Architect Hired to Guide Design of 62-Acre "Rezko" Lot

Some new news on one of the Sloop's most transformative proposals (via Crains):

After years overseeing the design of skyscrapers in China and other Asian countries for Skidmore Owings & Merrill, architect Michael Pfeffer has moved to developer Related Midwest to take on two potentially iconic projects in his hometown.  

The Chicago-based development firm has hired Pfeffer, 38, as vice president of architecture. Pfeffer will guide the design of developments on the former Chicago Spire site at 400 N. Lake Shore Drive and a vacant 62-acre property along the Chicago River in the South Loop.

Aerial shot of 62-acre vacant lot in the Sloop (via Curbed - Google)

It's been pretty quiet recently on this project, so any news is welcomed.

Most interesting was some of the info on what's next:

Earlier this year, Related Midwest struck a deal to develop the 62-acre parcel that connects the South Loop to Chinatown. Previously, Antoin "Tony" Rezko—the former fundraiser and adviser to imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich who himself served a prison sentence after being convicted of fraud and money laundering—planned to build more than 4,000 homes on the site. 

That sprawling project, a virtual city within the city, is expected to include residential, retail and office space. 

Related Midwest expects to start conducting public meetings to outline plans for both projects in 2017, Bailey said.

So we guess we will hear more next year.  Looking forward to it.