Chicago has approximately $20 billion in mega-developments in the works, according to Bisnow Chicago. Chief among them are the 70-acre Lincoln Yards development going up along the border of Bucktown and Lincoln Park, the $1 billion redevelopment of Union Station in the West Loop, the multi-million redevelopment of the Old Post Office Building, and the 100-story Vista Tower in the Loop. 

These projects are rewriting the skyline and the character of their neighborhoods. Here are recent updates on four of the major mega-developments going up in the city.

The Riverline Project Gets Split Up

Courtesy of CMK

Two developers, Lendlease and CMK, are breaking up the 14-acre Riverline development into two smaller projects, according to Curbed Chicago. The South Loop project first broke ground in 2016. Lendlease will take over a 7-acre section of the site, while CMK will take 8 acres in the southern portion of the site.

The $2 billion development will feature eight waterfront towers, retail space, a riverwalk, and a new water taxi stop, according to the report.

Fulton Market Condo Tower Takes a Height Reduction

Courtesy of Related Midwest

Developers Related Midwest and Tucker Development pitched a 51-story condo building for 170 N. Peoria St. Now, the 51-story, 570-foot proposal has been taken down to 43 stories and 495 feet, reports Curbed Chicago. Although the condo building’s height is decreasing, it will still feature 300 luxury units. 

The two developers will also fund upgrades to Randolph Street, according to the report. The upgrades could include landscaping, additional bike lanes, and new lighting. 

The high-rise could break ground next year, and construction is anticipated to take two years. 

The River District Renderings Pop Up

Courtesy of Tribune Media

The River District is a 37-acre development proposed for River West, according to Curbed Chicago. Tribune Media is planning 18 buildings and plenty of public space for the development. Architect Solomon Cordwell Buenz is designing the project. 

Renderings of The River District were displayed at the site ahead of Amazon’s official visit, which took place March 21 and 22, according to Curbed Chicago. The renderings show a collection of tall buildings, a pedestrian bridge, and open space.

While it could be the future site of Amazon’s new headquarters, the part of the project at 700 W. Chicago has already been approved by the Chicago Plan Commission, according to the report. This phase of the development, which includes four towers, is slated to break ground this year.

24-Acre Park Could Join Mega-Developments in the North Branch

Courtesy of AS + GG

An alderman-backed group called the North Branch Park Preserve is pushing for a 24-acre park to become part of the major developments happening along the river in the North Branch section of the city, according to the Chicago Tribune. The proposed park would be located along the southeastern border of the Lincoln Yards development. Park amenities would include bike trails, sports fields, a nature preserve, and more. Ald. Michele Smith (43rd Ward), Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward), and the North Branch Park Preserve are hoping to get Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s support for the park, according to the report.