The Chicago Tribune has reported the 33 cranes currently work in the downtown area marks the greatest number since the recession of 2008.
The paper reports Mayor Rahm Emanuel had announced the record activity when a crane was installed to build the 67-story One Bennett Park near Navy Pier, currently the city’s tallest luxury apartment/condominium.
Another seven permits are reportedly yet to be approved, including the Wanda Vista hotel and condo and a multiphase Riverline development that features a 28-story apartment building and condos.
Curbed Chicago says that, “according to the mayor’s office, the tower crane for constructing One Bennett Park is the 48th to operate in Chicago this year alone.”
Emanuel noted that “for every crane, 800 to 1,200 people are working on a building.”
Curbed says development is also up in other areas of the city and that the city has seen a five-year high in construction permits issued at just under 40,000 by the end of October.
And, Curbed reports, the mayor wants to keep the progress going. “As Chicago’s economy continues to gain strength, City Hall will continue to partner with all businesses, big and small, to keep the progress going.”
