3 Groundbreaking Chicago Lakefront Developments of the Future

Chicago's lakefront is still evolving—where there's space, someone will develop it. These three lakefront developments are set to change the landscape and the way people live. Read on to see who's planting a flag for great views of Lake Michigan:

1. The Lucas Museum

Developers: None yet, as the project is still hanging by the skin of its teeth.
Architects: Beijing-based MAD Architects, Chicago-based Studio Gang and VOA Associates
Cost: $400M
Delivery: 2018, if all goes according to plan.


The museum’s Chicago future is all political at present. Friends of the Parks are allowed to proceed with a lawsuit against the museum, deeming it entirely detrimental to the lakefront landscape, but their case really hinges on their belief that the Park District and the city can’t approve the project without the green light from the Illinois General Assembly, The Chicago Sun Times reported. However, it’s all dependent on the next mayor: Rahm Emanuel will likely allow the project, whereas if his challenger wins, then the museum is back to California. [CST]

2. Northwestern University’s Ryan Fieldhouse

Developers: The University (no calls were returned for further comment)
Architects: Perkins+Will and landscape architect SmithGroupJJR
Cost: A total of $220M (so far...)
Delivery: TBD


Still in the permitting process, the university has yet to release a date for completion. However, the facility will encompass three basketball courts, a running track, weights and fitness workout areas, locker rooms, portable seating for 1,000 and sports medicine facilities in addition to renovation of the existing soccer, field hockey and lacrosse fields. Great views of Lake Michigan: free of charge.

3. Chicago Lakeside Development

Developers: McCaffery Interests, partnering with US Steel 
Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Sasaki Associates
Cost: $4B
Delivery: The master plan will take 30 years to fully complete.

There’s a lot going on at this redevelopment of the former U.S. Steel Southworks Plant to say the least: a master plan for just over 500 acres of land has been prepared, and includes zoning for 13,575 single-family dwellings and high-rise units, 17.5k SF of retail, the new relocated South Lake Shore Drive, 125 acres of open space/parks with bike paths, a 1,500-slip boat marina and a new high school. It’s also LEED certified.

Continue reading this story with a free account

Log in or register
Sign up for more articles like this
Subscribe to Bisnow's Chicago Newsletters
Related Stories

American Cancer Society Aims To Bring New Lodging To South Side: The Chicago Deal Sheet

Tishman Speyer Lining Up $340M Refi Of 2.4M SF Chicago Office Complex

How Will Opportunity Zones 2.0 Impact Seattle? One Expert Weighs In

After Departing Trump Admin, HUD's Former Philly Head Joins Local Planning Commission

108-Acre Hawthorne Race Course Buyer Could Put Data Center On Site

Investors Anchor Big Capital Into Marinas, Betting On Shallow Supply

Developers Eyeing Dallas' 50-Mile Trails Loop For Uptown-Like Opportunities

Large Commercial Real Estate Sales Up 30% Despite Economic Headwinds

Chetrit Group 'Being Dissolved' As Family Turmoil Spirals

Oak Brook Investor Scoops Up Suburban Multifamily Community: The Chicago Deal Sheet

Avison Young Plans Second Major Recapitalization Since 2024

EXCLUSIVE: Opal Holdings' Former 700K SF Suburban Chicago Office Campus Hits The Market