It’s early, but alderman wants “numerous revisions” to One Central megadevelopment

Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd) is telling the developers of the proposed One Central megadevelopment near Soldier Field to make “numerous changes” to the project, even few details have been released.

Developers Gerald Fogelson and Bob Dunn (Credit: Northwestern University and Sports Business Daily)

Landmark Development last week unveiled conceptual plans for the 34-acre mixed-use development but did not detail what kind of density, building heights or specific mix of uses they envision.

The project would rise above railroad tracks along Lake Shore Drive and include a major public transportation hub.

Still, Dowell is already calling for changes — while also offering few specifics of her demands, according to the Chicago Tribune. Dowell’s support is essential for the project to move forward under the unwritten rule of “aldermanic privilege” that gives her near veto power over developments in her ward.

A rendering of the One Central megadevelopment

Landmark, led by Wisconsin developer Bob Dunn and Chicago developer Gerald Fogelson, released renderings last week showing a row of skyscrapers proceeding south down the One Central site. Some of those planned buildings even appear to dwarf the nearly 900-foot-tall NEMA Chicago apartment tower that’s set to open soon at Roosevelt Road and Michigan Avenue.

Dunn, though, did not say how much square footage would be built on the site or how tall the buildings would actually rise. He said they wanted to gauge public reaction before drawing up specifics. In a statement to the Tribune, Landmark said it plans to work with “neighborhood, community and cultural institutions to further refine the details of One Central.” [Chicago Tribune] — John O’Brien