The Chicago Spire
Formerly: The Fordham Spire Built: 2007-2012 Designed by: Santiago Calatrava Type: Skyscraper Stories: 150 Maximum Height: 2,000 feet / 610 meters Maximum depth: 80 feet Location: 400 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, United States
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Description by Wayne Lorentz T he city where the skyscraper was born just can't get enough of these supertowers. The Chicago Spire is the latest in a series of super-tall projects proposed and erected since the mid 1990's. Some, like the Trump International Hotel and Tower, come to fruition. Others, like 7 South Dearborn, do not. The opposition from NIMBY residents in Streeterville and scoffs from other parts of the city have mostly been quieted now that construction is well underway and proceeding swiftly. This is the first Chicago project for Spanish architectural superstar Santiago Calatrava, though he has graced the shores of Lake Michigan before with the Milwaukee Art Museum's Quadracci Pavilion. Its position at the point where the Chicago River drains Lake Michigan puts it in the center of the city's skyline, and out in front of any of the thousands of photographs taken by tourists cruising the lake each day. In its original form, this building lived up to its name. It was truly is a spire with a tapering form topped by a needle. The final design eliminated the needle piercing the sky and developed a more blunted, but still graceful, form. In a New York Times article about the building, it was compared to a drill bit, a blade of grass, and a tall twisting tree. Others have compared it to a lighthouse, which could end up being its nickname because of its location. The inability to quickly categorize the construction is what you come to expect from a Calatrava design -- something both geometric and organic. Something that take a simple form and twists it in the wind like so many of his other bridges and buildings. In this case, each of the building's floors are anchored to a central column, but offset. Then each floor is rotated slightly as the tower rises higher. The result is, indeed, something very much like a drill bit. The original plan called for the bottom 20 floors to be occupied by a hotel, while the rest of the building was to be filled with 1,200 luxury condominiums. The final configuration has this building entirely residential. Much to the disappointment of tourists and skyscraper fans, there are no plans for a public observation deck. The biggest obstacle to completing this building was zoning. The parcel of land selected was only zoned for as 540-foot tall building and a 350-foot tall building. However, the developer managed to assuage the city, neighborhood groups, and local open space activists by developing a riverfront plaza with six stories of parking underneath. The developer is also going to put up $9 million to help create DuSable Park. The City of Chicago has wanted to create that park on a neighboring piece of disused industrial land for decades, but could never come up with the money. The developer will use the future parkland during construction, and then afterward turn it over to the city with the cash that will help it become public space.

• Designed by: Santiago Calatrava, who is also the lead architect and engineer on the project.
• Architect of record is Perkins + Will.
• Developer: Shelbourne Development Group
• The structural engineer of record is Thornton Tomasetti.
• This building was originally commissioned by the Fordham Company.
• The building is designed to be made primarily out of concrete.
• The twisting exterior is designed to deflect wind.
• The building is designed with two emergency stairwells, in response to the 9/11 attacks in New York.
• The spire rests on 34 caissons drilled into the bedrock 110 feet underground. 20 caissons support the middle of the structure while 14 are arranged in a ring around the perimeter.
• This plot of land was originally zoned for two towers: one 35 stories, and one 55 stories tall. Because of its height the Spire's density is less than the original zoning. It also appeals to bird rescue groups which say the single, taller, tower will have less of an impact on bird migration than two wider towers.
• The spire was originally planned with 250 hotel condominiums. This was reduced to 150 in order to reduce the impact on traffic in the area. The hotel was eventually removed from the plan in late 2006.
• The spire is expected to have up to 1,193 residences.
• The building's penthouse will be two-stories tall and have 10,293 square feet of space.
• The spire's penthouse will be the world's highest residence.
• Access to the tower will be from Lower Lake Shore Drive to reduce the impact on traffic in the neighborhood.
• Excluding hotel traffic, the tower is expected to add one car per minute to the local traffic pattern.
• As part of the development, riverwalks will be extended along the Chicago River and Ogden Slip. The developer plans to spend $500,000 on improving DuSable park.
• Within three months of its announcement, 800 people had contacted the developer wanting to buy condominiums in the building.
• A parking garage will be constructed to the building's north and will connect directly with Lake Shore Drive to reduce street level traffic congestion.
• Plans for townhouses to line the base of this building were scrapped in favor of a circular plaza and five-story glass atrium.
• The lobby atrium will have a ceiling 53-feet high.
• There is no sky lobby -- 14 passenger elevators connect directly from the main lobby to the residential floors.
• This property formerly had the address 410-450 North Lake Shore Drive.
• This property formerly had the address 420 East North Water Street.
• The cost of the project is unknown. It was originally estimated at $2,400,000,000.00, however in May 2008 a representative of the developer said that figure is inaccurate. However, she refused to provide a corrected number to the Chicago Tribune.
• There are structural transition floors every 30 to 40 stories to transfer stress to the core and help keep the building rigid.
• In an unusual move the parking garage is being built from the top down instead of from the bottom up. This will help speed construction of the tower.
• At the time of its completion, this building will be the world's tallest all-residential building.
• At the time of its completion, this building will have the world's highest occupied floor; even higher than the highest occupied floor in Dubai's Burj Dubai, which will retain the overall title of world's tallest building.

• Residences: 1,194
• Levels above ground: 150
• Levels below ground: 7
• Building caissons: 34
• Parking garage caissons: 98
• Parking spaces: 1,500
• Foundation concrete: 200,000 cubic yards
• Foundation steel: 70,000 tons

• January, 2006: In revised documents filed with the City of Chicago, the roof height of this building was raised from 1,458 feet / 444 meters to 1,550 feet / 472 meters the top of the roof, and 1,600 feet / 488 meters to the top of the water tank.
• March 16, 2006 - Chicago's city planning commission approves the construction of the Fordham Spire.
• May 22, 2006: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that buyers put $20,000 deposits down on 92 of the building's 300 condominiums in two weeks of promotion.
• July 20, 2006: Following reports that the building's developer was having trouble securing financing, the property is sold to Garrett Kelleher, chairman of Shelbourne Development, for $64,000,000. Kelleher immediately doubled the building's cost estimate, and proposed groundbreaking for Spring of 2007. Kelleher's interest in Chicago goes back to his youth. He lived in the city for ten years after college.
• November 15, 2006: It is announced that Shelbourne Development Group is taking over the project, and the building's name is changed to the Chicago Spire.
• March 15, 2007: The latest version of the spire plan is presented to people who live in the neighborhood. It includes the development of an abandoned plot of land east of Lake Shore Drive into a manicured public space, and a potential bicycle and pedestrian bridge spanning the Chicago River east of Lake Shore Drive. The developers stated that they hope to have the project completed 40 months after construction begins.
• April 19, 2007: The City of Chicago's Plan Commission recommends that this building be approved for construction by the city's zoning committee. The Chicago Tribune claims construction costs could top $2.4 billion.
• April 26, 2007: The city zoning committee approved this building.
• May 9, 2007: The Chicago city council approved the construction of this building. When completed, it will be the tallest building in North America. As part of the deal, the developer will kick in $9 million of the $12 million needed to construct DuSable Park.
• June 25, 2007: Crain's Chicago Business reports that the contract for caisson work has been awarded to Case Foundation Company. This puts hope into backers of the project, and quiets some of its critics who didn't believe it would happen. The Crain's article states that Case will build 34 caissons 120 feet deep by the first quarter of 2008.
• July, 2007: Construction of his building begins. There is no formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, just the arrival of crews and machinery on the site which are now busy working on the project.
• October 1, 2007: Portions of Lake Shore Drive are closed while exit and entrance ramps are built to connect the Chicago Spire with the highway.
• November 7, 2007: Crain's Chicago Business reports that neighboring townhomes will sink about two inches by the time the Spire is completed. The developer calls the damage cosmetic, but homeowners plan to sue.
• June 4, 2008: The Chicago Tribune reports this building will be completed in 2012. The same day, the lead engineer on the construction site told WGN Television 2011.
• September 19, 2008: The Chicago Sun-Times reports that construction work on the Spire is expected to slow down, but still continue, because of recent economic turmoil in the American and global credit markets.
• September 20, 2008: A group of people who purchased homes in this building signed their names on the foundation support rings deep below ground.
• September 25, 2008: WGN-TV incorrectly reports that construction of this building is on hold. The television station cites a Chicago Tribune article. The Tribune article actually says that sales efforts are on hold during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and reiterates that construction has slowed, which was reported by the Sun-Times the week before.
• September 30, 2008: WGN Television reported that the 10,000 square foot two-level penthouse on floors 141 and 142 was sold to Ty Warner, the man who invented Beanie Babies. No selling price was disclosed, but the asking price was $40 million.
• October 8, 2008: According to Crain's Chicago Business, architect of record Perkins & Will, filed a $4,850,000 lien against the developer for unpaid work.
• October 17, 2008: Crain's Chicago Business reports that architect Santiago Calatrava stopped working on this project and filed a lien in the ammount of $11,340,000 against the developer for unpaid work.

