Irish developer to build world’s tallest residential building

Irishman Garrett Kelleher, chairman of Shelbourne Development, has gained approval from The Chicago Planning Commission for the building of The Chicago Spire, set to be the tallest building in the USA or Europe.

The proposed 2,000 sq foot elegantly twisting tower with 150 floors containing 1,200 modern residences would be the tallest exclusively residential building in the world.

Kelleher will be the developer and owner of the building and has lined up a global team of construction, engineering and property professionals.

“The Chicago Spire will define a new lifestyle for US and international purchasers,” said Kelleher. “We are delighted that the city of Chicago has embraced Santiago Calatrava’s vision and I know that The Chicago Spire will become a world-renowned building in a short few years.”

Work on the Santiago Calatrava-desgined project site is due to start within the next month and the apartments will be marketed globally by Savills starting this summer. The building is planned to be completion by 2010.

The Chicago Spire will be located on a 2.2 acre site at 400 North Lake Shore Drive, where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan.

Architect Calatrava said that he set out “to design an innovative and soaring tower that would transform a naturally beautiful site into a truly special destination”.

The Chicago Spire will include a four-storey glass lobby area and the building will have an advanced energy efficiency and environmental policy.

Because of the unusual shape of the building, no two residences will be the same. Each apartment is expected to be large, although detailed designs of internal layouts and prices have not yet been finalised. These will be announced within the next few months.