For those property investors from South Africa (or the rest of the world) who regard themselves as 'trophy' property buyers, settling for only the best, most iconic properties in the world, then The Chicago Spire in booming Chicago might top the list now.

Chicago must surely top the priority acquisition list, and Pam Golding are the exclusive agents in South Africa for this most exclusive real estate project.

At 2000 feet (609.6m) and comprising 150 storey’s The Chicago Spire - situated in a prime location where Lake Michigan meets the Chicago River in cosmopolitan, downtown Chicago - will be the tallest residential building in the world, home to 1194 individual residences and a range of amenities to rival any on the planet.

No two residences will be alike, with each suite, gallery (larger than a suite) and one, two, three and four bedroom apartments and penthouses offering a unique floor plan and spectacular, panoramic views of the city and lakefront via floor to ceiling windows.

Amenities available to residents include cinema and private dining facilities, library, wine cellar and humidor, therapeutic spa, world class fitness facilities and business centre.

But to top all that, each floor of the seven-sided building rotates on average 2.44 degrees between floor plates, giving this remarkably beautiful and slender building its distinctive fluid appearance, so in effect the building turns a total of 360 degrees.

Considered one of the world's most influential and inspirational architects, Calatrava, who is known for creating beautiful, meaningful architecture, is renowned for various noteworthy projects which include the Opera House in Valencia, Spain and Olympic Sports Complex in Athens, Greece.

Marketed exclusively in South Africa by the Pam Golding Property group's International Division, which acquired the mandate through their association with Savills UK, prices for apartments start at USD800 000 for a 534sq ft (49.61sqm) suite to USD 40million for a 10 293sq ft (956.25sqm) duplex penthouse.

Comments Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property group: " There is simply nothing like the Chicago Spire anywhere in the world and the privilege to live in such an iconic residence is a once in a lifetime opportunity. "

"Arguably the most significant residential development in the world, this is a premium luxury product which due to its exclusivity, uniqueness and revolutionary and futuristic design style, will appeal to high net worth buyers globally who are looking for long term investment - and trophy buildings.“

There has been a high level of interest from buyers. These include local buyers from Chicago, purchasing to reside there, as well as those from around the world and including corporations and investors.

Already launched in Chicago, Dublin, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, sales of the apartments in The Chicago Spire are being boosted by an excellent investor package which offers a rental guarantee of 7.5 percent for two years post completion.

The guarantee is of sufficient level to cover mortgage repayments, annual real estate taxes and apartment service charges, ensuring the investor does not incur any costs in the first two years.

An investor will reap the rewards of approximately five years of capital growth while the building is under construction and then enjoy two years of further capital growth post completion, without incurring the holding costs.

Known for its beautiful skylines, cutting edge architecture, clean beaches and waterfront, modern Chicago itself is a prosperous city buzzing with vitality, and is a contender for the 2016 Olympic Games.

With a diverse and thriving economy this financial and commercial city has a 24-hour CBD where people work, live, shop and enjoy leisure time. The population of the CBD is projected to grow by 50 percent this decade.

Set on 2.2 acres (0.9 hectares) of landscaped grounds that lead to the water's edge of Lake Michigan, construction of The Chicago Spire began in June 2007, with completion anticipated in 2011/2012.

Exhibitions which are open to members of the public will be held from Friday 30 May - Sunday 1 June 2008 at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg and from 6-8 June at The Forum, Victoria & Alfred Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.