• There is no observation deck. There is no public restaurant.

renie
Thursday, November 27th, 2008 @ 6:41am
Rating: Five stars.
chicago is the best site for great architecture... the home ofgreat american architects.. and the home of worlds first skyscrapers..

David Hopp
Friday, November 14th, 2008 @ 2:53pm
Rating: Five stars.
This building is an inspiration for a lot of people, including myself. Just to be able to live in this edifice would be a glorious and magical experience. This wonder of the world has truly challenged me as a college student to follow my dreams to the maximum, so that I can accomplish great things, like Santiago Calatrava did.

gacy
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 6:06pm
Rating: Three stars.
I can't make up mind about it yet (and I have time considering construction's on hold). Like others have said, the drill bit image is hard to erase. But then you go to the site and you see the presentation video and you see something else. Anyway, not being a student, I still think the city needs to be careful when such a prime spot is being used. And I'm not against new designs, since that is Chicago, a living, in progress example of the history of archictecture. But I guess no one else could afford to build there.

Mitchell Elliott
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 @ 5:29am
Rating: Five stars.
Simply a brilliant feat in engineering and architecture. It's good to see modern society making progress towards the sky. The bigger the better! I'll come from Melbourne to see this. 5 stars

Johnny
Thursday, October 30th, 2008 @ 8:21am
Rating: Five stars.
Chicago is a city of great architecture. The reason why the architecture in Chicago is so pleasing to the eyes is because each building, while maintaining its own unique characters, also enhances the ones around it. Even the usually bombastic Trump respects that aspect of Chicago architectural tradition and builds one that looks simple and elegant. The Spire is the antithesis to all that. Much like the addition to the Soldier Field, it creates negative impact rather adding anything positive to our skyline.

jade
Monday, October 20th, 2008 @ 4:44pm
Rating: Five stars.
Despite some of the things those negative people have said, i absolutly adore this building! Chicago, already amazing in itself, would be even better with the Chicago Spire. Although the only downside is that there is no pubil outlooks, it's still a nice piece of luxurious art in our city. Thank you Calatrava for your amazing masterpiece! You're my architectural hero!

Jeff Walker
Thursday, October 16th, 2008 @ 6:28pm
Rating: Five stars.
I just spent 4 days visiting down town Chicago and am amazed at the beauty of this city. Anyone visiting must take the river boat tour which goes directly past the contruction site of the Spire. This city also offers has an endless amount of charm. Just wish I could handle the winters there!

sabet
Sunday, October 12th, 2008 @ 5:13am
Rating: Five stars.
Calatrava,s design innovation always amazes me. He is, perhaps one of the best living modern designer who merges engineering and architecture to the highest form of art - he has successfully closed the gap between. The Chicago Spire truly represents the art of form, light, and lightness. Bravo

Edward Finn
Sunday, October 5th, 2008 @ 9:22am
Rating: Four stars.
I do like the design of the building, but in the back of my mind I cant help but think it looks like a screw you would put into a piece of wood!

Bruno Faiella
Friday, September 26th, 2008 @ 6:48am
Rating: Five stars.
I am from Milan/iItaly and I come for business 3/4 times per year in Chicago,I think this Bulding will encrease the beauty of this fantastic city.I love Chicago

Ottyr
Thursday, September 18th, 2008 @ 10:37pm
Rating: Five stars.
As a new resident in Chicago, it's a wonderful to see the 21st Century begin to come to life on the shore of Lake Michigan. I'm eagerly looking forward to watching construction continue over the years and then celebrate the opening of another monument to the potential of mankind and the realization of a dream.

arnulfo quesada
Thursday, September 18th, 2008 @ 9:21pm
es el proyecto mas inobador quese ba aser muy bonito edifisio felisidades chicago en hora buena

heywally
Saturday, September 13th, 2008 @ 8:56pm
Rating: One star.
Absolutely absurdly large and totally out of place just about anywhere on the planet.And yet, it fits in pretty nicely with what our culture has become. Big, pompous, burly, swaggering, no subtlety, in-your-face.I used to live in Chicago on the North side, a long time ago - too bad it's come to this.

Paul
Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 @ 5:34am
Rating: Five stars.
I love the spirit of this city and it's will to build great buildings. I am not blown away by this structure , but I like that is 2000 tall. It will certainly compliment the skyline of the greatest city in this nation.

Paul Sanderson
Friday, September 5th, 2008 @ 10:37pm
Rating: Five stars.
Nice looking building. It would be really impressive to take it to a new level- why not make it 3000'- go for it . The builders just have to get the FAA to lift the ban on structures over 2063'-the height of the KVLY TV tower north of Fargo,North Dakota. Just add 50 floors and a spire and we take the record back from the Burj Dubai. Go Chicago,go USA!

werwe
Thursday, August 28th, 2008 @ 12:57pm
Rating: Five stars.
This will be great for Chicago to bring in tourists. Plus it is on the north side will the cubs will be winning the world series this year.

fh tres
Thursday, August 28th, 2008 @ 2:13am
Rating: Five stars.
el edificio es flipante como todos los que alcanzan esas dimensiones. Creo que ya va siendo hora de volver a construir a lo alto como lo estan haciendo en asia. lo malo de todo esto es que a Calatrava se le esta subiendo un poco a la cabeza

Brandon
Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 @ 6:51pm
Rating: Five stars.
I live in Chicago and I visit the city often. People seem to think that it will look out of place because they think of Chicago as a smaller version of New York. That's untrue, Chicago is more of a Skyscraper city unlike New York that only has short block styled buildings. It will look great in the city but I hope that they add an observation deck. I don't see how it would hurt unless they think it will disturb the residence.

Michael
Thursday, August 7th, 2008 @ 4:40pm
Rating: Five stars.
Every building in Chicago is special in its own way. They are special by themselves and special all together also. The Chicago Spire is no exception. I think the location is perfect. It will be even more cool-looking from the west. I love the fact that is sits right on the lakefront. There will never be too many buildings in Chicago, unless they are all the same.

