CHICAGO (AP) – The Chicago Plan Commission recommended the approval Thursday of a 2,000-foot tower that would be the tallest building in the country if a renowned architect’s plan comes to fruition.

The city zoning committee is scheduled to vote next week on the design and site plan for the 150-story, twisting tower envisioned by Santiago Calatrava, a Spanish-born architect known for designing the Milwaukee Art Museum addition and the Athens Olympic sports complex.

“This is a wonderful project, and everyone is very enthused,” said Constance Buscemi, spokeswoman for the city’s planning department.

Garrett Kelleher, executive chairman of developer Shelbourne Development Ltd. of Ireland, called the tower, which would feature 1,200 residences, “a unique building in a happening city.”

If the city zoning committee approves the plan, the full city council would consider it May 9. If approved, construction would begin this spring, said Thomas Murphy, general counsel to Shelbourne.

While Murphy and Kelleher have declined to estimate the total development cost, real estate experts have put it at well over $1 billion, the Chicago Tribune and Crain’s Chicago Business reported in stories on their Web sites Thursday.