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17 June 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitatskyscraper
Jun 17, 2025Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
A major fire broke out late Friday in the 280-meter Marina Pinnacle tower in Dubai Marina, prompting the safe evacuation of all 3,820 residents from 764 apartments, according to the Dubai Media Office (DMO). Dubai Civil Defence teams battled the blaze for six hours, with no injuries reported.
Authorities are coordinating with the building's developer to provide temporary housing, while medical and mental health support has been made available on-site.
Originally completed in 2011, this is reportedly not the first fire at this building. In 2015, a kitchen fire was started on the 47th floor and spread to one additional floor before being contained.
Learn more at NDTV.
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Prague Approves 135-Meter Mixed-Use Building With Distinct Shipwreck Smashed Into ItThe long-debated 135-meter Top Tower project has received final zoning approval in Prague, clearing the way for the mixed-use skyscraper to move forward, potentially becoming the Czech Republic’s tallest building by surpassing the 111-meter AZ Tower in Brno, upon completion.
Designed by sculptor David Černý and architect Tomáš Císař, the high-rise is distinguished by a dramatic shipwreck sculpture crowning its peak—a symbol of climate change and environmental decay that sets it apart from conventional high-rise design. This display of large-scale sculpture and integrated artwork is not foreign to the city or sculptor David Černý who has placed gigantic babies climbing the Žižkov Television Tower and in 2022 completed a 24-meter human sculpture hugging a building in the Karlin District.
Developed by Trigema, the tower will rise in the Nové Butovice district with a program combining retail and services at the base, cultural and office spaces at mid-levels, and 250 rental apartments above. A public observation deck inside the sculptural “ship” will offer panoramic views, while green roofs, native landscaping, energy-efficient systems, and rainwater reuse aim to achieve LEED certification.
Rendering of the Top Tower ©Trigema
Císař describes the ship as a “connecting living element” linking public terraces, roof gardens, and viewing points. Beyond its bold artistic statement, the project has committed 75.7 million CZK toward local infrastructure and connectivity.
Since its announcement in 2019, Top Tower has sparked fierce debate: critics warn of its impact on Prague’s historic character, while supporters argue its location in a modern business district makes it contextually fitting. The project represents a provocative convergence of architecture, art, and social commentary, now moving from speculative vision to getting approval for the next phase in making it a reality.
Learn more at Parametric Architecture.
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
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01 October 20252 min readPrague Approves 135-Meter Mixed-Use Building With Distinct Shipwreck Smashed Into It
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
01 October 2025
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Riverside Community Hospital Unveils $912 Million Expansion With 11-Story Patient TowerHCA Healthcare-affiliated Riverside Community Hospital has unveiled a $912 million expansion featuring an 11-story patient tower and a new parking garage, designed to increase capacity and bring modern, high-quality care to the Inland Empire.
Hospital CEO Peter Hemstead said the region remains “under-bedded,” with only 1.63 hospital beds per 1,000 residents, compared with a national average of 2.35. “This new tower is all about closing that gap and providing the best possible care,” Hemstead said. “It will give this community the access it deserves, both now and in the future.”
The 459,496-square-foot patient tower will be home to labor and delivery, postpartum, and antepartum units, as well as a pharmacy, radiology, and an endoscopy suite. The plans also include 220 medical-surgical beds and 54 intensive care unit beds. Three of the 11 floors in the tower will be shell space, which will enable the hospital to expand with patient rooms and operating suites as needed.
Riverside City Councilman Philip Falcone (Ward 1) said the expansion is a milestone for local healthcare access. “This project is a vital investment in Riverside’s future,” Falcone said. “It means our residents can access the resources and specialists they need close to home.”
The unveiling comes after a series of investments totaling $79 million since 2021. These include:
An expansion of the emergency room by 20 beds
A 35-bed inpatient unit
A 35-bed neonatal intensive care unit addition
New CT, MRI, and x-ray equipment
Renovated cardiac catheterization labs and support areas
A 34-bed surgical ICU renovation
A 25-bed telemetry expansion
Renovated ER trauma bays
Besides capacity, the new tower will also put Riverside Community Hospital in line with California’s 2030 seismic safety standards, which require hospitals to be fully functional following an earthquake. Hemstead said that constructing a new building was more efficient than retrofitting current towers. “This plan gets us to an earthquake-safe hospital sooner — and one that will serve the community for generations to come,” he stated.
This month, California has seen major hospital projects move forward, including Riverside Community Hospital’s $912 million expansion and UCSF beginning construction on the $960 million Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland with Rudolph and Sletten.
Investment: $912 million
Size: 459,496 square feet
11-story patient tower
New parking structure
220 medical-surgical beds
54 intensive care beds
Labor & delivery, postpartum, antepartum units
Pharmacy, radiology, endoscopy suite
Three shell floors for future expansion
Seismic Compliance: Meets California’s 2030 earthquake safety standards
Construction Review Online
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19 September 20253 min readRiverside Community Hospital Unveils $912 Million Expansion With 11-Story Patient Tower
Construction Review Online
19 September 2025
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Bears Outline $5B Plan For Domed Stadium And Mixed-Use Development In Arlington HeightsThe Chicago Bears have laid out detailed plans for a privately financed domed stadium and mixed-use development in Arlington Heights, a $5 billion project that could reshape the region and deliver far-reaching economic impact.