Vicky
Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 @ 6:20pm
Rating: Three stars.
I just have to say - i can't wait to move to Chicago in October! i love my new home already. That said, there is something about this lovely spire I don't like - 2 things actually. One: It is too tall for the surrounding area. I know they make that argument about every future landmark in every city, but this town has a gorgeous skyline - it doesn't need an exclamation point. Two: what on Earth is the sense of building this shock-value-inducing, talk-of-the-tourists white elephant if there is no possible way for people to see inside? One is reminded of the ivory towers of the super-rich dwarfing the slums, like those places in India where the upwardly mobile live in gated communities mere feet from where the poor starve. Chicago is a beautiful city. Work with it, not against it.

WOW nice building....
Sunday, August 3rd, 2008 @ 12:26am
Rating: Five stars.
i was in chicago for 5years and now im in australia.. i really wana go there,,, after the building is finish....

John Riecher
Saturday, August 2nd, 2008 @ 5:40pm
Rating: Five stars.
Yo creo que este edificio monumental es una de las mejores diseños para una ciudad de este stilo, demuestra que a pesar que la ciudad tiene un arqitectura deco conservada, sirve demostrar el inicio, haci al futuro con estilo y belleza. I believe this monumental building is one of the better designs for a city skyline of this type. It demonstrates, despite having a deco and conservative architecture, a move towards the future with style and beauty.

Nancy
Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 @ 11:42pm
Rating: Five stars.
Despite the negative comments about the spire I have to agree with all the positive comments most of you have left. There is no dobt in my mind that this city I call home is going to look just as good or better with the addition of this masterpiece by Calatrava. One of his many that is. For all you with not so positive comments just remember its not hurting you in anyway. Besides you arent investing. Obviously! Enjoy the view when the spire is lit up at night or when the sunset reflects off of this beautiful structure.

Jerry Braden
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 @ 8:42am
Rating: Five stars.
Critics of this design and visionary need only look to the Milwaukee Art Museum Addition and realize the dynamic impact it has had both to the art center and the surrounding regions, where several new towers and cultural sites have sprung up, all as a direct result of this one single design. Way to go Chicago ! Bravo Santiago Calatrava !

Travis Glascock
Monday, July 28th, 2008 @ 1:27pm
Rating: Five stars.
I can't wait for its completion! it is the perfect landmark to welcome the 2016 olympic games (which chicago deserves). i can't understand why so many people are hatting on this design for being too simple... if its so freakin simple you engineer that. this building is the opening of a new age in skyscraper design which was first done with the hancock and sears. This is a building onto the history of chicago for the next generation and i'm glad chicago didn't back down to all of the pollitical mumbo jumbo. this building stands as a firm figure to the world about a city that is not afraid to make a stand and maybe will lead to the end of chicago's dirty reputation... as an architecture student i can only dream of accoplishing something half as inovative and inspirational as the spire and i wish people would come to respect all it represents

Joe
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 @ 10:30pm
Rating: Four stars.
As someone who has lived in Chicago for most of his life and grown admiring the skyline as it is, I am always skeptical of new skyscrapers taking up more space in the beautiful landscape that is downtown. My initial reaction was that this structure is awfully phallic looking and a potential eyesore. However, upon further investigation, I find that I like the modernistic design but disagree with its placement in the east loop, where smaller, victorianesque buildings dot the skyline. I feel that it would have fit the skyline better if it would have been closer to the Sears or the Hancock, or at least more towards the middle of the downtown area. Que sera sera.

nick
Thursday, July 17th, 2008 @ 11:35am
Rating: Three stars.
the building looks great by itself...but it throws the entire skyline off and doesnt flow with the city at all maybe if it wasnt 150 stories tall it could be both wonderful by itself and as a part of the city.

Kurt Brink
Monday, July 14th, 2008 @ 3:52pm
Rating: Five stars.
Approaching Chicago by car, I have always loved the skyline. When flying into (now closed) Meigs field, it was absolutely spectacular. This building will only add to the magnificent skyscape. Kudos to who all who are making this building a reality! I wish I could afford to live there.

Kelvin
Sunday, July 13th, 2008 @ 10:26pm
Rating: Five stars.
I love living in my own Chicago, there's much to do. I HATE the politics but the city is absolutely beautiful. The "spire" will only enhance the great city skyline with even more a cosmopolitian flavor and world class prowess. What a city.

Justin Schumaker
Saturday, July 5th, 2008 @ 10:58am
Rating: Five stars.
I am aspiring architectural student, and I think that this is just what America needs. To be recognized for something spectacular. I live in Milwaukee and appreciate the Museum addition that Calatrava did here. So, enjoy Chicago, he is a brilliant architect. This is where architecture should be going!

iris
Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 @ 3:02am
Rating: Five stars.
awesome this is how i picture buildings to look in the future. Im currently living in san francisco and their skyline simply does not compare to chicago. Good job calatrava (wish i could afford to live there)

Little Boy
Friday, June 20th, 2008 @ 6:06am
Rating: Five stars.
If the building will be looking as on the pictures it will be just a sensational being.In a very crude way one could say it is looking as a screw nail. Hope the reality convice people not to make this comparison

Antoinette
Saturday, June 14th, 2008 @ 4:10pm
Rating: Five stars.
This building is just beautiful. I feel it's time to get out of the ordinary into the extreme. To me it makes a statement that shows I don't want to be like everyone else. And when we're being different, those that are stuck in the same old realm won't see the beauty in something so exquisite.

Jason
Friday, June 13th, 2008 @ 11:30am
Rating: One star.
A monstrosity on the lake. At least the people who move there won't have to look at it. Is that the appeal?

Steve B
Monday, June 9th, 2008 @ 8:11am
Rating: Five stars.
The building looks nice and sleek on paper and I'm sure it will look nice from afar when built but it looks like a frightening place to live. I would not want to be STUCK on one of the upper floors if there was some type of emergency.

Tyler McCrea
Sunday, June 8th, 2008 @ 9:50pm
Rating: Five stars.
I was born in Chicago and own a condo in the Lake Point Tower building and i will enjoy waking up to views of this building its a great addition to the Chicago skyline.

Mila
Saturday, June 7th, 2008 @ 1:50pm
Rating: Five stars.
It's a fantastic building. I'm proud to say I was born in València, same as Calatrava and I was lucky to live just opposite to the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Calatrava. I felt one of the luckiest persons every morning when I saw that incredible arquitecture.

All I know is that there is no other skyline in the u.s that comes close to Chicago's proud to say a native Chicagoan
Thursday, June 5th, 2008 @ 7:24pm
Rating: Five stars.
All I know is that there is no other skyline in the u.s that comes close to Chicago's proud to say a native Chicagoan

KrazyRabbit!!!
Thursday, May 29th, 2008 @ 6:30pm
Rating: Five stars.
I was born and raised in Chicago and all my life, to this very day, adore our skyline. This building is yet another reason why Chicago is the City of the Future. With its elegant design like the wind stretching it to the sky, Chicago will once again prove it is the Windy City!

chicago2losangeles
Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 @ 11:32pm
Rating: Five stars.
Chicago is perhaps one of the most magnificent cities in the world...and this stunning addition, to an already perfect skyline, will be the crown jewel in this amazing Midwestern town. Chicgao, once again, has made all of America proud! Sorry Sears Tower, there is a NEW king in the castle!

engie hernandez age17
Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 @ 12:30pm
Rating: Five stars.
love Santiago calatrava's ideas. i'm doing a project on him right now. great sculptor/architact.you should check out his works,they are really awesome.

