Towers: more announced, progress made.

Big Proposal in Chicago From Vista Tower Developer

Magellan Development Group and its partners hope to build a quartet of towers ranging from 40 to 80 stories in the 28-acre Lakeshore East mixed-use development in Chicago, the Chicago Tribune reported. Magellan, with a Chinese partner, is already building the 94-story Vista Tower, which will be Chicago’s third-tallest building upon completion (ELEVATOR WORLD, June 2015 and July 2016). With Australia’s Lendlease, Magellan plans towers of approximately 40, 50 and 80 stories with 1,400 condos along Lake Shore just south of the Chicago River. With South Korea’s Hanwha Engineering & Construction, it aims to build a 60-story tower with 640 apartments and approximately 570 hotel rooms. bKL is the architect of the project, which includes rounded towers that would contrast with the angularity of Vista.

Foundation Pour for Michigan Avenue Apartment Tower

Power Construction recently handled the first concrete pour for the 56-story, 607-ft.-tall Essex on the Park at 808 S. Michigan Avenue, Curbed Chicago reported. The effort involved 950 cu. yd. of concrete and 168 T. of rebar. The US$240-million project includes redevelopment of the Essex Inn, which opened in 1961, next door. Designed by HPA, the new, glassy tower is set to contain approximately 480 apartments, ground-level retail and parking across from Grant Park. It is scheduled for completion in 2019.