$40 million penthouse for Beanie Babies tycoon
Who knew inventing toy animals stuffed with beans could lead to a multimillion dollar fortune, let alone owning one of the most expensive residential properties in Chicago? This fall, Beanie Babies creator Ty Warner invested an estimated $40 million for the penthouse unit of the 2,000-foot-tall Chicago Spire, thereby ensuring the development of the skyline’s biggest eyesore. Barely above ground level, when the building opens at 400 North Lake Shore in 2012—or if, because its completion was in doubt at presstime—Warner’s two-level unit will feature 360-degree views in a space of 10,000-plus square feet, or enough room for a whole ark of stuffed animals.
Best of Chicago 2008
