400 Lake Shore Drive facts for kids

400 Lake Shore Drive is a plan for two very tall buildings in Chicago, Illinois. These buildings would be connected and would stand near the city's beautiful lakefront. A company called Related Midwest is working to make this project happen. The famous design firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (often called SOM) created the look for these towers. If everything goes as planned, the buildings could be finished by 2023.

What is 400 Lake Shore Drive?

This project is about building two new skyscrapers. They are planned to be residential, meaning people will live in apartments inside them. The buildings are designed to be quite tall, reaching about 1,100 feet (335 meters) into the sky. This height would make them some of the tallest buildings in Chicago.

Why Build New Skyscrapers in Chicago?

Chicago is famous for its amazing architecture and many tall buildings. It's often called the "birthplace of the skyscraper." Building new towers like 400 Lake Shore Drive helps the city grow. It also adds more homes for people who want to live in the city center. New buildings can also bring new jobs during construction.

Who is Designing These Towers?

The design firm Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, or SOM, is designing 400 Lake Shore Drive. SOM is a very well-known company that has designed many famous buildings around the world. They are known for creating modern and strong structures. Some of their other famous designs include the Willis Tower in Chicago and the One World Trade Center in New York City. Their experience means they know how to design very tall and safe buildings.

When Will the Buildings Be Ready?

The plan is for the 400 Lake Shore Drive towers to be finished by 2023. However, building such large structures takes a lot of time and planning. There are many steps involved, like getting special permits and making sure the designs are perfect. Sometimes, these projects can take longer than expected.