Hassan
Sunday, May 4th, 2008 @ 1:22pm
Rating: Five stars.
I can’t wait till it’s finished, especially because I live near that area, it’s supposed to be the tallest residential building in the world, and it will surely put the sears to shame. The only problem with it is that the location makes look very odd in the fact that its many, many times taller than any buildings around it.

Chris
Friday, May 2nd, 2008 @ 3:35am
Rating: Four stars.
I love the idea of giving Chicago a new focal point, and bringing some newer designs in rather than the international style dominating our tall buildings. I only wish they would have kept the dreamlike quality of the needle, rather than replacing it with the new phallic looking design.

sammy
Monday, April 28th, 2008 @ 12:38am
Rating: Three stars.
Being born and raised in the great city of Chicago i truly can say that the architecture is more than just nice and modern but it does look a bit out of place. location is great but the height is a bit extreme.

Kim Shelton
Sunday, April 27th, 2008 @ 4:26am
Rating: Five stars.
Very Good Idea, Very Good Location, Very Good Visionary, I like this whole concept, It's great to see my home town continue to bring new idea's to the forfront! Chicago Rules!!!

Bob
Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 @ 5:04pm
Rating: Five stars.
Athena I have to disagree with you the sears is no where near the center of down town its actually in the south loop.... and the JHC is in the near north area. Looking at the chicago skyline the position of the chicago spire actually brings symmetry to the skyline by having a middle between the two extremes of the sears and the JHC, IMO.

Athena
Sunday, April 13th, 2008 @ 12:44pm
Rating: Two stars.
I live in Chicago, and I must admit, this building is beautiful; however i feel the location is wrong. The sears tower seems to be the center of downtown and then to throw this building off to another side throws of that center point which makes the skyline so beautiful. The buildings that are close to the location of this new building are so small that the spire will just look like an odd giant. If it were closer to the sears tower i believe that it would be the most beautiful site in the world!

Melody Jordak
Monday, March 24th, 2008 @ 1:01pm
Rating: Four stars.
Being originally from Chicago, it will be hard to see the old skyline go. However, this building will add a much needed new modern twist to the skyline that we know and love today. This rocks! Keep adding to our wonderful city!

mario peter bird
Thursday, March 20th, 2008 @ 4:22pm
Rating: Five stars.
The most beautiful structure on the planet. The work of a genius.

John
Monday, March 17th, 2008 @ 2:01am
Rating: Five stars.
If you don't like it, don't look. It appears to be a wonderful addition to a truly wonderful city and country. Just another example of freedom at its best. I love it and hope to see it first hand, some day. I tip my (Dodger) cap to you, Chicago.

Josh
Friday, March 14th, 2008 @ 12:23am
Rating: Three stars.
The building itself is a great design. The location is totally wrong. Chicago architecture should not be based on architecture from Asia or the Middle East, it should be its own, just like always. Chicago does need a new futuristic skycraper, but it should continue to enhance the skyline, not dominate it.

WANJAMA KURIA
Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 @ 4:00am
Rating: Five stars.
Wow this is a great master piece, great thinking and great imagination and more so A GREAT CHALLENGE TO FUTURE ARCHITECTS.I can wait to see it happen.kudos Chicago

David
Saturday, March 1st, 2008 @ 12:05am
Rating: Five stars.
Excellent project! Another beautiful building in beautiful City! I like it!

Mark Ostruszka
Sunday, February 24th, 2008 @ 1:38pm
Rating: Five stars.
I was born in Chitown and claim it as home .I think that as a world class city just a measly 2 hrs drive time and the ability to see it from Michigan is a great accomplishment. My Kinda Town.

Jose Chavez
Friday, February 22nd, 2008 @ 2:49am
Rating: Five stars.
This is going to be the Crown Jewel to the Chicago Skyline. Several more buildings are on the rise and more are under blueprint development. This magnificent city is not stopping any time soon.

bob franko
Monday, February 18th, 2008 @ 10:09pm
Rating: Three stars.
I think that this is a cool tower that fits perfect for the windy desine but I think that it being in chicago throws the whole city off balance, it just dosn't look right.

Sean
Thursday, February 14th, 2008 @ 7:25pm
Rating: Five stars.
Wow! Some of you guys are crazy this building is amazing. I am going to be the future of the US and I believe that this is an amazing work of art. Cudos to the architect, and lets hope that Chicago continues to produce amazing buildings such as this. Amazing! Also, I believe that Frank Sinatro said it right, My kind of town Chicago is... My kind of town.

Zach
Sunday, February 10th, 2008 @ 10:55pm
Rating: Five stars.
All I can say is wow...I love everything about this city...and nothing will say more to the world that Chicago is a world-class city than this crown-jewel and astonishing accomplishment. I'm even more impressed that this behemoth will be so environmentally friendly. Trump and now this? Chicago's here to stay

chris
Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 @ 3:35pm
Rating: Five stars.
Truly amazing. I can t wait to see it...thumbs up for the architects.

Matt
Thursday, January 31st, 2008 @ 11:32pm
Rating: Five stars.
Cant wait to see the accually building going up. Every day I can see work being done. The builing is going to be the most beatufull building in the USA. Love it!!!

John Burzynski
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 @ 2:59pm
Rating: Four stars.
I do not think it is Calatrava's best, but it will be a beautiful, timely addition to Chicago's skyline. We need more artistic architecture such as this.

Jaime
Monday, January 21st, 2008 @ 8:47pm
Rating: Five stars.
This building will not only change the way the world sees Chicago but it will go down in history as the begining of the modern/futuristic architecture era and what better place than where in past occasions architecture has had great innovation. I understand those who say that the Spire is very different from the architecture or style of every other building but I disagree on that being bad. We live in the 21st century so why are we going to build the same sh!t we built in the 20th? We are in times of great change and the Spire will only show that we aren't staying back in the 20th and that we are leaders in vanguardism. I am from Chicago and damn proud of my city!

jame ferguson
Sunday, January 13th, 2008 @ 10:52pm
Looks like they got this one right

Railroadjames
Sunday, January 13th, 2008 @ 10:24pm
Rating: Five stars.
I'm inclined to see this as a dynamic addition to the Windy City's skyline. Tis beauty to most and, of course, a sore thumb to others. So what's new? One man's folly is another's dream.

Dan Ferns
Friday, January 11th, 2008 @ 1:04am
Rating: Four stars.
i think its a nice looking building..i was born and raised in chicago..good to see some new skyscrapers being built...think they accept section 8? hahaha

tommy
Thursday, January 10th, 2008 @ 11:30pm
Rating: Three stars.
wow i have a thing for really big and tall buildings i just love looking up and seeing the heigth of these buildings in chicago ive only been there once but i just love walken down the busy street and you see these giant buildings but the only thing i dont like is the design i think of chicago as being a bold and strong city but this tower it dont have a muscular structure like the hancock or sears and it dont have a sky deck for tourist

paulius jurgutis
Friday, January 4th, 2008 @ 11:16pm
Rating: One star.
This constuction looks like a giant drillbit that is screwing Chicago. I live in the neighborhood and this project is absurd. This area was just redeveloped as a residential part of the city with townhomes, mixed rise housing and the riverwalk. How does it make sense to build 130 floors in this area? Is Lakeshore drive not congested enough already? It's not like they are building any additional roads to service this monster. I have no idea how the city approved this project for this site. Horrible! This is not great chicago architecture, it is just ego and greed.

