Chicago Construction News staff writer
Construction has resumed on a towering architectural feat in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, designed by Chicago architect Adrian Smith. The Jeddah Economic Company Tower will hit 1,000 meters upon completion, making it the world’s tallest skyscraper, surpassing the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which Smith also designed.
Backed by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding, the project has been on hold for years due to funding issues. However, this week, the developers confirmed that work will continue, with an expected timeline of 42 months for completion. Currently, 63 of the tower’s planned 157 floors have been built.
The design of the Jeddah tower, inspired by the shape of a desert plant, will include a Four Seasons hotel, luxury apartments, office spaces, three lobbies on the upper floors, and the world’s highest observation deck on the 157th level.
Smith’s unique design uses three separate bases to balance the structure’s weight and enhance its stability against strong winds.
The tower will be the centerpiece of a mixed-use project that includes residential, retail, office, and hospitality spaces. The first phase of infrastructure, including utilities and high-speed internet, has already been completed.
