New Building On Michigan Ave? Say a Prayer

By Margaret Lyons in News on Jun 2, 2004 8:40PM

The Fourth Presbyterian Church, on Michigan Avenue and Delaware, recently distributed packets to its members that outlines a plan to build a 64-story, 240-unit condominium on what's currently church property. The building would go up behind the church, which would remain intact, and would provide additional space for the church’s growing congregation. Presbyterians do stuff by voting—crazy!—and members will vote June 13 on the proposal.
The church is considering selling the $25 million propert to Edward James Partners LLC and Opus North Corp as part of its Project Light, a $52 million capital campaign that has already raised $17 million. Can I get an amen? The proposed building, designed by Chicago architect Lucien Lagrange, would include “wall of curved green glass that overlooks the historic Gothic church.”
Of course, the project is being met with a decent amount of bitching. The presidents of the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents and the Connors Park Neighborhood Coalition have complained that the proposed structure is too big and will cause further congestion on the already miserable Michigan Ave.