Related Midwest LLC has looked beyond Chicago for the designer of its next downtown development, picking renowned New York architect Robert A.M. Stern to draw up plans for a residential tower in Streeterville, his largest commission here by far.

Chicago-based Related Midwest is getting ready to submit plans with the city for a Stern-designed high-rise at the southwest corner of Peshtigo Court and Grand Avenue, according to people familiar with the project. It's unclear what the developer plans to build on the site — which sits just west of a new Related Midwest apartment building — but it has considered a tower that would include both apartments and condominiums, according to the people.

Mr. Stern, 74, who founded Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLP in 1969, is one of the most prominent U.S. post-war architects, a postmodernist pioneer who is known for looking to the past for inspiration. He has served as the dean of the Yale School of Architecture since 1998, written several books on architecture and designed everything from high-end homes to Walt Disney World hotels.  Mr. Stern has been an SAH member since 1960.

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