The Loop’s New CNA Center Begins its Skyward Climb

Full permits issued and crane on the way, the new tower is already above ground

By Jay Koziarz Jul 26, 2016, 2:26pm CDT

While foundation work on new tower at 151 N. Franklin has been underway since early 2016, the project was recently granted a full building permit allowing the structure to reach skyward to its full 36-story height. Wasting little time, structural steel and the tower’s concrete core can already be seen starting their vertical ascent along Randolph Street. A second, even more recent permit was issued for the project’s tower crane and is expected to arrive any day now.

Developed by John Buck Company and designed by John Ronan Architects, the tower is on tap to become the future Chicago headquarters of CNA Financial when completed. The firm will transfer both its employees and naming rights from its iconic "Big Red" building at 333 S. Wabash. The new Class A building will feature approximately 820,000 square feet of rentable space, a fitness center, and a rooftop tenant terrace.