Shane Rische
Friday, January 4th, 2008 @ 9:43pm
Rating: Five stars.
This is truly a beautiful structure that will add so much to Chicago. Chicago was the original skyscraper capitol, and it's nice to see the great city keep its title. As to the comments of it not fitting in with Chicago, well you couldn't be more wrong. It is the start of new eras as well as new architecture to represent the city. As you walk the city you see the different styles of architecture from the different times. In essence, Chicago doesn't have a specific "look," or "theme." The beauty of it is that it is different from all the rest of the buildings, as each building is different from every other building as well.

shawn
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 @ 12:04am
Rating: Five stars.
There is no place like Chicago. I love This state and I have been to 27 out 50 states. Chicago, you rock!

Nicholas Pereira
Saturday, December 22nd, 2007 @ 8:24pm
Rating: Five stars.
this building is so incredible. its a master piece. I cant wait until it is built its gonna look like a giant CHristmas tree at night. I cant imagine what it would like when the bears,or the bulls, or the sox or the cubs go into the finals or superbowl or world series iamgine what kind of font or message would b written on this 2000 foot building.

David P
Thursday, December 20th, 2007 @ 6:05pm
Rating: Two stars.
No denying the genius of Santiago Calatrava but this building is too much. How many of these visonaries would live in it? Bigger (or in this case taller) does not mean better. I'm a 4th generation Chicagoan living elsewhere and I feel badly for my hometown.

Walter Fox
Wednesday, December 19th, 2007 @ 5:46am
Rating: Five stars.
It will be sublime! A breathtaking addition to a city that isn't afraid of new heights!

Victor Gonzalez
Monday, December 17th, 2007 @ 10:36pm
Rating: Five stars.
Awsome structure, this will definately take the title of being the center of attention in our beautiful international hub of Chicago. Chicago currently has the second most beautiful skyline in the world, IMHO. This 150 story giant will only add to that. Chicago gets more beautiful every year. We have alot to look forward to. Dubai watch out.

Josh B.
Monday, December 17th, 2007 @ 7:38pm
Rating: Five stars.
The design is very interesting! Reminds me of numerous spires in Prague, Czech Republic. It will be a beautiful addition to the Chicago skyline and the nearby green space is great! Build up, not out. Cheers!

Ray M. Everitt
Sunday, December 16th, 2007 @ 12:21pm
Rating: Five stars.
Super cool , eat your heart out Trump . This is a beautiful building that I would love to live in . This is the kind of beauty that architects havn't had the courage to build in the USA for a long time .

Michelle
Saturday, December 15th, 2007 @ 1:34pm
Rating: One star.
I agree with Peter Vargas. It's a nice building and all, but it really doesn't fit in with the rest of the Chicago architecture. It looks about as horrendous as Could Gate and the renovation to soldier field.

just me
Thursday, December 13th, 2007 @ 10:10pm
Rating: Five stars.
This is a beuatiful building i can not wait to see it done' i love Chicago!!

Justin
Tuesday, December 11th, 2007 @ 2:41pm
Rating: Five stars.
I love the way this building looks. The spire belongs here in Chicago where the skyscrappers where first started. This will be a beatiuful addition to the skyline!

urbaneddie
Sunday, December 9th, 2007 @ 4:17pm
Rating: Four stars.
I prefer the earlier versions with a more tapered top instead of the flat topped present version. Hopefully they will fine-tune that & once it's done it will be even better yet.Or, given the current real estste climate, it could end up a much shorter version of itself. They have already started construction of the foundation, but they can always lower the finished height if they can't sell enough units.

christina
Wednesday, December 5th, 2007 @ 2:59pm
Rating: One star.
in theory, good idea. with chicago having a reputation for its historical landmarks, skyline and the like, not good. its an eye-sore in my city. shame.

Lynn Poupore
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007 @ 4:38pm
Rating: Five stars.
Tremendous vision. Nice to see someone thinking outside of the box. What an asset to an already magnificent city !

JB
Tuesday, November 13th, 2007 @ 1:18pm
Rating: Five stars.
This is one awesome building. Can't wait to see it completed. Chicago rules!

Chris
Friday, November 9th, 2007 @ 9:37pm
Rating: Five stars.
I give it 5 stars for impact on the skyline ...very impressive height, but it kind of looks like a huge drill bit.

K Sanderson
Monday, November 5th, 2007 @ 7:33pm
Rating: Five stars.
it will be interesting to see how the "city of the big shoulders" will encompass a building that seems more suitable for the "city of the tall skinny pointy cones." it is a beautiful building nonetheless, though.

liz rudolph
Sunday, November 4th, 2007 @ 2:53pm
Rating: One star.
when i think of the skyline of the city i grew up in, i think of the classic balance of the sears tower at one end and the hancock building at the other. plopping this DRILL BIT in the center is an abomination and would only kill it.

Scott
Thursday, November 1st, 2007 @ 12:22pm
Rating: Four stars.
I am glad and rather proud to have this structure in my 'back yard' however, I wish the spire or "needle" had been kept in the original design. It somehow (now) looks incomplete. Regardless, it is another affirmation of Chicago's long standing history of ground breaking architecture.

henk.slagman
Tuesday, October 30th, 2007 @ 12:59pm
Rating: Five stars.
this is the real global magnificient city.Always friendly open minded.

Magda
Monday, October 29th, 2007 @ 8:15pm
Rating: Five stars.
i think that the Chicago Spire is a great skyscraper with a great architecture. We should be really lucky that it's going to be in our windy city!!!!!

Travis from Judson
Monday, October 29th, 2007 @ 4:31pm
Rating: Five stars.
Since i am a first year student in the western burbs of chicago i find this to be a great inspiration to be different. The chicago spire will never be confsed with any other structure in the world and may just be a major selling point of the 2016 olympics.

Mintchy House
Monday, October 29th, 2007 @ 3:39pm
Rating: Five stars.
beautiful structure with a wonderful shape,marvelous architecture.great design for santiago calatrava & congratulation to chicago the homeland of skyscrapers

Frost
Sunday, October 28th, 2007 @ 12:47am
Rating: Five stars.
Being from NYC and and proud as hell of my skyline, I must say, Chicago is taking the cake with this one.

Katarzyna
Wednesday, October 24th, 2007 @ 3:31pm
Rating: Five stars.
I work next door and have opportunity to watch it being built. it is amazing just to know how it will look when it is done.I think that this tower will be like a shining star on a Chicago Skyline.

Tim
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007 @ 5:16pm
Finally something international is in Chicago besides O'Hare Airport!

Adam Batcheller
Monday, October 22nd, 2007 @ 8:32pm
Rating: Five stars.
Having just discovered the wonderful world called Chicago, the spire can only enhance their awesome skyline

Chris
Saturday, October 20th, 2007 @ 4:30pm
Rating: Five stars.
Looks amazing! I wished I lived in it!

Aaron
Wednesday, October 17th, 2007 @ 9:31pm
This building is AWESOME Chicago deserves it as it is the birthplace of the skyscraper. It would be even better if it was the tallest in the world but i'll take 2,000 feet of beautiful

S. Achs
Monday, October 15th, 2007 @ 6:52pm
Rating: Five stars.
Absolutely positively a great statement for the city of broad shoulders. Chicago should again reclaim the world's tallest building (i.e. add the spire to the spiral) title, taking it away from Dubai's Burj Dubai. Trump must be furious!

John P Martin
Saturday, October 13th, 2007 @ 5:17am
Rating: Five stars.
Being a Chicaogan I am very excited and proud to see the city reclaim the title of at least the tallest residential building in the world I think they should just add a spire on top to reclaim the tallest in the world Period...Chicago never seems to stop striving for the best. Long live Mayor Daley!

