A Skyscraper Called Wanda: Massive Jeanne Gang Project In The Works

By Rachel Cromidas in News on Apr 8, 2015 2:45PM

Chicago’s third-tallest skyscraper could be called Wanda, according to plans developers are presenting to community members next week.

The Chicago-based Magellan Development Group has enlisted Jeanne Gang, the award-winning starchitect behind Aqua and the Lincoln Park Zoo's Nature Boardwalk, to design the hotel and condo tower proposed for 381-383 E. Wacker Dr. At 88 stories tall, the tower could be rivaled only by Trump International Hotel and Tower in River North and the Willis (Sears in our hearts) Tower, which takes the honor of being the city’s tallest building.

The project has been dubbed the Wanda Vista Tower because it is backed by the Chinese corporation the Wanda Group, according to DNAinfo. Wanda is reportedly spending about $900 million on the project, which could make it the single largest Chinese real estate investment in Chicago. The tower could include 390 apartment units and a 250-room five-star hotel.

First, the plans will have to gain local approval and pass the city council. Magellan is holding a meeting at 6 p.m. next Monday, April 13, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in the Jeanne Gang designed Aqua building at 221 N. Columbus Dr. The group will share their plans with New East Side community members.