The Chicago Traveler

I have featured several condominium towers that are so much more than boring blocks. The Regatta, River East Center, Skybridge, and many more are all examples of the great architecture the Chicago skyline has to offer. Today’s residential towers, though they look similar, are all eye-catching pieces along the lakefront.
Along the way to Navy Pier, you can’t help but notice Lake Point Tower. Completed in 1968, this 645-foot-tall (197 m) skyscraper has three rounded lobes, evenly spaced at 120-degree angles. The building’s curves are designed so that residents cannot see into each other’s windows. If you think the tower has …read more

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Today’s apartment block is simple yet unique. Completed in 2002, the Wells Street Tower has 34 stories and stands 388 feet tall (118 m). While the green glass gives the building a modern feel, it’s the right triangle of a roof that makes it memorable. And what artistic expression does this interesting pyramid achieve? Well, actually, it’s a bit more practical than that. The right triangle covers up the mechanical elements at one end of the building.
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex, Antre
Wells Street Tower: 701 S Wells StPublic trans: Bus # 145http://www.wellsstreettower.net/

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If you’ve ever caught a movie downtown, you’ve probably been to River East Center. This skyscraper was completed in 2001 and stands 644 feet tall (196 m) with 58 floors. The original design called for 4 small spires at the edge of each side of the roof and would have made the tower Chicago’s tallest all-residential building. A second tower was planned but never constructed.
Most people who visit this structure though are visiting the ground level’s AMC Theatre, the largest cinema downtown with 21 screens. There are plenty of restaurants in the area, so it’s a good place for a …read more

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Located on the south bank of the Chicago River, The Regatta offers its occupants some great views, including picturesque scenes like Navy Pier and Lake Michigan. Completed in 2007, this 466-foot (142 m), 44-story building reflects the glistening water of the nearby lake and river. (Neighbor to The Tides & The Shoreham,) The tower is a symbol of luxury, featuring an indoor swimming pool, rooftop garden, and theatre room complete with surround sound.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex (1, 2, 3, 4)
The Regatta: 425 E Wacker DrPublic trans: Bus # 6http://www.regattachicago.com/

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Just two blocks north of Santorini and Greek Islands, the $75-million, 39-story Skybridge is a condo building that puts all the other concrete box-shaped buildings to shame. Completed in 2003, it is a symbol of inventive architecture: a twin-towered structure bound together by 250-foot long (76 m) transparent, glass bridges. Because of these glass hallways, you can actually look right through the building. And then, of course, there’s the “bridge” at the very top, giving the towers a unique skyline presence.

Photo credit: my percept…, YoChicago1
Skybridge: 1 N Halsted St
Public trans: Bus # 8, 20, 127
http://www.skybridgechicago.com/

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Today’s architectural accomplishments are The Tides and The Shoreham, two residential high-rise buildings in the Loop that are similar in size and shape, and together form a rough wall to Lakeshore East Park. The Tides is currently still under construction, but it is set to open later this year. It is one of the tallest buildings in the city at a height of 500 feet (152 m) and with 51 floors. The Shoreham, completed in 2005, has 47 floors and is 450 feet (137 m) tall. The original design called for a gently arched roof, but, as you can see, …read more

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Today’s architectural marvel isn’t even finished yet, but the blueprints alone have many design enthusiasts buzzing. Aqua will easily be one of the most innovative and recognizable buildings in the Chicago skyline.  (Incredible photos are available here and here.)
Let’s get some basic stats out of the way. Construction began in March of 2007, and the building is expected to be complete in 2009. It will stand 822 feet (251 m) tall with 87 stories and will be the first downtown building to combine condominiums, apartments, and hotel space. The first 18 floors will consist of 210 hotel rooms, the next …read more

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