Chicago Spire skyscraper

The Chicago Spire skyscraper is to be built in Chicago, USA. The 7-sided tapering, twisting tower was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The 150-floor 278 709 m² building is being developed by Garrett Kelleher of Shelbourne Development Group Inc. and is to be completed in 2010. It is expected to cost USD 2.4 billion. The Spire was designed for a 2.2-acre lakefront site, but its footprint will only occupy half the area. The building will stand at 610 m and include 1200 apartments. The Chicago Spire will incorporate as much environmentally friendly technology as possible and the developer is aiming for LEED gold certification. The LEED will stipulate that rainwater be recycled for landscaping treatments, river water be used for cooling and special glass be included to protect migratory birds.