The project would transform the 326-acre former Arlington International Racecourse property, purchased by the team in 2023 for $197 million, into a year-round destination anchored by a new stadium. The venue is designed to seat between 65,000 and 70,000 fans and would be surrounded by a mixed-use district with restaurants, retail, housing, hotel accommodations, and public parkland.
Team officials estimate that the construction would create more than 56,000 construction jobs and register $10 billion in economic impact to the state, in addition to creating about 9,000 permanent jobs once open.
In a letter to fans, Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren described the plan as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” and clarified that the team will not seek state financing for stadium construction. “Arlington Heights is the single location that raises the bar to deliver a transformative stadium and entertainment district,” he stated.
The stadium itself is estimated at $2 billion, while the overall site development brings the total to perhaps $5 billion. Planned upgrades include direct train service from Metra, expanded parking, and highway improvements to alleviate congestion and enhance tailgating.
Before Arlington Heights was in its sights, the Bears had eyed a new lakefront stadium on Chicago’s downtown waterfront. That proposal ultimately fell through because it didn’t have a solid financing model as well as adequate available ground, making Arlington Heights the sole site where the team’s requirements could be met. The company also emphasized that this project is an expansion one, not an exodus one, noting that over half of the Bears season-ticket holders are within 25 miles of the site. With hopes to bid on a Super Bowl as early as 2031, officials frame the project as both a quirky expansion engine for Illinois and the next installment in a franchise history that long has made its way through different venues.
The Bears are working with state and local governments to develop bargains on property tax assurance and infrastructure donations. While no state money will be used for construction, a proposed “mega-project” bill pending in Springfield could provide donations for site infrastructure and public improvements.
If approvals are obtained, construction might begin as early as late 2025, with the stadium opening in 2028. Officials of the team assert that the building would be able to host the biggest sporting and entertainment events in the world, from the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four to world soccer games and monster concerts.
The Arlington Heights Village has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bears, and traffic, infrastructure, and tax impact studies are already underway. If completed, the project would be one of the largest construction projects in the history of Illinois and become one of a short list of privately financed NFL stadiums.
For the Bears, the move represents a departure from Soldier Field, the NFL’s oldest continuously operating stadium, and a chance to create what Warren called “a truly elevated gameday experience” for one of the league’s most passionate fan bases. This project follows a growing number of stadium construction projects across the U.S.
Mixed-Use Development Planner: Hart Howerton, the firm created the renderings and master-planning concepts for the surrounding development, including the district’s commercial, housing, and park elements.
Design & architectural partner team: MANICA, handling stadium design.
Location: Arlington Heights, Illinois (former Arlington International Racecourse)
Total Investment: $5 billion privately financed development
Stadium Cost: $2 billion
Site Size: 326 acres (purchased 2023 for $197 million)
Stadium Capacity: 65,000 – 70,000 seats
Design: Domed stadium with year-round capabilities
Primary Venue: New domed NFL stadium
Mixed-Use District: Restaurants, retail, housing, hotel accommodations
Public Amenities: Parkland and green spaces
Infrastructure: Direct Metra train service, expanded parking, road improvements
Entertainment Capabilities: Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, international soccer, major concerts
Construction Jobs: 56,000+ positions
Permanent Jobs: 9,000 ongoing positions
Statewide Economic Impact: $10 billion
Project Scale: One of largest construction efforts in Illinois history
Construction Start: Late 2025 (pending approvals)
Stadium Opening: 2028
Super Bowl Bid Target: 2031
Stadium Construction: 100% privately financed (no state funding)
Infrastructure Support: Potential state assistance through proposed “mega-project” bill
Local Agreements: Property tax certainty and infrastructure contributions under negotiation
Land Acquisition: Complete (2023)
Planning Phase: Detailed proposals submitted
Environmental Studies: Traffic, infrastructure, and tax impact studies underway
Regulatory Process: Seeking state and local approvals
Community Engagement: Working with Arlington Heights officials
Construction Review Online
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10 September 20254 min readBears Outline $5B Plan For Domed Stadium And Mixed-Use Development In Arlington Heights
Construction Review Online
10 September 2025
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African-Inspired Social Housing Tower Proposed For Vancouver ChinatownThe Black-led non-profit organization called Hogan’s Alley Society is pushing forward with its plans to build a mixed-use social housing tower within the south end of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown district.
A newly submitted development permit application by Studio One Architecture for 728-796 Main St. — the northeast corner of the intersection of Union Street and Main Street — calls for the construction of a 128-ft-tall, 12-storey building with 109 social housing unit on top of about 7,400 sq. ft. of retail/restaurant space on the ground and second levels.
