Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Welcome Vista: Site Prep Begins for 3rd Tallest Building in Chicago

By David Matthews | August 1, 2016 3:03pm | Updated on August 1, 2016 3:24pm
 Check out the latest renderings for a 93-story tower coming to Wacker Drive. 
New Vista Tower renderings
View Full Caption

DOWNTOWN — Move over, Willis and Trump: workmen began site preparations Monday for what will be the city's third tallest building, a 93-story luxury complex at 381 E. Wacker Drive.

The supertall Vista Tower, at 1,444 feet, will nudge out Aon Center by eight feet when completed in a projected April of 2020 to take its place with Willis Tower and Trump Tower among the big three.

A pair of workmen could be seen at the site using a hydraulic drill, a modest beginning to what will be a notable change to the city's skyline. 

Vista, a $950 million project from Jeanne Gang, is a venture between Magellan and Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group. Once built, the frustum-shaped tower will contain a hotel as well as 406 luxury condominiums.

Condo prices range from roughly $1 million for a 1,000-square-foot, one-bedroom unit to $17.1 million for the two-floor, 7,000-square-foot penthouse at the top of the tower.

Last month, David Carlins of Magellan Development Group outlined his plan to build what would also be the tallest in the world designed by a woman. 

At the time, he said foundation work and associated road closures near Wacker Drive would start "in earnest" by August, Carlins told neighbors at Aqua tower.

 

"This is a 3.5- to four-year construction period, so things will come up along the way, and we're anxious to meet everyone's concerns," Carlins said at the time.

RELATED: Check Out These Panoramic Views From The 90th Floor Of Future Vista Tower

Work will last from roughly 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day during the massive construction project, which will bring various road closures and other traffic impacts over the next few years. 

Neighbors access to the Chicago Riverwalk through Lower Field Boulevard will be closed beginning next month, and other thoroughfares including Wacker and Waterside drives will be impacted, too. 

RELATED: This 93-Story 'Luxury' Tower Is Coming To Wacker Drive (PHOTOS)

Last month's presentation included executives from McHugh Construction and was arranged by Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd).

Click the slideshow above or scroll down below for more slides detailing the various road closures associated with Vista's construction:


[All slides courtesy of McHugh Construction]

 

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: