The Sears tower was the tallest building in the world until 1997. But it was still the tallest building in the Western hemisphere since its completion in 1973. However, New York will once again take the title when it completes the new World Trade Center in 2013. But nobody can take away our title of having the first skyscraper climber. more ›

It was supposed to be the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, but now it's just an expensive hole in the ground. Crains is reporting that foreclosure lawsuits have been filed by the Anglo Irish Bank Corporation against Garrett Kelleher and Shelbourne Development, builder of the Chicago Spire, alleging that loans made a year ago are in default. The AIBC is likely to overtake the money pit, according to the AP. more ›

If at first you don't succeed, try try try try again. As we told you yesterday, the oft-delayed installation of the Trump Tower spire is finally complete. And now comes this fantastic pic of the magical moment, courtesy of reader scrapplequeen. Hooray for closure! Now about that Chicago Spire... more ›

Architect Santiago Calatrava has stopped work on the Chicago Spire skyscraper and filed a lien against Dublin-based developer Shelbourne Development Ltd., claiming he's owed $11.34 million in work on the planned 2,000 foot tall building. [Cago Real Estate Daily] more ›

Developers for the Chicago Spire failed to pay over $400,000 in property taxes. A spokeswoman blamed a mailing problem, saying the tax bills had gone to the wrong address...but is it a symptom of a bigger problem? more ›

$15 million buys a nice apartment, especially in the future. Shelbourne Development has officially open a sales office for the 1,194 residences in the Spire, the upcoming architectural marvel and source of an absolutely endless number of wiener jokes. Units—zing!—are priced at around $1,400 per square foot; according to the Trib, most luxury condos in Chicago cost between $750 and $1,100 per square foot. And...our eyeballs just turned to dollar signs. more ›

Here’s what we missed while we were watching loud, fast planes and asthmatic midgets: Bailiwick Rep is working to expand their audience with Hogwash, a family friendly improv show, playing Saturday afternoons through November 17, and a special “Naked Night” performance of Barenaked Lads September 7 where performers and audience alike will bare it all. And it’s for a good cause. (link is NSFW, more or less) As foundation work commences for the Chicago Spire,... more ›

Four international club teams are slated to match up this Friday and Sunday in the first ever Chicago Trophy Soccer Tournament at Soldier Field. Each team will play two matches and be awarded three points for a win and bonus points for goals to determine who gets to take home the Chicago Trophy, which was designed by Santiago Calatrava the Spanish Architect who also designed the Chicago Spire. The teams were selected to try and... more ›

Thursday, the controversial Chicago Spire received approval from the Chicago Plan Commission, bringing it one step closer to a reality on the Chicago skyline. The design has continued to change from the original Fordham Spire's pyramid like shape topped with a TV tower, to a flat top twizzler, and finally onto its current rounded top incarnation. The design shown to the Plan Commission was slightly different than the one shown last month to Streeterville residents.... more ›

DuSable Park should have its own place in history as a figure of speech. Example: “Sure, I’ll call you back, when DuSable Park is finished”. DuSable was originally discussed in 1988. Wrigley got lights, the Bears lost to the 49ers in the NFC Championship, Daley was a year away from being mayor, and DuSable Park was only going to cost $1.2 million. Today, estimates put the completion of DuSable park at around $12 million,... more ›

Architect Santiago Calatrava and developer Garrett Kelleher are making the rounds, looking to generate buzz for their newly redesigned Drill Bit on the Lake. The Chicago Spire (nee Calatrava Spire) as planned will be exceedingly thin and stand around 2,000 feet tall (160 stories): the Manute Bol of skyscrapers. When completed (or if, if you ask Donald “you’re fired” Trump), it could be the world’s tallest, eclipsing Taipei 101 and NYC’s planned Freedom Tower. The... more ›

"flowing steel I" via D. James more ›