400 N Lake Shore Drive

Level-1 engineered future-ready technology systems for twin luxury towers rising on the former Chicago Spire site.

A bold new icon in Chicago’s skyline, 400 N Lake Shore Drive is a twin-tower residential development rising above the former Chicago Spire site. The North Tower, reaching approximately 857 ft (72 stories), will house 635 luxury rental residences, including 20% designated as affordable units, alongside 4.5 acres of public space and a plaza connecting to DuSable Park. The project is designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill under the leadership of architect David Childs, and backed by Related Midwest with nearly $500 million in financing. Slated for completion in 2027, it represents a definitive leap forward in what a residential high-rise can be, visually commanding, socially inclusive, and technologically immersive. 

To bring this vision to life, Related turned to Level-1 Global Solutions to define and deliver the digital framework that would make the towers not just beautiful, but future-resilient. Level-1’s task was to imagine and implement the technology infrastructure a building of this caliber demands encompassing everything from smart-home interfaces and integrated EV charging to resilient fiber-optic systems, audiovisual experiences, and layered security. We were charged with engineering a seamless digital environment across 72 stories, anticipating how residents will live, move, connect, and charge in a world increasingly defined by data and electrification. 

We addressed system interoperability from the earliest phases, enabling full-building scalability while preserving its architectural vision. Whether it’s aligning backbone infrastructure with load-managed EV charging strategies, coordinating with MEP systems for renewable-readiness, or ensuring public and private networks operate securely in parallel, our approach ensures performance and longevity. 

What We Delivered

• Plans for low-voltage infrastructure for all residential, amenity, and back-of-house spaces 
• Design concepts for structured cabling systems to support data, voice, security, and AV networks 
• Strategies for wireless LAN and DAS planning to ensure consistent, high-speed coverage throughout 
• Solutions for in-unit technology coordination, including smart locks, automation systems, and Wi-Fi provisioning 
• Concepts for audiovisual systems, including distributed audio, digital displays, and conferencing solutions 
• Schematics for physical security systems design, including access control, surveillance, and parking controls 
• Infrastructure plans for integrated EV charging infrastructure with load balancing and networked user management 

The result is a technology ecosystem that complements the architectural ambition of 400 N Lake Shore Drive while delivering on the needs of today’s digital-native residents. From day-one connectivity to long-term scalability, Level-1’s technology plan reinforces Related’s goal of creating the best-of-the-best in urban residential living secure, connected, and built to last.