Christian
Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 @ 8:48pm
Rating: Five stars.
I love it. I live 2 hours away from chicagho and love the city. I am gald to see the tallest building in North America to be the beatiful lake side city. Chicago is home to modern architecture and birthplace of the skyscrapper. This tower will be a start to a revolution of great modern architecture to come in this great city.

janet sachs
Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 @ 8:16pm
Rating: Five stars.
This is the most amazing, beautiful structure I have ever seen in all the world,and I have traveled everywhere.

Helene
Sunday, August 26th, 2007 @ 9:12am
Rating: Five stars.
We love Calatrava's Turning Torso building in Sweden and this will be even more grand! Also looking forward to Calatrava's bridge planned in Dallas!

JB
Saturday, August 25th, 2007 @ 10:07am
Rating: Five stars.
Yes, Chicagoans like to brag, but so do New Yorkers, or Bostonians. There is nothing wrong with being proud of where you are from or what your city has accomplished.Chicago, a WORLD CLASS CITY, great, awesome, fantastic, superb! That is what we call PRIDE. Pride in what we build, by hardworking people who take pride in what they accomplished, building Skyscrapers, transforming and expanding the Chicago lakefront, making Chicago the city it is today.It’s not Santiago doing Iron Work on the 150th floor, its ordinary men and women. So if Chicagoans like to brag about what ordinary Chicagoans have built, let them brag.That’s called Pride! Nothing wrong Here in this FANTASTIC CITY

Keith
Friday, August 24th, 2007 @ 4:33pm
Rating: Five stars.
Chicago is a world class city, it only gets better, we validate ourselves... This building is a PROUD and very BOLD statement that Chicago is and always will be the "City of Big Shoulders" and the home of some of the most magnificent architecture found in America, not to mention the birthplace of the skyscraper.

Sean
Friday, August 24th, 2007 @ 10:20am
Nice building; nice lakefront. Just wish Chicago wasn't so insecure about itself being a "world-class" city. I mean how much constant reinforcement about Chicago's greatness can a person listen to without starting to think something's wrong here...

Christian
Monday, August 20th, 2007 @ 10:41pm
Rating: Five stars.
Magnifique. Architectural statement. will this help Chicago win the 2016 Olympics? Paris, Chicago's sister city, will vote 'oui'.

Krzysztof
Thursday, August 16th, 2007 @ 1:54am
Rating: Five stars.
This is the most oustanding creation among boring residential and commercial buildings (including Donald Trump tower)constracted by the Lake Shore area within last few years . I wish it could be taller but still makes me proud with the country and the city that became to be my home.

Jason King
Wednesday, August 15th, 2007 @ 1:35am
Rating: Five stars.
I've been scared that Dubai is getting all the skyscraper glory and am so happy to look at renderings of this building. BEAUTIFUL! I'm a New Yorker, but am so happy to see this go up to 150 stories. The Freedom Tower is great too, but NYC is too timid to build anything this tall. BRAVO!

Steve
Friday, August 10th, 2007 @ 12:41pm
Rating: Five stars.
A breathtaking addition to the Chicago skyline that will further enhance it's claim as the world's most beautiful. Calatrava's genius is manifest in this spire's subtle majesy which perfectly compliments Chicago's architectural, artistic and historic beauty. Bravo to Garrett Kelleher for boldly reaching for the stars... and overseas to astute European investors.For those of you who criticize this design in favor of something more in-line with the architecture that currently exists in Chicago, this building is meant to stand out and break the mold. It is a bold statement that will usher in a new era of architectural and artistic creativity. I am proud and happy to be moving back to Chicago this year!

nn
Thursday, August 9th, 2007 @ 5:51pm
Rating: Five stars.
I'm just glad that freedom tower in ny won't be the tallest building in the americas!

C. C.
Friday, August 3rd, 2007 @ 2:16pm
Rating: Five stars.
I am so proud to be Irish. This is a great building. The design is uplifting and majestic. Good man Garrett Kelleher.

vicky nichols
Thursday, August 2nd, 2007 @ 11:13pm
Rating: Five stars.
this is the coolest structure I've ever seen.I feel there's no better place to put such an unusual building.

Simon
Wednesday, August 1st, 2007 @ 9:59am
Rating: One star.
Sorry but this... thing is really ugly !well, the entry is nice, but when you pay over 2 bilions $ I think you can have a beter desing.*sorry for all my mistake, I don't speak well in english

RolandBuck
Sunday, July 29th, 2007 @ 10:47pm
Rating: Five stars.
Innovative, fantastic, and beautiful. I lived in Chigago when the Prudential Building was built. It was the first high rise building built in Chicago after WWII and was the tallest building in Chicago for a time. There has been an enourmous amount of high rise construction since then. As part of this ongoing process this tower calls for an encore. An even taller building for Chicago that will again be the world's tallest.

AL
Monday, July 23rd, 2007 @ 7:40pm
Chicago is in the heartland of America, so it is only fair that we have the world's tallest building once again!!

jörg Merten
Monday, July 23rd, 2007 @ 5:17am
Rating: Five stars.
fantastic tower ! five stars ! I hope they will get the investors to realize it !

Daro
Sunday, July 22nd, 2007 @ 11:15pm
Rating: Five stars.
It's gonna be amazing. I live in Chicago 'n I love this city

David Shmuel
Sunday, July 22nd, 2007 @ 5:14pm
Rating: Five stars.
The beauty of this structure lies in its subtlety. The fluid twists of the structure makes for a fascinating flow that's not overdone. This is a nice addition that deserves to be showcased on the lakefront.I'd like to make one note about the desire to create another world's tallest building in Chicago (the current one is now being constructed in Dubai). As a Chicago native, I can understand this sentiment. However, I think it's time to move on from this desire. More than anything, Chicago's objective should be to continue creating interesting, original, iconic architecture that will make the skyline even better than it is today.

Peter Nelson
Thursday, July 19th, 2007 @ 1:49am
Rating: Five stars.
Calatrava's Spire will make a very nice complement to Bertrand Goldberg's twin Marina City towers (1964), farther in on the same north bank of the Chicago River, which are round and have always seemed straight out of "The Jetsons." Speaking of which, the Spire will also go with the rocketlike, Art Deco Mather Tower (1928) on the south bank, the second building west of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. The mile-long Main Stem of the Chicago River has such an awesome collection of buildings, with the river's modest width affording tremendous views from either bank. Of course, the lengthwise views west from Lake Michigan, with the Spire as a gateway landmark, and east from the far side of the junction of the North & South Branches are terrific. Not to mention the views from down on the river itself!

paul trewin
Monday, July 16th, 2007 @ 5:27pm
this is where the skyscaper was born so it fits into a supercity quite well.

Carol Saunders
Saturday, July 14th, 2007 @ 8:07pm
Horrible. It looks like a giant phallus.

Kordell
Saturday, July 14th, 2007 @ 12:30pm
Rating: Five stars.
When this building is finished I think the people of Chicago will like it I know I will because I was born and raised in Chicago and I would like my city to get bigger skyscrapers and make our city look better and be recognized

Peter Vargas
Friday, July 13th, 2007 @ 7:56pm
Rating: Two stars.
Horrible. The fact that so many people like this building makes me sick. Maybe I will like it better when its done, but for right now I think this building would be an eye sore sitting amongst the classical style buildings that dominate Chicago. This is the wrong city for this building.

Mike C.
Friday, July 13th, 2007 @ 3:56pm
Rating: Five stars.
Awesome architechture and great location choice. Moved to Chicago last year and can't get over how beautiful this city is. The Spire is going to make the skyline even better.

