Another North Michigan Tower?

As reported at the Chicagoist, Lucien Lagrange is designing a 64-story residential tower that would be situated directly west of the Fourth Presbyterian Church on North Michigan Avenue (across from the Hancock). As the architect of the Park Tower and the equally historical Plaza Escada (image below) across the street from the church, we can expect something contextual - for Paris, at least.


The Lagrange Legacy in Chicago

Regardless of the actual design, the decision to build a tower on the Church's property is driven by the growing congregation, as the design would incorporate additional space for them, in addition to the 240 condo units. Also the $25 million for the property would go towards the Church's Project Light $52 million capital campaign. The 5,200-member congregation will vote on the proposal on June 13.

Neighborhood groups are protesting the proposal, for good reason, citing that the building would be too massive and block the sun's path into the wonderful courtyard next to the church. Ideally the Church and congregation can be more creative in finding ways to raise money and expand their facilities, instead of falling back on the all-too-reliable, yet all-too-redundant condominium tower.

Update 06.14.04: The Chicagoist reports that members of the Fourth Presbyterian Church voted in favor of the sale of the church's land for a 64-story condominium tower.