New South Loop Tower Makes Design Changes

A new design for the stately new Helmut Jahn tower possibly coming to 1000 S. Michigan was released earlier in the week, which was first reported by Curbed Chicago. The tower, which is now being called 1000M, will stand 73 stories high when finished, but won’t be classified as a “supertall” building after its height was cut to 832 feet from 1001 feet in its initial design.

As noted in the Curbed report, the design changes likely came from guidelines outlined for the Historic Michigan Avenue District by the City of Chicago Landmarks Commission, as well as from input from a variety of different groups, including South Loop residents, the Alderman’s office, and Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development.

Being developed by New York-based JK Equities and Time Equities, 1000M is planned to feature 307 condos and 199 rental units. In addition, the new proposal will also include a 10-story parking garage with 486 spaces, which is actually 112 less than the previous design. Above the garage will be a full amenity level that has quite a bit of separation from the tower’s upper levels. A closer look at the design and it’s easy to see how the lower level will have more of a historically significant base to blend in with South Michigan Avenue, while the upper portion of the building will feature a sleeker glass facade.