Mar 26, 2007 5:50 pm US/Central
Developer Of Spire Skyscraper Plans New Park
by Derrick Blakley
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
New plans are revealed today for the Chicago Spire skyscraper. Now the developer of the jaw-dropping building has plans for a new park. CBS 2's Derrick Blakley reports.
Since first proposed almost two years ago, plans for the Chicago Spire have gone through more twists and turns than the futuristic design itself. But the latest version, unveiled today, has superstar architect Santiago Calatrava more enthusiastic than ever.
"We would like to do a building with an exterior that is very light and atmospheric, so the building reflects the light of the day," Calatrava said.
Calatrava rejected concerns that at 2,000 feet, 150 stories, and up to 13-hundred condos, the soaring tower and its residents might overwhelm congested Streeterville.
"We know that more than 90 percent of the traffic will come through the drive, so the implication for the neighbors will be very minimal," he said.
Calatrava already designed ramps linking the spire to lower Lake Shore Drive and moved parking underground, but the newest perk may be the biggest: a commitment by developer Garrett Kelleher to provide millions for a long-planned park honoring Chicago's African-American founder, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable across the drive from the spire's site.
"We are going to be at least $6 million short, and I have been assured the development team will make that difference up," said Bob O'Neill of Grant Park Conservancy.
The promised cash turned some would-be critics into cheerleaders.
"If this developer's going to come in and contribute it, that's more important to us than anything he could do," said Aroon Rashid from Friends of DuSable.
The project is still far from a done deal. The Chicago Plan Commission will consider it next month.
Calatrava and the developer will meet with Streeterville residents Monday night at the Marriott Hotel on Michigan Avenue. Some are still unhappy about what they fear will be unbearable congestion.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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