The developer of the Chicago Spire has lost control of the site off Lake Shore Drive.

Irish developer Garrett Kelleher is the head of Shelbourne Development Group. He wanted to build a skyscraper by Santiago Calatrava that would twist into the sky. But the project to build the nation’s tallest building is mired in lawsuits and liens, and the site’s just a fancy hole in the ground.

Now a spokeswoman for CB Richard Ellis confirms a judge has appointed the firm as receiver. There are foreclosure lawsuits pending.

Earlier, Shelbourne reportedly left both its corporate offices and sales offices in the face of eviction lawsuits, though a lawyer for Shelbourne told Crain’s Chicago Business at the time that they dispute the rent claim.

Shelbourne Development could not immediately be reached for comment.