Plans unveiled for new Chicago skyscrapers

Officials have unveiled plans to fix the remains of one of the biggest development disasters in Chicago history.

There is now a plan in place to build on what many would consider prime real estate along the Chicago River. The site of what was to be the Chicago Spire has been sitting unused since plans were abandoned to build on it years ago.

New plans were disclosed in detail for the first time Tuesday evening by developer "Related Midwest.” The developer is calling for the development of two skyscrapers to be built on the Chicago River site, housing condos, a hotel and apartments.

One building -- the south tower -- would stand at 1,000 feet tall, making it among the tallest buildings in the city.

The second, though slightly shorter, would stand to the north at 850 feet tall.

The project is known as "400 Lake Shore Drive." The reported designer is also known for designing One World Trade Center in New York City.

The development site has been sitting empty for the past decade, and was originally to be used to build the Chicago Spire. That, standing at 2,000 feet, would have been the nation's tallest building, also set to house condos.

However, a gaping hole is now seen at the site after construction there was stopped amid financing challenges at the onset of a global recession.

The developer plans to begin construction by the end of next summer. Completion is aimed for 2023.