Allen Richards' Blog: Helmut Jahn Proves Better Doesn’t Have To Be Bigger

A rendering of the new 1000 S Michigan (Jahn Architects)

Four months after introducing the public to his proposed 1,030-foot tower 1000 South Michigan, architect Helmut Jahn was back in the spotlight Monday night to debut his new-and-improved vision for the site in the South Loop.

The court of public opinion voted down the original plan as too tall for the Michigan Avenue corridor. But instead of merely lopping off a couple hundred feet, Jahn went back to the drawing board to create an entirely different look for the structure, replacing the stacked-block design of the first tower with a curving, twisting tower that actually widens as it grows higher. In fact, that twist would have 1000 South Michigan hanging over its neighbor to the north, 1006 South Michigan, a landmarked building that happens to also be owned by Times Equities, the developer of the Jahn tower.

Helmut Jahn introduces the new 1000 S Michigan at the Hilton Monday night.

Now reaching a height of 832 feet, the new 73-story proposal would bring 506 new residential units to the South Loop. On the lower floors would be 136 rental apartments, while the upper floors would be comprised of 370 condominiums. In addition to the reduction in height, the number of parking spaces has also decreased, from 598 spaces to 486.

While area residents are still concerned about the inconveniences one can normally expect from a construction project of this magnitude, the overall mood of Monday’s meeting, sponsored by the Near South Planning Board, was positive. Folks seemed genuinely grateful that Jahn made such an effort to address the concerns of the first rendition of 1000 South Michigan. Jerry Karlik, a representative of the other developing partner, JK Equities, said they hope to have all the necessary approvals in place to break ground some time this year.

Below are some of the renderings Jahn Architects made available to the public during the community meeting.