Chicago rich in skyscraper history
Chicago has literally grown up since 1885 when builders completed the world's first skyscraper: the Home Insurance Building at LaSalle and Adams streets, which rose just 10 stories and 138 feet, and was later demolished in 1931. While the loose definition of a skyscraper has certainly evolved since then, the world has always considered the skyscraper a strong symbol of Chicago's socioeconomic power.
This association continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s with such famous Chicago skyscrapers as the Aon Center at 83 stories, the John Hancock Tower at 100 stories and the Sears Tower at 110 stories, all ranking among the tallest four buildings in the country.
As such, Chicago is continually at the forefront of modern skyscrapers. In honor of July as National Skyscraper Month, here's a look at the city's recent skyscraper "firsts," from the introduction of distinguished international brands to innovative designs in senior living.
Highest residential floor
At 1,362 feet tall, Trump International Hotel & Tower, Chicago, will be the world's highest reinforced concrete building when it's completed next year. The building's 89th floor will also be home to the highest residential floor ever. Located on the north side of the Chicago River, between Michigan and Wabash avenues, Trump Tower includes 472 super-luxury condominiums with studio to four-bedroom penthouse suites offering full access to an array of hotel services and amenities. The luxury hotel component of Trump Tower includes 286 hotel condominiums, ballrooms, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, a Trump Spa and Health Club and a signature restaurant. Prices range from $580,000 to more than $9 million.
First Mandarin in Midwest
Mandarin Oriental Tower, Chicago marks the first Mandarin Oriental residential property in the Midwest and one of only eight in the world. Located at 210 N. Stetson St., one block east of Michigan Avenue and one block north of Millennium Park, the 75-floor Mandarin Oriental Tower, Chicago will include a 250-room Mandarin Oriental hotel with rooms sold as hotel condominiums and 250 residential condominiums. The building will also feature two restaurants, Mandarin Oriental's signature MoBar and Cake Shop, a 22,000-square-foot Mandarin Oriental ultra-luxury spa, boutiques and ballrooms. Prices range from $570,000 to $21 million.
Downtown's first high-rise continuing care community
Gone are the days when retirement meant packing off to Florida. To meet the needs of an increasingly urban senior population, The Clare at Water Tower represents a new type of skyscraper: the senior living high-rise. Located just off the Magnificent Mile at Rush and Pearson streets, the 53-story development offers 251 independent-living apartment residences. Designed by renowned architects Perkins + Will, The Clare will complement Loyola University Chicago's Water Tower campus and streetscape, as it is located in the heart of the campus with its lower levels dedicated to future classrooms. Likewise, the development's interior architecture is specifically geared toward seniors, plus it offers on-site health-care services as well as luxury finishes and amenities. Entrance fees start from the $500,000s.
For more information on Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago, visit the sales center at 330 N. Wabash St., call (312) 644-0900, or visit www.trumpchicago.com.
For more information on Mandarin Oriental Tower, Chicago, visit the sales center at 160 N. Stetson St., call (312) 540-1515 or visit www.mandarinorientaltower.com.
For more information on The Clare at Water Tower, visit the information center on the 36th floor of the John Hancock Center at 875 N. Michigan Ave., call (312) 951-5690 or toll-free (866) 951-5690, or visit www.theclareatwatertower.com.