As previously reported by Daily Hive Urbanized in April 2024, local developer Bonnis Properties sold the property and approved rezoning plans to Hogan’s Alley Society in a 2023 deal worth $20 million. On the same day the deal was finalized, the federal government’s Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provided the organization with a $25.2 million mortgage.
The new redevelopment concept under Hogan’s Alley Society’s ownership generally aligns with the overall form and height of Bonnis Properties’ approved concept, which was also previously designed by Studio One Architecture. But Bonnis Properties envisioned a wider range of uses, including 75 market strata ownership condominium homes, 19 social housing units, and 6,000 sq. ft. of retail/restaurant uses.
With a total building floor area of 92,300 sq. ft., the 2025 design concept also carries a slight density increase — up from the 2021 rezoning-approved concept’s 85,700 sq. ft. The floor area ratio (FAR) density on this 12,844 sq. ft. lot correspondingly saw an increase from a floor area that is 6.7 to 7.2 times the size of the land area.
Brickhouse development site of 728-796 Main St. in Vancouver’s Chinatown. (Google Maps)
Existing condition:
Brickhouse development site of 728-796 Main St. in Vancouver’s Chinatown. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
Cancelled 2021 rezoning application-approved concept:
Cancelled: 2021-approved design for 728-796 Main Street, Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Bonnis Properties)
New 2025 development permit application concept:
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
The project will provide nearly 200 secured bike parking spaces. There will also be 34 vehicle parking stalls — down from 64 stalls in the previous concept.
Beyond the shift to 100 per cent social housing for the residential uses, the most significant change is the project’s architectural direction.
Both the previous and new concepts demolish the 1899-built, three-storey boarding building situated at the property’s corner with the intersection.
Whereas the previous concept by Bonnis Properties sought to align with Chinatown’s distinct heritage architectural and material character — but also incorporating on-site heritage elements of the 1910-built Brickhouse Late Night Bistro and Dive Bar on Main Street, as well as a modest 1925 structure on Union Street that was previously at another location and once housed a shrine to Jimi Hendrix — the new Hogan’s Alley Society proposal envisions a highly contemporary and contrasting design said to draw inspiration from African cultures.
“African art and cultures are rich and diverse, characterized by intricate patterns, geometric shapes such as circles and triangles, and a deep connection to nature,” reads the design rationale.
“The design process began by exploring African architecture, which is often marked by earthy tones, dark reddish-browns, perforated shading screens, and bold patterns, many, featuring triangular shapes. These elements reflect both aesthetic and functional purpose, such as providing sun protection, while celebrating the vibrancy of African heritage.”
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
Moreover, the overall design concept is inspired by the Baobab tree, more commonly referred to as the “Tree of Life,” which is said to be a symbol of resilience, community, unity, wisdom, heritage, and life — a source of shelter, food, and water in many African communities.
The Baobab tree’s “roots reach deep into the earth while its branches extend skyward, symbolizing strength, growth, and connection. The symbolism of this tree resonated with the site’s historic and cultural significance and the project’s goals,” continues the design rationale.
“The trunk-inspired forms anchor the structure at the corner of Main and Union, symbolizing the history, strength and rootedness of the African community in Vancouver while embracing the richness of African cultural heritage. The railings with the intricate patterns tie the volumes together representing the strength of smaller communities uniting into a larger, more resilient identity. The building’s entrance is designed to reflect the traditional African porch, emphasizing its cultural significance as a communal gathering space.”
The building’s exterior facade will feature cast iron, pressed metal decorative elements, and architectural patterns. The retained brick heritage facades of The Brickhouse and the Union Street structure will provide a break from the contemporary design. A commemorative plaque will also be installed in the laneway detailing the “story of Hogan’s Alley.”
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
The organization claims the area saw a concentration of Black residents due to its proximity to the railway, where they worked as porters, and that remnants of the community were displaced beginning in the late 1960s to enable the construction of the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts, which was built to replace the aging 1915-built Hart McHarg Bridge — the area’s original viaduct.
It should also be noted that many Chinese residents living in Chinatown were also displaced by the construction of the viaducts.
Under the City of Vancouver’s Northeast False Creek Plan (NEFCP), for the entire city block immediately south of 728-796 Main Street, a contemporary reimagining of Hogan’s Alley is envisioned as a mixed-use residential development with retail, restaurant, community, and cultural spaces. This site is the city block at the southeast corner of the intersection of Main Street and Union Street — currently home to an informal green space, the Nora Hendrix Place temporary modular housing building, and the easternmost end of the viaducts. According to the organization’s website, they are the “lead operating partner” of the temporary modular housing building.
Across the street, under the NEFCP, the southwest corner of the same intersection is also slated for mixed-use residential and retail development, designed as a direct southward extension of Chinatown.
Both blocks are still occupied by the City-owned Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts, and it remains uncertain if or when they will be demolished, especially due to the high growing costs associated with demolition and the construction of a new replacement surface road network.
