New renderings show completed Wolf Point skyscrapers in all their glory

The riverfront project calls for three glassy high-rise towers

By Jay Koziarz Jan 24, 2018, 12:00pm CST

A set of renderings recently shared by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects provides the best look yet of Chicago’s completed Wolf Point mega-development.

The multi-phase project is currently construction at the confluence of the Chicago River’s main, north, and south branches. It includes a trio of waterfront skyscrapers, a landscaped public riverwalk, and a fully-concealed underground parking complex.

Right now, crews are building the 60-story Wolf Point East apartment tower. Expected to eventually rise 660 feet and deliver 698 high-end rental units, the project is currently a deep—and occasionally soggy—pit topped by a newly-erected bright yellow tower crane. When it opens in late 2019, the eastern tower will join the 48-story Wolf Point West apartment tower, completed in 2016.

The high-quality renderings shed new light on the third and final phase of the development known as Wolf Point South. Slated to rise between the two apartment towers, the tallest tower was previously described as a possible office building.

Pelli Clarke Pelli’s description of the project provides more clues about the programming, mentioning the inclusion of a hotel and residential component.

The southern skyscraper will still need to go back before the City of Chicago for final approvals and could see its design continue to evolve. Pelli pegs the final height of Wolf Point South at 950 feet, approaching—though not quite meeting—the 984-foot threshold to officially qualify as a “supertall.” Nothing a decorative spire couldn’t fix...

Other Chicago supertalls in development include the Vista Tower under construction in Lakeshore East, the proposed One Chicago Square project across from River North’s Holy Name Cathedral, and a conceptual plan put forth by state lawmakers as a possible replacement for the Loop’s postmodern Thompson Center.