Chicago to build nations tallest building

CHICAGO, May 10 (UPI) -- Chicago City and park officials have cleared the way for the construction of the Chicago Spire, which will be the tallest building in the nation.

The Chicago City Council has finally approved a zoning change that will allow Shelbourne Development to build the 2,000-foot condominium tower designed by prominent Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, The Chicago Tribune reported Thursday.

The Chicago Park District has approved the transfer of two parcels on the north bank of the Chicago River to the city to use for a staging area for the construction of the spire.

The lakefront parcel being temporarily used by Shelbourne will also eventually be the site of DuSable Park.

In exchange for the use of the area, Shelbourne has agreed to pay $9 million for the construction of the Park, which has been in the planning stages for more than 20 years because of lack of funding.

"It was not on our radar screen to get it done this way," Parks Supt. Tim Mitchell said. Still, "it's an opportunity we can't let go by us."