• Posted: September 17, 2019
• Chicago Construction Market

It was nearly three years in the making, but in Spring 2019, some 1,191 feet high in the sky, the 101^st and final floor at Chicago’s soaring Vista Tower was poured. The ‘topping out’ capped off another milestone for the ultra-high-luxury residences and five-star hotel tower which, when completed in 2020, will become the third-tallest building in Chicago.

The final concrete pour also caps the highest point of construction in Chicago in more than a decade, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by McHugh Construction.

“McHugh’s history and legacy in Chicago is second to none,” said Joel Kuna, vice president for McHugh Construction. “We are thrilled to once again play a pivatol role in redefining Chicago’s iconic skyline.”

McHugh Construction is a premier building of landmark, one-of-a-kind structures both in Chicago and across the Midwest. The company specializes in high-rise concrete construction, historic restoration, luxury hospitality, special use projects, and infrastructure works.

“McHugh is well-known for its work in the high-rise residential concrete space,” said Kuna. “But over the last several decades we’ve demonstrated our that construction expertise extends to bespoke, ultra-high-luxury hotels and residences. We are thrilled to put that expertise to work in what will become one of Chicago’s most significant developments ever.”

As the general contractor for the project, McHugh crews were tasked with all aspects of construction management and execution. McHugh led construction of the building’s shell and core, and its self-performing concrete team poured all concrete for the 101-story structure. Additionally, McHugh is delivering all MEP systems as part of its design-build responsibilities.

McHugh Construction is working with a number of unionized building trades in Chicago, including Powering Chicago’s Gurtz Electric Co., to ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget.

Once completed, Vista Tower will be home to 396 condominiums and 192 hotel rooms and stand as the third-tallest building in Chicago behind the 1,451-foot Willis Tower and the 1,389-foot Trump International Hotel & Tower. Vista Tower barely nudges out the Aon Center (1,136 feet) and the Hancock Building (1,126 feet).

In addition to its designation as the third-tallest building in Chicago, Vista Tower will also be the tallest building ever designed by a woman. Jeanne Gang’s Studio Gang was the lead architecture firm for Vista Tower.