2025 concept of 728-796 Main St., Vancouver, in relation to the future Hogan’s Alley and Chinatown expansion developments replacing the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts. (Studio One Architecture/Hogan’s Alley Society)
Daily Hive – Urbanized
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24 August 20251 min readAfrican-Inspired Social Housing Tower Proposed For Vancouver Chinatown
Daily Hive – Urbanized
24 August 2025
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1,500 Rental Homes In Three Towers Planned Near Lougheed Skytrain In BurnabyA full decade after acquiring the property, Toronto-based Starlight Investments is now making new headway with its plan to provide the Lougheed Village apartment property with a significant increase in residential density that nearly quadruples the number of homes on the Burnaby property.
This is not a complete demolition and redevelopment of the housing complex at 9500 Erickson Drive — which is roughly a five-minute walk west from SkyTrain’s Lougheed Town Centre Station — but an infill development. It is also located just west of Cameron Elementary School and the immense City of Lougheed mall redevelopment into a high-density, mixed-use district.
Currently, the seven-acre Lougheed Village site contains 528 rental homes within four 1971-built buildings, including two 25-storey towers and two nine-storey mid-rise buildings. All of these existing residential buildings will be retained; the project will not displace any existing tenants, but there will be significant temporary disruptions due to the scale and nature of the construction project.
Three additional towers will be added to the site by demolishing some of the existing parkade and surface parking facilities, demolishing the existing commercial building known as “Lougheed Village Mall” (containing retail and restaurant space and a fitness facility), and removing some of the landscaping that serves as outdoor amenity space for the complex.
Site of the existing Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (Google Maps)
Site of the existing Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (Google Maps)
Site of the existing Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (Google Maps)
The landscaping changes include the removal of a sizeable man-made pond — home to a significant number of turtles and other wildlife — near the core of the property, as part of the third phase of construction. Instead, as part of the first phase, there will be a new replacement pond situated on the southeasternmost corner of the property, fronting Lougheed Highway — featuring landscaped pathways around the new water feature, various seating fixtures, gardens, a picnic area, an outdoor fitness gym area, and an outdoor stage next to an amphitheatre-like area.
The project’s first phase entails a 45-storey south tower with 572 rental homes fronting Lougheed Highway — adjacent to the new pond — while the second phase is a 37-storey middle tower with 442 rental homes and the third phase is a 38-storey north tower with 453 rental homes fronting Erickson Drive.
Altogether, the project provides a net gain of 1,467 rental homes for Lougheed Village for a total of 1,995 secured purpose-built rental homes when combined with the existing buildings. All of these new units will be rented at market rates, following Burnaby City Council’s March 2025 decision to exempt market rental housing projects from the new inclusionary rental requirements — a move intended to support the financial viability of such rental housing projects.
The overall unit size mix within the new towers is 202 studio units, 704 one-bedroom units, 96 one-bedroom units with a den, 390 two-bedroom units, and 75 three-bedroom units.
Based on the industry standard of averaging 1.5 to 1.8 residents per unit, when complete, the expanded Lougheed Village complex could see as many as about 3,600 residents living on-site.
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
Furthermore, this infill development is also under the municipal government’s newly implemented Height-Based Framework, which regulates development based on building height (defined as the number of floors) instead of the conventional method of floor area ratio (FAR) density calculations. With that said, the existing and new buildings will generate a total floor area of 1.582 million sq. ft., establishing a FAR density of a floor area that is 4.92 times larger than the size of the lot.
In addition to the significant rental housing uses, there will be some minor mixed uses, including a possible childcare facility within the base of the new north tower and some retail/restaurant space within the new middle tower.
Designed by NSDA Architects, the new towers adopt a contemporary interpretation of Lougheed Village’s existing “minimalist” style, while introducing subtle colour variations to create visual interest and aid with wayfinding.
“The proposal recognizes these differing but complementary architectural expressions and attempts to respond to both. The expression of the towers is intended to reflect a complementary approach unifying Lougheed Village as a community,” reads the application.
Each tower is distinguished through the use of colour palettes inspired by the natural environment. Gradual shifts in tone — from deeper, more saturated hues at the base to lighter shades at the top — accentuate verticality, guiding the eye upward and visually elongating the buildings. Three complementary colours were selected to reflect the landscaping concept: a darker blue-green, a sky blue, and a vibrant light green.
According to the architectural firm, the choice of colours is also rooted in inspiration drawn from First Nations cultures.
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
2025 concept of the infill development of three additional towers for Lougheed Village at 9500 Erickson Dr., Burnaby. (NSDA Architects/Starlight Investments)
As construction progresses on the multi-phased project, there will be new replacement and improved landscaping and outdoor amenity spaces. In addition to the aforementioned new replacement pond, other areas will see new gardens, landscaped paths, seating areas, a children’s playground, a multi-use sports court, covered games area, and a multi-use lawn/dog run.