Digital Junkie
Friday, July 13th, 2007 @ 1:01am
Rating: Four stars.
I gave it four stars, not because of it's disign (the design is a five in my opinion), but because I realy think it should be taller! Face it the building is already tall; what's a few hundred more feet to take the record for at least a while (given what is going to be built in the near future in Dubai).

Rob B.
Thursday, July 12th, 2007 @ 2:47am
Rating: Five stars.
MAN I LOVE THIS CITY! Just making the worlds greatest skyline even better!

Anthony
Tuesday, July 10th, 2007 @ 4:44pm
Rating: Five stars.
I can't wait for completion of this project. As stated by most people, this will be an amazing addition to the already breath-taking Chicago skyline.Plus, for someone who lives in Chicago [I] it will be great to drive/walk by to watch as construction goes on.

Philip Blow
Tuesday, July 10th, 2007 @ 3:55am
Rating: Five stars.
This gives yet another reason to revisit Chicago.Hope they put an obsevvation deck at the top.

Jerryg
Monday, July 9th, 2007 @ 12:00pm
Rating: Five stars.
I drove by the site this weekend and it is starting to be filled with construction/excavation equipment! Sorry Donald, but it looks like your worst fear is almost ready to begin blocking your views! Of course, your customers will have a great view of someone elses building!

Matt
Sunday, July 8th, 2007 @ 1:09pm
Rating: Five stars.
I love this tower, it continues the tradition of fabulous arcitecture in the wonderful city of Chicago. A response to Jimbo: There is a reason why people build tall skinny buildings now a days. It's called lack of space. We can still be creative with these tall buildings though so they don't look like " boxes of crayons." That's what buildings in Chicago try to do with such structures as the Sears Tower, The Handcock, and now the Spire. Panama just needs to be a little more imaginitive thats all.

Diego
Friday, July 6th, 2007 @ 2:04am
Rating: Five stars.
Este prédio é incrivel!Tem uma arqueitetura ousada e de alguma maneira me lembra de algo, trazendo, assim, uma sensação de ser algo já conhecido

JB
Thursday, July 5th, 2007 @ 9:30am
Rating: Five stars.
Responding to the last post. As A Chicagoan, if we built every skyscraper proposal, Chicago would look unorganized, unplanned, COSMETIC. Chicago will always be a place for MODERN, Skyscrapers, and they do a Fantastic Job, linking the past, present and future. Dubai, yes is MODERN, because everything just got built in the last 4 Years. No History there....4 years ago, nothing. Chicago will continue to grow & build, and sometimes even shock you, and I am glad, we dont build every "Skyneedle Proposal" that comes around.

Patrick N.
Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007 @ 7:10pm
Rating: Five stars.
Unique in the world. Imagine the Spire at night, framed by "Big John" and the Sears Tower, as you approach the city. Breathtaking!

Brandon
Monday, July 2nd, 2007 @ 9:51pm
Rating: Five stars.
I have lived in Chicago all of my life and i cant wait to see this building finished.

Christopher Richardson
Monday, July 2nd, 2007 @ 3:08pm
Dubai is the place for modern skyscrapers...they are not afraid to do cazy things...As an American I think we do more dreaming than realization.... caution, be careful, double check....over here they seem to be willing to be very American PRE 1990

Eric
Monday, July 2nd, 2007 @ 2:51pm
Rating: Three stars.
I think we should build this building... However I think we should build it taller so we will once again hold the record for the tallest building in the world! Go CHICAGO!!!

JORGE LUIS GÓMEZ AGUIRRE
Monday, July 2nd, 2007 @ 12:59pm
Rating: Five stars.
Interesante proyécto donde se demuestra una vez mas la lucha por ostentar la conquistaa del cielo...

R. Adam Peters
Sunday, July 1st, 2007 @ 11:49pm
Rating: Four stars.
Although I'm not sure yet how The Spire fits in with the Chicago School aesthetic, ther's no doubt it will add drama and beauty to the worlds best skyline. i miss you wild onion!!!!

Stephen
Sunday, July 1st, 2007 @ 3:45pm
Rating: Five stars.
After being amazed by the origional plan then dissapointed by subsequent modifications, I am once again impressed by the "final" design concept. Everytime I'm around streeterville or on the lakefront, my mind can picture the sophisticated cylinder soon to be thrust skyward. Hopefully the spire won't just be in my imagination much longer. Build it already!

stanley j wozniak
Thursday, June 28th, 2007 @ 11:28pm
Rating: Five stars.
Without question this building will let the world know that the Chicago skyline is the most vibrant and most beautiful work of art on the planet ,with the sphire only making it greater. I like the e-mailer who suggested that it would remind people of our Native American people who would routinely hace bond fires that would spiral to the sky as would the sphire. this building should be a tribute to those great people and their ancesters who live here today.

Will
Thursday, June 28th, 2007 @ 9:19pm
Rating: Four stars.
The Spire is a great idea but it should be designed so that it is the tallest building in the world. Taller than the one in the United Arab Emirates.

Steven
Thursday, June 28th, 2007 @ 2:55pm
Rating: Five stars.
The spire will only add to the most awsome skyline in the world.

Frank
Wednesday, June 27th, 2007 @ 7:05pm
Rating: Five stars.
I think that it is awesome that one of the next tallest buildings in the world is being built in my hometown Chicago. I think that it is a great looking building and I cant wait until it is completed!

Mark Mead
Wednesday, June 27th, 2007 @ 8:21am
Rating: Four stars.
an interesting amalgamation of two other buildings (turning torso in malmo and the ghurkin in london)

Nirav Parikh
Tuesday, June 26th, 2007 @ 7:28pm
Rating: Five stars.
America always pushes the limit. Just one more addition to say we remain undefeated.

Ross Piton
Saturday, June 23rd, 2007 @ 5:44pm
Rating: Five stars.
You yanks are obsessed with height Nice tower though

gavin
Friday, June 22nd, 2007 @ 2:09pm
Rating: Five stars.
I love the building i just think it should be taller than the burj dubai in dubai so chicago can once again hold the title fo the tallest building in the world. i say build it, love the design!

J C Lennon
Wednesday, June 20th, 2007 @ 2:00am
Rating: Five stars.
Calatrava is a genius in art and archetecture. I have been a fan for many years now. I am a bit concerned that the final design is a bit suggestive of ...a...well...no one else seems to want to say it, but I love Chicago and want it to be admired for the remarkable design, not snickered at like adolescent tween-agers seeing something naughty for the first time. It's still awesome.

Pierre
Tuesday, June 19th, 2007 @ 9:14pm
Rating: Four stars.
Superbe! I enjoy good design, and with the latest drawing, the Chicago Spire is very good. As sister city to Paris in the US, Chicago will have a beautiful addition for a city with architecture history. Magnifique!

Fernando Siqueira
Monday, June 18th, 2007 @ 10:38am
Rating: Five stars.
Loovely..Chicago skyline will be even better.. very nice.. MY KIND OF TOWN!!!!

brandon
Sunday, June 10th, 2007 @ 8:39pm
Rating: Five stars.
although chicago may not be "the most beautiful city in the world" i think it has the potential to have the most amazing skyline in at least North America. i guess that was the whole point i was trying to make via all of my posts.

Cosmo
Friday, June 8th, 2007 @ 2:02pm
Rating: Five stars.
Great building, living in Chicago myself I cannot wait to see this building finished.

