By: Ashmar Mandou

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined Magellan Development, Dalian Wanda Group, Alderman Brendan Reilly and Architect Jeanne Gang on September 7th to break ground on the highly-anticipated Vista Tower in the Lakeshore East neighborhood. “The Vista Tower will not only enhance our city’s great skyline, but it will stand strong as a testament to Chicago’s status as a global destination for investment, commerce and tourism,” Mayor Emanuel said. “This multi-year project will create thousands of jobs and bring many opportunities for Chicagoans everywhere. And breaking ground on this project today shows our commitment to collaboration, and doubling down on every investment to benefit every neighborhood in the City of Chicago.”

Set to be the third tallest building in Chicago, Vista Tower is a joint venture between Magellan Development Group, led by co-CEO’s Joel Carlins and Jim Loewenberg, and the Beijing-based Dalian Wanda Group. The Jeanne Gang designed structure is comprised of Vista Residences and a 5-star Wanda Vista Hotel that will include approximately 200 hotel rooms, which is the first branded Wanda Hotel location in the U.S. Preparation for construction began in mid-August and the residential development is creating more than 2,000 construction jobs and more than 500 permanent jobs. Magellan is working with McHugh Construction Co., a Chicago-based general contractor, for the development of Vista Tower and have worked with the company on a number of past residential projects, including the Jeanne Gang-designed Aqua tower.

“Considered one of the most innovative residential developments in Chicago to date, Vista Tower is a strong investment in our community and will represent increased connectivity for both Chicago and the Lakeshore East neighborhood,” said Alderman Brendan Reilly. “The 42nd Ward and Magellan Development have collaborated, and will continue to work together, to ensure the project promotes balanced, responsible growth and sustains the integrity of its community through the entire development process.”

Pedestrian and automobile improvements will also be made to Vista’s surrounding area, including an extension of East Upper Wacker Drive connecting to Waterside Drive as well as a newly-enhanced access point between the Lakeshore East Park and the Chicago. “I believe that Vista will be a powerful beacon in Chicago, changing the way people view and think about skyscrapers and their relationship to the waterfront,” said Jeanne Gang, Founding Principal of Studio Gang. “While Vista is unique in Chicago’s skyline, this building will create a powerful dialogue with the city and the lake, providing a much-needed connection between Lakeshore East and downtown Chicago.”