The new landscaping and outdoor amenity spaces will be built over new underground parking up to five levels deep. Currently, the site has 856 parking stalls for residents, with the project calling for an additional 442 net new stalls, which accounts for replacing stalls demolished for the development.
Additionally, some new internal roadways will be established on the site, and the segment of Lougheed Highway fronting the property will be redesigned to the municipal government’s new “Primary Arterial Town Centre Standard” with setbacks, separated pedestrian sidewalks and bike lanes, lighting, street trees, and rain gardens.
As well, there will be a specific setback away from Lougheed Highway to retain the municipal government’s future ability to widen the road’s westbound arterial capacity from two to three travel lanes, but this future road lot would remain under Starlight Investment’s ownership until the City proceeds with such a widening project.
As previously reported by Daily Hive Urbanized over the past decade, Starlight Investments acquired the property in 2015, and began planning the infill development the following year. The project has evolved over the years — initially a proposal with two new towers for about 1,000 rental homes, followed shortly after by the addition of a third new tower to concept that grew the total number of new rental homes to 1,200 units. Previous architectural concepts also carried a contemporary design that highly contrasted with the existing structures.
Pending municipal regulatory approvals, some construction could begin as early as 2026.
Daily Hive – Urbanized
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24 August 20251 min read1,500 Rental Homes In Three Towers Planned Near Lougheed Skytrain In Burnaby
Daily Hive – Urbanized
24 August 2025
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Developer Proposes 373-Meter Supertall Skyscraper In San FranciscoTexas-based developer Hines has submitted plans for a new supertall skyscraper in San Francisco that, if approved and built, could become the tallest building on the U.S. West Coast. Rising to a height of 1,225 feet (373 meters), the proposed tower at 77 Beale Street would surpass both the 1,100-foot (335 meter) Wilshire Grand Center in Los Angeles and the 1,070-foot (326 meter) Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, also co-developed by Hines.
Part of a broader redevelopment of the former Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) campus, the project would also include the restoration of two historic buildings at 215 and 245 Market Street, the conversion of an existing office building at 25 Beale Street, and the creation of a new park. In total, the mixed-use development would encompass 1.6 million square feet (148,644 square meters) of office space.
The supertall may ultimately be renamed 200 Mission, in keeping with earlier plans which were revealed in 2021. Pickard Chilton is listed as the master-plan architect for the broader site, but an architect has yet to be selected for the 77 Beale design.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie voiced strong support for the proposal, calling it a chance to revitalize a vacant downtown block with a dynamic mix of housing, office, retail, and public space. If realized, the project would mark a significant milestone for the city’s skyline and serve as a catalyst for downtown renewal.
Learn more at Dezeen.
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
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19 July 20252 min readDeveloper Proposes 373-Meter Supertall Skyscraper In San Francisco
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
19 July 2025
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Baron Property Group And Largavista Secure $388.5M In Financing For Their 46-Story Residential Tower In Long Island CityThe LargaVista Companies and Baron Property Group secured a $388.5 million construction loan for their long-delayed 46-story residential tower at 30-25 Queens Boulevard in Long Island City. The financing package, announced today, June 30 was backed by Starwood Capital Group, Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies, and Gotham Organization, with advisory services from HKS Real Estate Advisors and DIA Capital Group.
The financing is a crucial milestone for the project, which had stalled for years following the start of preliminary site work in 2019. With the capital now in hand, the developers are poised to resume construction on the 25,177-square-foot property, situated at the corner of Queens Plaza East and Queens Boulevard, west of the Sunnyside Yards rail yards.
The 525-foot-tall, CetraRuddy Architecture-designed tower will span approximately 511,000 square feet and yield a total of 561 residential units, consisting of 451 market-rate rentals and 110 for-sale condominiums. A total of 169 apartments will be reserved as affordable housing, which will make the development one of the more inclusive large-scale residential developments in the area.
In addition to residential, the project will also include about 21,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, activating the streetscape at one of Long Island City’s busiest transit nodes.
Residents will have access to a sprawling set of amenities designed to bring Manhattan high-end norms at better affordability. They include:
A rooftop pool nearly 500 feet above street level
Full-size basketball and pickleball courts
A fitness center and meditation studio
A game room and co-working lounge
Outdoor grilling stations
A solarium and pet spa with kitchen and dining area
“The vision has always been to bring Manhattan-quality living to an emerging, more affordable neighborhood,” Baron Property Group President Matthew Baron said. “Long Island City is diverse, transit-connected, and steadily growing—and this project shows our commitment to that kind of environment.”
Read also: New York City lays out plans for the largest mass timber residential project on Staten Island
Although pile driving and excavation began years back, the 46-Story tower at 30-25 Queens Blvd Long Island City had remained largely dormant until this year. With new financing secured and new renderings released, expectations now are for a restart of full construction activity, possibly as early as later this summer. The development team is envisioning a phased construction schedule, with occupancy now anticipated in 2028.
