The 1,361 foot large-scale, mixed use Trump International Hotel & Tower by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) stands at 401 N. Wabash in Chicago, the site of the former Chicago Sun-Times building. The tower marks the tallest building project in the United States since the SOM-designed Sears Tower, which was completed in 1974.

Upon completion in 2009, the new tower will contain a 225-room Trump International Hotel, 472 residential units, 50,000 square feet of retail space, 868 parking spaces, restaurant, spa, lounges and promenade. At 92 stories, the tower earns the prestigious distinction of becoming the fourth tallest structure as measured by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) in Chicago, after the Sears Tower, Aon Center and John Hancock Center.

The Trump International Hotel and Tower was originally conceived to be the tallest building in the world. After the attacks in New York on September, however, the plans were scaled back to a height of 415 meters. Just lower than the Sears Tower, which is also in Chicago. Once completed it will also be the world’s tallest residential tower, at least until Calatrava’s Chicago Spire is completed just down the river. The design of the building incorporates three setbacks to give it a visual continuity with the surrounding skyline. Each of the setbacks is designed to reflect the height of a nearby building: the first was designed to align with the Wrigley Building, the second with the Marina City Towers, and the third with the 330 North Wabash building. A riverfront park and pedestrian plaza is also expected to be built along the Chicago River.

The following text is from the architect’s website:

‘The building’s design strategy contributes a number of unique architectural and urban designs to Chicago. Trump International Hotel & Tower offers a significant new addition to the Chicago skyline and changes the way in which individuals experience the Chicago River. The tower is the first major riverfront project in the central business district to take full advantage of its waterfront location. Shaped to reflect its orientation along the riverfront, the tower’s width is sensitive to its surroundings. The south side of the tower parallels the bank of the Chicago River, enabling the structure to connect with Chicago’s north-south grid.’

For further information and more pictures visit: www.som.com.