I feel like people who’ve lived in Chicago longer than me might know the answer to this. Lake Point Tower is the only skyscraper east of Lake Shore Drive. I’ve heard over and over again how certain areas of the city, especially Grant Park, are required to remain “free and clear” of buildings, etc. (Lake Point isn’t in Grant Park, but I understand it’s in an area with building restrictions.) I also know how often builders and politicians try to circumvent this.
My question is, I heard that the builder of Lake Point Tower used some trickery or a loophole in order to get permission to build Lake Point. I think I heard once that the builder received permission because he wanted to build Lake Point on landfill as opposed to natural land.
Anyone know anything about this? I feel like I’m not explaining this very well, but thanks for the help in advance!
Tim
Lake Point was built from 1965-1968, so it’s possible the restrictions may not have existed then.
No loopholes were necessary, and it wasn’t the first building built east of LSD. Outer Drive East was built east of Lake Shore Drive in 1962—before Lake Shore Drive was relocated in 1984.
“Forever open, clear, & free” only applies to Grant Park between Randolph and 11th Place. Most of Chicago’s lakefront parkland was created from landfill, and most of Lake Shore Drive was built on that landfill, so what could be built there was never an issue.
Alarmed by McCormick Place and Lake Point Tower, the city in 1973 passed a “Lakefront Protection Ordinance,” but all it requires is that the Plan Commission approve any development in certain shoreline areas. The Plan Commission usually rubber-stamps anything the mayor wants, so in fact it’s pretty slim protection.
I worked at Harbor Point (sister building to LPT), and before they moved the Drive around it sat on the lake side of the drive.
Interesting! Thanks for the information - obviously I heard some conspiracy theory somewhere along the line.