111 West Wacker tops out

31-Oct-13 – The luxury apartment tower at West Wacker Drive and North Clark Street, being built from the ruins of a project that failed five years ago, has grown to its full height. Related Midwest announced late Wednesday it has “topped out” 111 West Wacker Drive, placing the last beam at the top of the 60-story building.

(Left) 111 West Wacker Drive under construction on August 17, 2013. (Click on image to view larger version.)

Often at construction sites, there is a “topping out” ceremony to commemorate the event. A spokesperson for Related Midwest said earlier in the week that while they were not planning anything formal, a lunch would be organized to thank the workers.

“This has been one of Chicago’s most-watched development sites in recent history,” said Curt Bailey (right), president of Related Midwest, in a news release.

“We know Chicagoans have been extremely interested in the progress, which is why their support and anticipation for its opening next year makes the building’s topping off today even more special – and not just for us, but for the city.”

Originally planned as the Waterview Tower and Shangri-La Hotel, construction only got as far as the 28th floor before financial issues stalled the project in 2008. Related Midwest acquired the site in July 2011 and resumed construction in November 2012.

When completed next year, the 950,000 square foot building will offer 504 luxury rental units. Related Midwest says the first tenants will move in to 111 West Wacker Drive next summer.

 Related story: Tower crane to rise again at 111 Wacker