Chicago’s skyline is never static — new towers, mixed-use complexes, and redevelopment sites are reshaping neighborhoods. For luxury buyers and investors, knowing what’s on the horizon is just as important as tracking current inventory. The next wave of developments will not only change the look of the city, but also redefine how and where people live.
Here are five of the most exciting projects now underway or approved that you should have on your radar.
1. 400 Lake Shore (Streeterville / Near North Side)
One of the most ambitious residential projects underway is 400 Lake Shore Drive, rising on the former Chicago Spire site.
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Developed by Related Midwest, the plan calls for two towers designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
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The North Tower will rise roughly 858 feet with 635 residential units, while the South Tower will follow later.
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About 20% of units are reserved as affordable housing, a requirement under city policy.
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A large public plaza, new green space, and retail will anchor the site, reconnecting Streeterville to the river.
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Construction began in 2024 with completion of the first tower targeted for 2027.
2. Tribune East Tower (Streeterville)
The Tribune Tower complex is expanding with a supertall addition that will reshape the skyline.
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Proposed as a 113-story tower designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, the project will combine luxury residences with hotel uses.
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Plans call for more than 560 residential units plus retail at street level.
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If built as envisioned, it would become one of Chicago’s tallest and most striking towers, directly next to the historic Tribune Tower.
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Its Michigan Avenue address gives it immediate prestige and investment potential.
3. 111 West Illinois (River North)
Chicago’s office-to-residential movement is gaining momentum, and 111 W. Illinois is leading the way.
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Formerly part of the Salesforce building, floors 5–10 are being converted into 153 luxury apartments.
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Floor plans will include studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms, with new lobbies, rooftop amenities, and shared spaces.
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The design also emphasizes sustainable transportation: 160 bike parking spaces will be included, but no dedicated car parking.
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Work officially began in 2025, signaling how adaptive reuse is transforming prime downtown blocks into high-end living spaces.
4. The 78 (South Loop / Near South Side)
One of the most ambitious projects in Chicago’s pipeline, The 78 is more than a neighborhood name — it’s a collection of striking new towers and public spaces planned on a 62-acre site along the South Branch of the Chicago River.
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Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the master plan calls for a blend of glass-and-steel residential high-rises, office towers, and retail spaces.
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Early phases envision several 30–50 story residential towers with riverfront views, offering thousands of new homes and condos.
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At the ground level, the project will extend the Chicago Riverwalk southward, weaving in green space, plazas, and cultural amenities.
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Anchors include a planned Chicago Fire FC stadium, research facilities tied to the Discovery Partners Institute, and dedicated retail corridors.
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Once complete, The 78 will function as a fully integrated neighborhood: luxury residences rising above restaurants, shops, and cultural venues — a seamless extension of downtown.
5. Halsted Pointe (Goose Island)
Goose Island is no longer just industrial land — it’s poised to become one of Chicago’s most exciting new residential enclaves.
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Halsted Pointe is a multi-phase development approved in 2023 that will transform the island’s southern tip.
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The first tower will rise 46 stories, with future phases eventually creating 2,650 residential units, retail, and public space.
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The plan also includes nearly 1,500 parking stalls and over 20,000 square feet of retail.
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Its unique island setting gives future residents water views and a distinct sense of separation from the surrounding city, while still being minutes from River North and Lincoln Park.
Luxury real estate in Chicago is evolving, and the next several years will be defined by bold architecture and strategic infill. If you’re thinking about buying in one of these towers, want a heads-up when units launch, or want to evaluate how your property may fare in the new skyline — I’d be happy to help.
Let’s work together to make the smartest move for your lifestyle and investment.
