The proliferation of new development in the South Loop helped it nab the Curbed Chicago’s Curbed Cup last year, a testament to just how much is going on in the neighborhood. Developers in the South Loop are changing the Chicago skyline with new towering projects, new hotels, and even an entirely new neighborhood. Check out five big projects that are redefining the fabric of the neighborhood. 

1000M

Rendering courtesy of 1000M

1000M is an ultra-luxury condo development designed by architect Helmut Jahn. The building, set to become an 832-foot addition to the Chicago skyline with a total of 323 units. Of those units, 38 sold in the fourth quarter of last year and the first quarter of this year, accounting for 34 percent of downtown’s total condo sales for that period.  

Although the project, led by Oak Capitals, JK Equities, and Time Equities, was expected to break ground this year, construction likely won’t start until 2019, making 2022 the expected completion year. 

The building’s height isn’t the only aspect of the building generating buzz. 1000M will have a lot of luxury amenities including a Himalayan salt therapy room, a full-service bar, a swimming pool, a golf simulator, a wine tasting room, and a winter garden.

The 78

Rendering courtesy of The 78

Developer Related Midwest is planning to pour more than $5 billion dollars into creating an entirely new neighborhood on vacant land in the South Loop. The 62 acres of land (bordered by the Chicago River, 16th Street and Ping Tom Memorial Park, Roosevelt Road, Metra tracks, and Clark Street) are the future site of The 78. The name reveals the project’s ambition to become the city’s 78th neighborhood.

Related Midwest recently revealed a more detailed look at the project’s scope, according to the Chicago Tribune. The project could take more than 20 years to complete, but its ambitious plans include multiple towers reaching up to 950 feet in height, a 100-foot-wide walkway with restaurants, a potential new CTA Red Line station, and the University of Illinois’s Discovery Partners Institute, according to the report. 

The project has yet to earn city approval, but if it does, it will connect the South Loop to Chinatown and transform a big part of downtown Chicago.

1101 S. Wabash Ave.

Rendering courtesy of Hilton Homewood Suites/Hilton Garden Inn

The South Loop is getting two new Hilton hotels at 1101 S. Wabash Ave., according to Building Up Chicago. Together the two hotels—a Hilton Homewood Suites and a Hilton Garden Inn—will have 342 rooms and reach 30 stories. According to the report, the development is close to reaching its ultimate height. The project has been in the works since 2016, according to Curbed Chicago. 

The Riverline

Rendering courtesy of The Riverline

Two years ago, developers broke ground on the 14-acre Riverline Development. The project has been split into two sections with Lendlease taking seven acres and CMK taking eight acres. Lendlease is expected to unveil a different name for its half of the initiative. 

The sprawling project seeks to add a river walk, a new water taxi stop, and a kayak launch. In addition to taking advantage of the waterfront location, the Riverline will also feature a collection of new towers, potentially eight total. When completed, the development will feature 3,600 new residences, both rental units and condos. The project also includes nine three-story townhomes. 

Columbia College Student Center

Rendering courtesy of Gensler

The South Loop is also set to become the home of a brand new dedicated student center for Columbia College, according to Curbed Chicago. The project, which was granted its construction permit earlier this year, will be a 114,000-square-foot building designed by architecture firm Gensler. It’s being built on a previously vacant lot located at Wabash Avenue and 8th Street, according to the report. 

The building will have a glassy exterior. Inside, the student center will have an 800-person event space, a gym, study lofts, dance studios, and more. Initially, Columbia College intended the building to be completed this year, but the date has been pushed back to 2019.