On April 16, the Tribune Tower development team unveiled their development proposal for the historic Chicago Tribune Tower and a new super tall adjacent building that would be the second tallest in Chicago. Plans are moving forward. The developments will transform the former office complex into 163 new luxury condominiums within the historic tower, retail space, and hotel rooms. Total cost of the project is estimated to top $1 billion. After a legal process, the iconic Chicago Tribune’s sign will remain a fixture on Michigan Avenue and from the Chicago River.

The development team is a joint venture between Chicago’s Golub & Company and the Los Angeles-based CIM Group. The architect for the new construction tower is Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, while the historic redevelopment of Tribune Tower will be led by Chicago-based Solomon Cordwell Buenz in collaboration with preservation consultant Vinci-Hamp Architects.

Preservation Chicago applauds the development team, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly for helping to protect one of Chicago’s most important and visible buildings and a gateway to North Michigan Avenue. In 1922, the international design competition captured the world’s attention “to design the world’s most beautiful building” and it was home to one of the nation’s premier newspapers and broadcasting companies for nearly a century.

The primary elevations of the Chicago Tribune Tower were partially protected by its Chicago Landmark status. Preservation Chicago would ideally like to see all facades of the Tribune Tower protected by Chicago Landmark Designation along with Nathan Hale Court and Building, including the statue of Nathan Hale. Additionally, the WGN Radio Building, the Chicago Tribune Printing Building fronting Pioneer Court along with its iconic sign, and the 11-story WGN TV Building/former Chicago American Newspaper Headquarters should be considered for designation in the future.