Oct. 22, 2018 – Concerns by neighbors of the proposed site have stalled plans for two slender towers along the Chicago River, where plans for the Chicago Spire stalled in 2008.

In May, Related Midwest proposed a 1,100-foot tower containing 300 condominium units and a 175-room hotel, and an 850-foot tower with 550 rental units, on the north side of the river just west of Lake Shore Drive. At the base of the towers would be a four-story structure containing residential and hotel amenities. A new walkway would pass under Lake Shore Drive and connect to DuSable Park and the lakefront.

42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, who met with Streeterville residents on May 15, said there were “major concerns” with the proposal that Related Midwest “did not adequately address.”

Residents complained of security and traffic issues they say the project would create. They said the four-story podium at the base of the towers was too big and they did not like that the project included a hotel.

In an email to constituents on Monday, Reilly said he met with Related Midwest over the summer as well as condominium associations near the proposed site.

“After sorting through community feedback, I sent a detailed memo to the development team on August 13, detailing the priority issues that the developer must address before their project could receive additional consideration for approval,” wrote Reilly (left).

“Unfortunately, several weeks later, Related Midwest provided me with a response that did not adequately address any of the major concerns about their proposal.”

Reilly says before the proposal moves forward there are “many issues” that Related Midwest must address, including...

“In the event the developer chooses to address the legitimate concerns regarding their proposal, my office will be sure to provide all impacted neighbors with an update,” Reilly wrote.

Related Midwest will keep trying

“Related Midwest deeply values the feedback from Alderman Reilly and the Streeterville community regarding our proposal for 400 Lake Shore Drive,” said a spokesperson for the Chicago-based company. “We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to refine our plan and move forward with a design that realizes the potential of this site – and adjacent areas like DuSable Park – in a way that maximizes benefits for neighbors, residents, and the greater Chicago community.”

Meanwhile, a lawsuit by the developer of the failed Chicago Spire against an Irish banking agency continues in United States District Court in Chicago. Garrett Kelleher is suing National Asset Management Agency over loans made to the Spire project that he says were eventually sold to The Related Companies for less than their value, requiring him to make up a $54 million difference.