“Forever open, clear, and free.” That phrase echoes through the story of The Grant. It stands tall in Chicago’s Near South Side community area. Previously known as One Museum Park West, The Grant is more than just a residential tower.
The Grant is a companion structure to One Museum Park. Both are part of the Museum Park complex. This complex sits within the Central Station development. It is located at the southern edge of Grant Park. The building is across Lake Shore Drive from Chicago’s Museum Campus.
Construction of The Grant began in March 2007. It opened in July 2010. The building reaches a tip height of 181 meters. That is 594 feet. Its roof reaches 180.09 meters, or 590.8 feet. The top floor is 161.89 meters high. That is 531.1 feet. The Grant has 54 floors. The floor area covers 92,987 square meters. That is 1,000,900 square feet.
Pappageorge/Haymes, Ltd. designed The Grant. In 2006, the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance formed. This non-profit represents South Loop residents. These residents include those in the Prairie District and Central Station. They also include those in Museum Park and Motor Row. The alliance also represents those in the South Michigan Avenue Corridor.
In July 2012, Related Companies acquired the building. The New York-based company also acquired 1600 Museum Park and Museum Park Place 2. The Grant was renamed at this time. The other buildings became Adler Place and Harbor View. By May 2015, nearly all 238 unsold units in The Grant had been sold.
The story of Grant Park, where The Grant resides, is fascinating. Originally, Grant Park was underwater. It was built with landfill in Lake Michigan. A large underground area exists beneath the park. This area includes 9,000 parking spaces, a music theater, and fieldhouses. There are also restrooms and walkways.
In 1836, a map showed the lakeshore 400 feet east of Michigan Avenue. A blank space was labeled “Public Ground.” It was to remain forever open and free of obstructions. This phrasing led to lawsuits and the book “Forever Open, Clear, and Free.” In 1844, the area became Lake Park.
The Illinois Central Railroad built a breakwater in 1852. This protected downtown from erosion. Over time, the park faced challenges. There were attempts to build on it. Aaron Montgomery Ward fought to keep it open. He wanted to provide sunlight and fresh air for his employees.
Today, Grant Park is a beloved landmark. It hosts festivals and events. It has Buckingham Fountain, baseball fields, and a skate park. There is also a band shell, gardens, and a dog park. The Grant stands as a testament to the park’s enduring legacy. It represents the ongoing evolution of Chicago’s front yard.