Lucien LaGrange is designing the $300-million project, which will replace a 7-11 convenience store, former gasoline station and three buildings dating back to the 19th century. Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois' request for a delay to explore whether those buildings could be moved or incorporated into the new development was nixed.

"It hasn't been rated worth of landmark status," says 50th Ward Alderman Bernard Stone, former chairman of the city council's landmark committee. "The project here may be a landmark building some day. It's a very striking building."

The nearly one-acre site is in Alderman Burt Natarus' 42nd Ward. "We're getting rid of an old advertising sign, a makeshift stand and a 7-11. We're cleaning up a property that needs to be cleaned out," says Natarus, adding properties north of the site already are being spruced up.

Elysian Development Group's negotiations with community organizations and condominium association boards resulted in a lower building, with the height currently topping out at 670 feet for the tower on the north side of the site. The 45-story building will include 171 hotel suites and 59 condominiums. A 385-ft building will include at least 229 units.

"Even though it's a tall building, it's a skinny building, and it doesn't block too many views," Natarus says.

The taller tower also will include two floors of retail space along State Street at its base.