The project had to comply with the Historic Michigan Boulevard District, which protects the skyscraper wall along Michigan Avenue from disruption. Although adjoining buildings will share property lines at their base, setbacks on higher floors will range from 26 feet to 37 feet to provide light in the new units, as well as neighboring buildings. Gardner's plans also calls for 25,000 sf of ground-floor retail space.

"I'm happy for Guy and everybody right now," says 2nd Ward Alderman Madeline Haithcock. "This project will be one of the greatest."

Department of planning and development deputy commissioner Jack Swenson says seven community meetings resulted in a series of changes to Gardner's original plans. A health club, as well as 200 spaces for its users, was eliminated along with underground parking. The project also had no setback to the north, Swenson adds. The end result also is 200,000 sf smaller than the original proposal.