Noah kiptoo
Friday, June 8th, 2007 @ 10:57am
Rating: Five stars.
this will be a wonderful building.Its refreshing to see human creativity. i dream of visiting the city of chicago to see it for myself.

daved
Thursday, June 7th, 2007 @ 9:51pm
Rating: Five stars.
wow what a sexy building why cant it be built in toronto lol

Eman
Thursday, June 7th, 2007 @ 5:45pm
Rating: Five stars.
Excellent design. BUILD IT!!! It would be nice to top it off with a spire. Hopefully Chi-Town will recap the title for "Worlds Tallest Building" again. Thank you.

Steve Noble
Wednesday, June 6th, 2007 @ 1:15pm
Rating: One star.
Please bring back your original tapered design Mr. Calatrava! The Chicago 'Spire' is to be the United States most majestic structure; an inspiration to architecture enthusiasts; a beacon for the olympic torch!

brandon
Tuesday, June 5th, 2007 @ 9:32pm
Rating: Five stars.
Wright once said something to the effect that Chicago will be the last great beautiful city in the United States. I believe wholeheartly his vision was correct and I also think he would approve of the Spire.

Damion Black
Monday, June 4th, 2007 @ 2:09pm
Rating: Four stars.
Once again,Im here to say that I agree with Mr. Matt Witt. The building is awesome, but it is incomplete and missing something without the spire. Before it is too late, they should keep the current design and height, and add a beautiful spire to it. Then it will be a complete masterpiece.

Dorin Chudin
Thursday, May 31st, 2007 @ 5:48pm
Rating: Three stars.
Looks amazing but something has to be done about the top 1/3 portion of the building in the previews version looked more pure and graceful

Matt Witt
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007 @ 11:39am
Rating: Four stars.
Overall, this is a beautiful structure and will be a great addition to one of America's most captivating skylines. However, I am very disappointed that it will not be built to the original vision. Even though the changes to the top of the spire are subtle, it results in a stunted, less dramatic and certainly less regal appearance than the original concept.

freddy
Monday, May 28th, 2007 @ 11:41pm
Rating: One star.
Somebody said it was a work of art.A tube with a twist in it is a work of art? I don't get it. It's lame. It's bacause it's such a terribly small piece of land to work with. This limits the creation of something worthwhile.

Emilio
Saturday, May 26th, 2007 @ 4:55pm
Rating: Four stars.
I love this project, his beauty, his structure and his location in the city. This building sharpens the chicagoan skyline. I think that it contributes to order the urban volumes (Sears Tower, Eon Tower and John Hancock Center) since the center of the Down Town. Calatrava’s language has been exhausted in bridges and public spaces; now, he finds new opportunities in the skyscrapers.

Jordan Wright
Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 @ 6:05am
Rating: Five stars.
I especially plan to make a trip to the windy city just to see this building in 2010. Also to see the Trump Tower, of course, and the Sears Tower...... Okay so pretty much just see Chicago. I've always wanted to go, because Ohio stinks, I will finally come to see this spectacular piece of art in the most beautiful city in the world.

brandon
Monday, May 21st, 2007 @ 6:37pm
Rating: Five stars.
A Second City masterpiece, amazing and incredible.

Vic
Monday, May 21st, 2007 @ 2:51pm
Rating: Five stars.
This building belongs here. And to Eric Osbourne, who says it belongs in London or France, I do believe you are wrong. To call Chicagos Skyline boring is being either misinformed or Jealous. Come to Chicago and see for yourself. Besides, Paris doesn't allow taller buildings that the Eiffel Tower since a law passed in 1971 said so. Parisians hate skyscrapers but love cities like New York. Go figure.

Bonnie K Brennan Properties
Monday, May 21st, 2007 @ 3:23am
Rating: Five stars.
The Chicago Spire an example of what makes Chicago the greatest city in world. A skyline filled with the spirit of our city Innovation, Imagination and Determination.

Vikas Ahuja
Thursday, May 17th, 2007 @ 6:02pm
Rating: Four stars.
Inspiring design, cutting edge engineering. Choice of city and keen sense of neighborhood development also very good.

Alejandro Moreira
Thursday, May 17th, 2007 @ 2:38pm
Rating: Five stars.
No other city like Chicago, I love Chicago and the beautifull lakefront, I used to live in this Town and I hope to be there when the building is ready

corvallis criss
Thursday, May 17th, 2007 @ 8:57am
Rating: Five stars.
what a great idea for the city of chicago i cant wait to see the finishing product

Jimbo
Wednesday, May 16th, 2007 @ 10:26am
Rating: Five stars.
Very cool looking building (The Spire) and I'm looking forward to seeing it's progress as it reaches for the stars. I would like to add though that I think developers should try to not only build tall skinny buildings as they have been doing for the past 5 years now, but mix it up a little bit with some 50-60 floor wider based buildings too. Tall skinny towers are nice, but if there are too many of them they will just blend one right into the next; for example Panama City has this situation now. Panama City basically looks like a big box of crayons pointing up in the air and actually is rather boring to look at. So, even though the cereal box metality of the 1960's and 70's seems rather boring to architecture enthusists around the world, if boxy buildings are mixed in properly with the surrounding skyline, then those buildings if nicley colored can be appealing to look at too and really mix up the skyline to make it more exciting.

Victor Fernando Tovar
Wednesday, May 16th, 2007 @ 3:02am
Rating: Five stars.
In the 1880's the world's first skycraper was build here in Chicago, I can't wait for that era to come back to this wonderful city. I always bet for innovation and Chicago has a rich history of that, I have no doubt that Calatrava was the best choice to keep Chicago's remarkable architectural heritage. As always said, Chicago's skyline should be always on top of every other city's skyline as the beginning.

Zoolii
Tuesday, May 15th, 2007 @ 9:53am
Rating: Five stars.
Very nice building. Look like a gigantic drill-bit.

Fabian Caro
Monday, May 14th, 2007 @ 12:38pm
Rating: Five stars.
Excellent, that begins promptly the construction to be able to see since we go on from the paper to the reality

Aureliano Garcia
Sunday, May 13th, 2007 @ 5:17pm
Rating: Five stars.
Esplendido proyecto felicito a la ciudad por haberlo aprobado. Enhorabuena

brandon
Sunday, May 13th, 2007 @ 4:58pm
Rating: Five stars.
I think that once seen by those who have not given the city a second thought will be quite surprized at the grandeur of not just the spire but the city as a whole a truly great city and one that deserves to hold the 2016 oylmpics

J. Wesley
Sunday, May 13th, 2007 @ 10:09am
Rating: Five stars.
Breathtaking! Being from Dallas, TX. I've seen the birth of a lot of highrise buildings, nothing as dynamic as the "Spire." Trump is a blowhard & I question whether his NY following will bail him out on his Chicago Bldg. He best stay in NY. My advice to Don "better thought a fool than open mouth & removes doubts!"

arquialvarez
Saturday, May 12th, 2007 @ 6:05pm
Rating: Five stars.
chicago is a design catalogue of the most importants buildings.frank lloyd right,mies van der rohe ...amd all of our teachers...

lowell
Saturday, May 12th, 2007 @ 2:20pm
Rating: Four stars.
That was Hemingway and he was talking about Oak Park, IL. and the quote was "wide yards and narrow minds." Chicago does not have wide lanes? and I dont get the context. Building seems pretty amazing. The 7 points seems a little disconcerting as it lacks semitry. But I think its that edge that really makes it unconsciencely intriguing.I thought the nine petals of the Lotus temple in Delhi fit well. I think 7 points of this tower will create just the right amount of disemitry as would the right amount diss