Only feet away from the Queens Plaza (E, M, R) and Queensboro Plaza (7, N, W) subway stations, the building offers direct access to Midtown Manhattan in about 15 minutes. That convenience, along with luxury amenities and lower prices than Manhattan, is bound to entice renters and buyers as well as the tower.
With financing now secured and design plans reaffirmed, Baron Property Group and LargaVista Companies are set to realize one of Long Island City’s most ambitious residential towers—one that pairs affordability, design, and luxury amenities on a scale rarely achieved in outer-borough developments.
Read also: Empire Wind Construction Resumes After $5B Project Endures Month-Long Halt Costing $50M Weekly
Location: 30-25 Queens Boulevard, Long Island City, NY
Site: Corner of Queens Plaza East and Queens Boulevard (25,177 sq ft)
Height: 525 feet, 46 stories
Total Area: 511,000 square feet
Projected Completion: 2028
Construction Loan: $388.5 million
Lenders: Starwood Capital Group, Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies, Gotham Organization
Total Units: 561
451 market-rate rentals
110 for-sale condominiums
169 affordable housing units
Commercial Space: 21,000 sq ft ground-floor retail
Rooftop swimming pool (500 ft above street level)
Full-sized basketball and pickleball courts
Fitness center and meditation studio
Co-working lounge and game room
Outdoor grilling areas
Pet spa and solarium with kitchen/dining
Subway Stations: Queens Plaza (E, M, R) and Queensboro Plaza (7, N, W)
Travel Time to Midtown: 15 minutes
Proximity: Adjacent to Sunnyside Yards rail tracks
Initial Site Work: 2019
Financing Closed: 2025
Construction Restart: Summer 2025 (projected)
Occupancy: 2028 (projected)
Read also: Bravo Property Trust finances New York residential tower
Construction Review Online
skyscraper
01 July 20254 min readBaron Property Group And Largavista Secure $388.5M In Financing For Their 46-Story Residential Tower In Long Island City
Construction Review Online
01 July 2025
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Major Fire Breaks Out In 280-Meter Residential Building In Dubai MarinaA major fire broke out late Friday in the 280-meter Marina Pinnacle tower in Dubai Marina, prompting the safe evacuation of all 3,820 residents from 764 apartments, according to the Dubai Media Office (DMO). Dubai Civil Defence teams battled the blaze for six hours, with no injuries reported.
Authorities are coordinating with the building's developer to provide temporary housing, while medical and mental health support has been made available on-site.
Originally completed in 2011, this is reportedly not the first fire at this building. In 2015, a kitchen fire was started on the 47th floor and spread to one additional floor before being contained.
Learn more at NDTV.
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
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17 June 20251 min readMajor Fire Breaks Out In 280-Meter Residential Building In Dubai Marina
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
17 June 2025
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Building Safety Minister To Address Building The Future ConferenceThe Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth will address Housing Today’s Building the Future Conference as a keynote speaker.
Source: Flickr
Alex Norris has been MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley since June 2017 and was appointed to the role last year, after a shift of responsibilities within the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The minister’s role includes building safety, regulations, the Grenfell Inquiry response, local and regional growth, investment zones.
His keynote speech will be part of the conference’s deidcated building safety stream. The conference will also involve dedicated specification, sustainability and skills sessions.
This year’s Building the Future Conference, which Building Design is co-hosting with sister titles Building and Housing Today, will take place on 2 October at a new venue, 155 Bishopsgate in the City of London.
On top of bringing together the Building, Building Design and Housing Today audiences under one roof, there will also be exclusive content from industry partners such as Build UK, The Housing Forum, The G15, and UKGBC.
>> Building the Future Conference: Buy your ticket today
The day-long conference will be followed by a shortlisting party for the 2025 Building Awards and Architect of the Year Awards.
Building Design
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17 April 20251 min readBuilding Safety Minister To Address Building The Future Conference
Building Design
17 April 2025
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Unstudio'S Wasl Tower In Dubai Draws From Classical Art With Sinuous Contrapposto PoseSet to become one of Dubai’s most impressive new landmarks, UNStudio‘s Wasl Tower is nearing completion and continues to transform the city’s skyline with its sinuous form and advanced facade of ceramic fins. With structural design by Werner Sobek, the supertall tower rises 302 meters and draws on classical art’s ‘contrapposto’ stance — its twisted form suggesting a figure mid-stride. Currently in the final stages of construction, the project has been photographed by Nils Koenning, offering a unique glimpse into the next generation of mixed-use skyscrapers in the UAE.
