Chicago architecture and high-rise design are sometimes seen as one and the same thing; many conventional histories of architecture spend all their time on our contribution to the design of tall buildings. But while that narrative is far too narrow to describe this city, Chicago keeps putting up tall buildings.

The biggest change in high-rise buildings in Chicago during the past two decades is in locale. Until recently, it was quite unusual to find a tall building that was not a church outside the Loop or away from the lakefront. But only one of the following six new projects falls within those geographic limits. From Fulton Market to Lincoln Park to Woodlawn, these six new projects — now in progress or under construction — show some new tendencies in the Chicago tall building.

Ground has been broken for Phase 1 of the extensive Woodlawn Central project located just steps from Jackson Park and the Obama Presidential Center. This initial portion of a larger master plan will be two 14-story-tall towers — a 104-unit apartment building and a 160-key hotel located over a shared three-story podium on the west side of the Metra tracks between 63rd and 64th streets. Designed by Gensler, the buildings are clad with a glass and metal window wall with faceted panels that create some visual interest across the facades. The City Council approved the project in July, and groundbreaking took place soon afterward.

Park Fowler Plus is the successor firm to Brininstool Lynch, which gave us a series of smartly designed apartment buildings across the city before the untimely death of Brad Lynch in 2022. The 18-story-tall, 268-unit 214 N. Morgan in Fulton Market ably continues the firm’s legacy. The building plays with massing by continuing the expression of the base along........

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