Chicago’s high-rise boom makes 2017 a record year for development

It’s been a big development year for Chicago, which was filled with major projects, tons of high rise construction, headquarter relocations and constant speculation of Amazon HQ2. As 2017 comes to a close, it’s time look back and tally up the numbers.

Throughout the year, 62 construction cranes touched the sky. That’s a record high, according to the mayor’s office. For comparison, during the recession Chicago had only 12 operating cranes all year long.

In a 5-year high, the Department of Buildings issued more than 40,000 construction permits in 2017. And out of all those construction permits, there are currently 47 skyscrapers under construction which are mapped out here.

To celebrate the milestone, Mayor Rahm Emanuel tweeted out a time lapse video of a number of cranes at work on high-rises throughout the city. Also included in the video are the hard-working window washers of One Museum Park (check that at out at :18).

In addition to all of the development, the city was also working hard to maintain streets and clean up neighborhoods this year. Here are a few more stats for 2017 compiled by other city departments.

5,400 bags of debris were hauled away

4,000 potholes were filled

1,500 traffic signs were replaced

750 graffiti-covered locations were cleaned

600 areas were baited for rodents

350 street lights were repaired

200 vacant lots were cleared and cleaned

160 abandoned cars were towed

• Chicago installs 60th construction crane of 2017 [Curbed Chicago]
• Mapping the 47 high-rises under construction in Chicago [Curbed Chicago]