Developers Seeking Approval for Chicago's Second Tallest Skyscraper

A skyscraper proposed for land formerly owned by Tribune Media has been redesigned to assuage the concerns of neighbors.

1 minute read

November 14, 2019, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Chicago, Illinois

Big changes coming to this location along the Chicago River. | Jose L. Stephens / Shutterstock

Developers Golub & Co. and CIM Group are seeking approval for a skyscraper that would become the second tallest in Chicago, trailing only the Willis Tower and climbing higher than the Trump International Hotel and Tower.

"The proposal to build the  skyscraper, next to Tribune Tower takes a key step Tuesday, when the developers unveil a revised plan that addresses neighbors’ complaints," reports Ryan Ori.

"One thing that’s not expected to change is the 1,422-foot height that would make the tower, designed by Chicago-based supertall building specialists Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill, just 29 feet shorter than Willis Tower. The design features a flared top that resembles the ears of Batman’s mask."

The development is notable not just for its expected size, but also because of the real estate deal that made the project possible. "The CIM and Golub venture bought the Tribune Tower property for $240 million in 2016," explains Ori. "It was sold by broadcast company Tribune Media."

Wednesday, November 13, 2019 in Chicago Tribune

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

: Construction of massive Samsung semiconductor fabrication plant

In Texas, data centers are swallowing promised parkland

Residents who moved to Taylor, Texas for a rural community now have to contend with three data centers in their backyard.

15 minutes ago - Inside Climate News

A construction crew working on SunZia.

How a Chicago-sized wind farm beat the odds and powered on

The project spanned five presidential administrations and a standoff with a U.S. military base.

1 hour ago - Grist

A rendering of the basketball court, a green court under a blue sky.

MTA gives itself 30 days to transform pit into basketball court

The site has been under construction since 2022; the city originally estimated it would finish the court in 2024.

2 hours ago - Gothamist