The Chicago Traveler

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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Completed in 2005 with a height of 631 feet and 57 floors, The Heritage at Millennium Park is the tallest residential building in the Loop. Directly west of the park, the building provides its lucky occupants with unobstructed views of Millennium Park, Grant Park, and Lake Michigan.
The Heritage features 357 luxury residences and penthouses. With 27 different floor plans, the building features a façade with both concave and convex curves, making use of the façades of the four existing buildings at its base. Finally, the basement and first two floors hold 100,000 square feet (9290 sq m) of retail space—including …read more

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Many people, upon first entering a hotel room, walk straight to the window to check out the view. However, at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago, visitors may find themselves unable to take their eyes off their rooms.
Acquired by the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts corporation in 1987, the hotel is accented with gold and marble throughout its 37 stories, designed to pamper patrons with the ultimate in comfort and convenience. While the Fairmont is surrounded by office buildings, its location is only steps away from shopping along the Magnificent Mile, the Art Institute, the Field Museum, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the …read more

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