Demolition work has begun at the future site of 800 South Michigan, with the clearance of the former parking garage located adjacent to the historic Essex Inn making way for the construction of the Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture-designed, Oxford Capital Group-built, 55-storey hotel and residence tower that will soon occupy the site. Located along a prime strip of Chicago's iconic Michigan Avenue, the 290-room, 476-unit 800 South Michigan will encompass a small collection of properties, including the aforementioned 1960s-era hotel and parking garage, over which it will rise with the aide of an elegant system of diagonal support beams that will allow the modern and heritage elements to exist in harmony. 

Current rendering of the complex, image via Oxford Capital

Designed to co-exist with its historic neighbour, the 55-storey tower will stand upon a series of diagonally arranged support columns, which will allow the 1961-built Essex Inn to enjoy as much natural light as possible. Tts guest rooms will retain their views of the skyline and lake, while the outdoor space created by the open air rooftop deck will be like no other in the city. Mirroring the hotel's former use of the adjacent parking garage's rooftop for an outdoor pool deck, the modern spin on the space will likely exceed all expectations while providing guests with a premier event space and outdoor amenity. 

Previous rendering for 800 South Michigan, set to rise above the Essex Inn, image via Oxford Capital

Before construction can get underway, demolition of the former parking garage is necessary, as its removal will allow for the excavation and eventual rise of the new tower. Long an eyesore not befitting its prime address, the loss of the non-descript cement structure will likely not be mourned, while the addition of 800 South Michigan — including the full-scale revitalization of the Essex Inn — will dramatically improve the local streetscape. 

Parking garage (including former rooftop atrium) demolition underway, image by Forum contributor harryc

Once completed in 2019, 800 South Michigan will debut as a welcome addition to the downtown skyline. The complex will become home to a mixture of hotel guests and permanent residents, with a number of affordable housing units, as the redevelopment of downtown Chicago has recently sought to address the city's rising housing costs while building for a sustainable future. 

SkyriseCities will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.