The already impressive collection of architecture that lines Chicago’s Grant Park is about to get another trophy in the case.
The City of Chicago has issued its first building permits for the tower expansion of the aging Essex Inn.
Rendering of Essex on the Park (Courtesy of Oxford Capital Group/Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture)
FOUNDATION AND CONCRETE STRUCTURE UP TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE 6TH FLOOR FOR A PROPOSED 56 STORY 479 DWELLING UNIT RESIDENTIAL BUILDING; 84 PARKING SPACES; GROUND FLOOR RETAIL; ALL AS PER PLANS
While the existing Essex Inn uses the address 800 South Michigan Avenue, this residential tower is going with 808 South.
It’s part of a massive upgrade for the property by Power Construction for Oxford Capitol Group and Quadrum Global, which includes not only the 56-story skyscraper, but a renovation of the hotel, 180ish parking spaces, the addition of 22 new rooms, and a seventh floor winter garden overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan beyond.
The winter garden, a highlight of the Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture design, is a 60-foot-tall space, and will be open-air in the summer months, and welcome the public.
