The North Tower, designed by SOM in collaboration with the late Davis Childs, is distinguished by its unique silhouette featuring stepped terraces, thereby establishing a new architectural landmark. Its façade reinterprets the classic Chicago window for a contemporary skyscraper, presenting a faceted glass curtain wall that adds texture, rhythm, and depth, all topped by a 25-meter crown.
Photograph by Dave Burk. Courtesy of SOM.
The summit—which conceals mechanical systems and the building's maintenance unit—is capped by a crown rising 25 meters above the uppermost floors, extending the stepped façade's design language all the way to the top. Its steel and concrete structure creates a refined, clean, and seamless appearance while also supporting the lightning protection system.
Photograph by Dave Burk. Courtesy of SOM.
Upon the tower's completion, the 400 Lake Shore Drive project will open a new gateway to downtown Chicago from the lakeshore. The north and south towers are angled relative to one another to preserve panoramic views and create a distinctive presence at the edge of Streeterville. As part of a broader set of public amenities planned for the waterfront, the towers frame a new public space featuring open areas, outdoor amenities, and improved pedestrian connections to both the lake and the river.