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the project sits at a critical urban intersection in Dubai, linking the world-famous Burj Khalifa with the newer City Walk development. Its prominent placement along Sheikh Zayed Road ensures high visibility, especially as it stands opposite the Burj Khalifa without any other tall structures to compete with. A new pedestrian bridge connects the building to the Burj Khalifa metro station, extending accessibility while reinforcing its role as a node within Dubai’s ever-evolving infrastructure network.
images © Nils Koenning
With one of the tallest ceramic facades in the world, the Wasl Tower in Dubai pushes the limits of facade design by blending tradition with performance. The architects at UNStudio and engineers at Werner Sobek cloak the tower in a lace-like grid of ceramic fins, crafted from low-tech glazed clay. This surface works to both reduce heat gain and enhance interior daylighting. Each fin is precisely angled at 12.8 degrees, a figure determined through parametric modeling to optimize shading and light diffusion. This outer skin is thus a passive cooling system which responds to the desert climate and offers a tactile visual identity that reads as both futuristic and traditional.
The Wasl Tower in Dubai introduces an unusual vertical seam that functions as a ‘vertical boulevard’ — a stacked procession of outdoor balconies and green terraces that run up the spine of the building. Crowned by a series of rooftop infinity pools, this seam brings a new level of permeability to high-rise living in a desert context. It also forms a crucial axis for public engagement, with programmatically rich zones that house dining, entertainment, and hospitality functions suspended far above the city.
Dubai’s Wasl Tower is a 302 meter skyscraper designed by UNStudio with structure by Werner Sobek
With its Wasl Tower in Dubai, UNStudio draws inspiration from classical sculpture, rotating along its vertical axis in a dynamic contrapposto pose. Its complex geometry is supported by three massive 300-meter shear walls, which are linked by four strategic outriggers. This structural system enables an open and adaptable floorplate, meeting the demands of its mixed-use program — including office spaces, apartments, and a hotel — while allowing the building to gracefully twist and face multiple directions.
The project becomes a living element within the nightscape through its responsive lighting system designed by Arup. Hidden behind the ceramic fins, the system pulses with light patterns that mimic the tempo of urban life. During the day, the same ceramic system moderates solar exposure. At night, the tower becomes a glowing presence powered in part by PV panels integrated into the adjacent car park structure. The lighting concept flows from exterior to interior, especially in the tower’s public areas and sky lobby.
the building’s sculptural form is based on contrapposto and rotates along its vertical axis
To navigate its complex, multi-functional interior, UNStudio and Werner Sobek employ a layered vertical transport strategy. A total of seventeen elevators — including five for services — support the distinct programs within the tower. Express lifts connect major hubs like the ground floor, spa, sky lobby, and rooftop, while separate lift groups serve office workers, hotel guests, and residents. While streamlining circulation, this system enhances user experience by lending direct, efficient access between public and private zones.
As the Wasl Tower nears its anticipated completion later this year, Dubai prepares to welcome a new icon which actively engages with its climate, culture, and infrastructure. With its ceramic cloak, kinetic silhouette, and environmentally responsive features, the tower signals a forward-thinking future for high-rise design in the desert metropolis.
it features one of the world’s tallest ceramic facades made from low-tech glazed clay
ceramic fins provide shading and reflect light deep into the building
Design Boom
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03 April 20254 min readUnstudio'S Wasl Tower In Dubai Draws From Classical Art With Sinuous Contrapposto Pose
Design Boom
03 April 2025
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Terraced Cityzen Tower By Zaha Hadid Architects Set To Rise In Tbilisi, GeorgiaZaha Hadid Architects has unveiled Cityzen Tower, an ambitious mixed-use development in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. Located at the intersection of Mikheil Tamarashvili and University streets, the tower will comprise residential apartments, commercial spaces, and leisure amenities. Cityzen Tower is designed to rise on the site of the former military headquarters of Soviet forces in central and south Caucasus. Positioned within the evolving Cityzen community in Tbilisi’s Saburtalo district, the project benefits from proximity to the city’s Line 2 metro system, major universities, commercial hubs, and emerging residential developments. Marking ZHA’s first project in Georgia, Cityzen Tower is scheduled for completion in 2028.
visualizations © Negativ
The design team at Zaha Hadid Architects envisions the Cityzen Tower as a new civic hub in western Tbilisi, Georgia, to accommodate the city’s growing population. The masterplan features interconnected pedestrian pathways, public plazas, and lush gardens, spanning 23,000 square meters of outdoor spaces to encourage recreation and community engagement. Cityzen is strategically positioned adjacent to Tbilisi’s expansive 36-hectare Central Park. Retaining 250 mature trees from the existing site, the development embraces green urbanism, offering residents direct access to botanical gardens, woodlands, and sports facilities.
