Old Chicago Main Post Office Redevelopment facts for kids

The Old Chicago Main Post Office Redevelopment was a huge plan for a 20-acre area. This area is located along the Chicago River in Downtown Chicago, Illinois. The project aimed to build new things over ten years. It included fixing up the historic Old Main Post Office building. It also planned for new homes, shops, fun places, and offices.

This big plan featured several tall buildings. The tallest one was meant to be a 120-story twin skyscraper. It would have been about 2,000 feet (610 m) tall. This would have made it the tallest building in the United States. It would have been over 500 feet (150 m) taller than the Willis Tower. This super tall building would have had offices, homes, and a hotel. The plan also included two 60-story buildings for homes. Plus, there was a 40-story hotel planned.

All these buildings would connect at ground level. This connecting area would be built over the Chicago River. It would also go over the Eisenhower Expressway.

Project Plans and Costs

The idea for this project was sent to the Chicago City Commission in July 2011. They needed to approve it, which was expected to take several months. The project was estimated to cost $3.5 billion. It was also expected to create 12,000 jobs.

Some people did not like the plan as it was. They said it seemed old-fashioned and like a suburb. They also called it an unrealistic dream. This was because it focused a lot on cars. It planned for 12,000 parking spaces and free parking. The shops were also designed like a shopping mall.

Approval and Outcome

The city voted on the plan and approved it on July 18, 2013. However, the land was sold in 2016. Because of this, the buildings in the plan were never built.

Images for kids

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  Old Main Post Office over Ida B. Wells Drive.

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  A postcard celebrating the New Chicago Post Office opening in 1933.

See also

In Spanish: Old Chicago Main Post Office Redevelopment para niños