Like most of Chicago’s bustling downtown neighborhoods, Streeterville is currently undergoing a development boom – several apartment towers, high-rise hotels, recreational trails, and other new developments are currently underway.
Learn more about some of the new projects to look forward to in this dynamic neighborhood located north of the Chicago River:
One Bennett Park
At approximately 850 feet, One Bennett Park is the tallest development that is currently under construction. Located at 451 E. Grand Street, the tower was designed by New York-based Robert A.M. Stern Architects, who has earned a reputation for designing buildings that “capture the soul” of the city they’re being built in.
In addition to setting a new standard for residential living, the project also includes a redesign of the park sitting right next to it. The overhaul will be led by Michael Van Valkenburgh, one of today’s most renowned landscape designers. Valkenburgh has worked on other outstanding Chicago projects such as the 606 Trail and the 20-acre Maggie Daley Park.
Northwestern University Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center
Northwestern University’s new research center is being constructed on the former location of the Prentice Women’s Hospital. The project is split into several phases, the first of which will be a 13-story tower designed by Perkins+Will, a reputable architecture and design firm that was established in 1935.
The research center was made possible by Louis Simpson and his wife Kimberly Querrey, who donated $92 million to the university.
Optima II
Optima II is the second tower set to rise at the Optima Chicago Center. At 57 stories, the tower will be 15 stories higher compared to its older brother, the Optima I, which is located right next door.
Similar to Optima I, Optima II will feature an expansive podium that will help in framing Cityfront Plaza, putting the residential tower in a very prominent position along the elongated venue. To make the podium less obtrusive, its ground floor is set back from the rest of the structure, with a line of columns that help mark its position.
Once completed, Optima II will rise to 587 feet, which makes it one of the taller buildings constructed in the past several years.
Marriott Autograph Hotel
The Windy City’s hotel market has been enjoying an upward momentum in recent years, and more and more new hotel projects continue to arrive at the greater downtown area.
The 21-story Marriott Autograph Hotel is one of the standouts among the crop, delivering an additional 200 hotel rooms to the downtown area once completed. The sleek, slate grey tower was designed by KOO LLC, a full-service architecture, interior design, and planning firm based right here in Chicago.
Navy Pier Flyover
The Navy Pier Flyover is designed as a safer and more scenic walking and biking path along the 18.5 mile Lakefront Trail. Strategically placed in one of the most heavily used portions of the trail, the flyover extends from the Chicago River Bridge all the way to Jane Addams Park.
Construction for the elevated path was started in March of 2014, and is expected to be completed sometime in 2018.