ZHA’s Cityzen Tower is set to be a new mixed-use development in Tbilisi, Georgia
The design of Cityzen Tower by Zaha Hadid Architects reflects Tbilisi’s rolling hills and meandering river valleys. The tower serves as an architectural bridge between urban life and nature, featuring cascading landscaped terraces that extend into Central Park, creating inviting outdoor spaces for cafes, restaurants, and communal activities. As Cityzen Tower ascends, the terraces evolve into social spaces for the office floors, while the upper residential levels offer private balconies with sweeping views of the city and park. The tower’s design transitions from an expansive communal base to a refined, diamond-shaped residential footprint, ensuring optimal natural light and panoramic vistas for every apartment.
the project offers 23,000 square meters of landscaped outdoor spaces to the city
Zaha Hadid’s Cityzen Tower prioritizes environmental performance, with extensive solar and wind analysis shaping its 42-story form. The structure optimizes natural ventilation, while extended balconies and external louvres reduce heat gain in summer and enhance passive solar heating in winter, cutting overall energy consumption. Cityzen Tower continues Tbilisi’s tradition of expertise in concrete construction. Targeting LEED Gold certification, the development emphasizes locally recycled materials and a sustainable procurement strategy. Rainwater collection and reuse will be implemented through an on-site reservoir, while native vegetation requiring minimal irrigation will be used throughout the complex.
cascading terraces connect with the park and provide outdoor spaces for cafes and restaurants
Cityzen Tower’s design is inspired by Tbilisi’s rolling hills and river valleys
project info:
name: Cityzen Tower
architect: Zaha Hadid Architects | @zahahadidarchitects
location: Tbilisi, Georgia
client: Cityzen
completion: expected 2028
visualizations: © Negativ | @negativ_va
design: Patrik Schumacher ZHA project director: Manuela Gatto ZHA project associate: Yevgeniya Pozigun ZHA project architects: Takehiko Iseki, Massimo Napoleoni ZHA project leads: Armando Bussey (Design), Bowen Miao (Facade), Maria Avrami (BIM), ZHA technical coordination: Kutbuddin Nadiadi ZHA project team: Alicia Hidalgo Lopez, Armando Bussey, Besan Abudayah, Bowen Miao, Catherine McCann, Charles Walker, Ignacio Fernandez De Castro, Jessica Wang, Jose Pareja Gomez, Kutbuddin Nadiadi, Laizhen Wu, Manuela Gatto, Maria Avrami, Massimo Napoleoni, Panos Ioakim, Takehiko Iseki, Thomas Bagnoli, Yevgeniya Pozigun ZHA analytics & insights team: Uli Blum, Danial Haziq ZHA sustainability team: Aleksander Mastalski, Aditya Ambare, Carlos Bausa Martinez, Shibani Choudhury, Disha Shetty
local architect: Artstudio Project structural engineers: Capiteli facade engineering: FMT Facade Consultants MEP: Zerone landscape consultant: Artstudio Project animation: Render.ge LEED consultant: Sustainable Engineering Ltd
Design Boom
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14 March 20253 min readTerraced Cityzen Tower By Zaha Hadid Architects Set To Rise In Tbilisi, Georgia
Design Boom
14 March 2025
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J. Mayer H. Unveils Winning Design Of Water-Inspired 'Cheongdam Tower' For SeoulJ. Mayer H. Architecture has been chosen for its design of the Cheongdam Tower in Seoul, South Korea — a winning proposal envisioned as part of the Seoul City Urban/Architecture Creation/Innovation Design Project contest. The team links its architecture to ‘clear water,’ symbolizing ‘purity and a natural living environment,’ a theme which is central to the design. Water, they explain, represents the organic flow of life and serves as the foundation for growth and culture. Sustainability is a key focus, with the undulating, organic skyscraper incorporating water features and lush greening throughout.
J. Mayer H. Architecture wins a design competition for Cheongdam Tower in Seoul | images © J. Mayer H.
This theme of ‘clear water’ is reflected in the Cheongdam Tower’s form, as J. Mayer H. Architecture defines the building by flowing lines and organic curves, with green terraces cascading down its exterior. With a facade suggesting rippling waves, the overall effect is that of a living, breathing organism within the urban landscape. Public spaces at the base of the tower offer a welcome retreat from the city, with winding paths leading visitors through open, landscaped infused with water features. These spaces will host cultural events and luxury retail. Above, a rooftop terrace, will open out toward panoramic views of the city, the Han River, and the mountainous landscape beyond.
inspired by ‘clear water,’ the tower symbolizes purity and a natural environment
The new public areas at the Cheongdam Tower are proposed by J. Mayer H. Architecture as a ‘green oasis’ within the city, encouraging a sense of community and cultural identity.
The team notes: ‘The Cheongdam Tower forms the center of the Korean fashion and K-Culture scene in Seoul and impressively reflects the contemporary attitude to life, in which nature and culture are combined with high-end living and luxury consumption. It stands out symbolically in the urban space and represents an unmistakable point of attraction with international appeal.
‘The design of the Cheongdam Tower, with its organically evolved and greened volume clad in a thin, protective louver, creates a distinctive sculptural silhouette. It symbolically stands out in the urban space, representing a unique focal point with international allure.’
the sustainable design incorporates water features and green spaces throughout flowing lines and green terraces evoke a living organism within the city public spaces offer a green oasis with shops, cultural events, and city views
Design Boom
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14 February 20252 min readJ. Mayer H. Unveils Winning Design Of Water-Inspired 'Cheongdam Tower' For Seoul
Design Boom
14 February 2025
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