America's tallest tower to lift the Windy City
By Andrew Buncombe in Washington
Published: 23 April 2007

Developers behind what would be the nation's tallest building - a twisting, lakefront tower in Chicago - will this week discover whether they have crossed one of two final hurdles before proceeding with their record-breaking plan.

The city's planning board last week endorsed a plan for the 150-storey building, known as the Chicago Spire. This week the plan goes before the city's zoning committee and if that gives the green light, the full council is due to vote next month.

"This is a wonderful project, and everyone is very enthused," Constance Buscemi, a spokeswoman for the city's planning department said.

The 2,000ft tower featuring 1,200 residences, would top the city's 1,451ft Sears Tower and become the tallest building in the US. It would soar above the 1,776ft Freedom Tower that is currently being constructed on the site of the World Trade Centre, which was destroyed in the September 11 attacks. the rest photo