribune.com/colum...fre-story.html

Apparently this still has legs and VERY hopeful planning for a fall 2021 ground breaking, according to someone I know with a major Chicago construction company. They submitted a proposal for site logistics/schedule last week.

I've heard very concrete rumors as well- this should be at city meetings in the next few months.

Has anything big changed, height, design, etc?

Twins might be a challenge in this environment. I think they have been planning to build since the 311 S. Wacker.

I thought I saw some article that 311 S. Wacker (the building behind and next to Willis) was supposed to have a twin that was never built, but I can't find the article.

Very strange, I was just thinking about this proposal this morning while driving on Lower Wacker!

It's really the only site left on Wacker that can support a major office tower. 180 N Wacker is a lowrise that could be redeveloped, but it's too slender for large floorplates.

I kind of assumed the next trophy office property to kick off after WPS and BMO would be 130 N Franklin, in some form... it's closer to Ogilvie, River North and Fulton Market. But there is definitely renewed buzz in the Southwest Loop with OPO re-opening.

I think so, triplets even if I'm not mistaken. That would have been cool (or weird).

Good to know this is back on track potentially. Pretty boxy but sorta interesting at the same time.

I'm good at taking photos of architecture, but understanding its associated real estate is not my forte.

Can someone explain to me how/why developers are planning on building any new office towers in this environment? With all the new office space coming online (110, BMO, Salesforce, Post Office, etc.) and how our society has successfully (not in all cases, obviously) learned to work from home, what's the rush to build new office space before knowing what the future work environment will look like?

Given the state of the office market downtown, I’m surprised that there is movement on this. Unless they’ve signed a major tenant

Most of those started the planning process well before covid hit, I suppose the developers also assume that this won't last forever and it'll be nice to have a shiny new office tower to move into when it's all over. Perhaps ego is also involved / having a trophy tower to show off :shrug:. While working from home will be more popular I don't know if it'll completely reshape how people work entirely. A lot of companies want people on site and hate WFH.

This is just my guess, I too am surprised by how many office towers are going up. It's even crazier in NYC.