Marina City

Designed by the visionary architect Bertrand Goldberg and completed in 1968, Marina City was conceived as a revolutionary 'city within a city.' At a time when many residents were fleeing to the suburbs, Goldberg aimed to create a self-contained urban environment that combined residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The project was funded by several labor unions, most notably the Building Service Employees International Union, who wanted to invest in the future of downtown Chicago. Upon its completion, the two towers were the tallest residential buildings and the tallest reinforced concrete structures in the world, marking a significant milestone in modern engineering. The towers are best known for their distinctive 'corncob' shape, a result of Goldberg's belief that right angles were unnatural and that people should live in more organic, fluid spaces. Each floor is a perfect circle, with apartments radiating outward like the petals of a flower, while the lower nineteen floors feature an open-air spiral parking ramp. Throughout the decades, Marina City has evolved from a daring architectural experiment into a beloved cultural icon. It has played a starring role in the Chicago skyline, appearing on the cover of Wilco's 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' album and in countless films, including the famous car chase in 'The Hunter.' Today, it remains a vibrant hub of activity, housing a hotel, a concert venue, and numerous restaurants, continuing to fulfill Goldberg's dream of a bustling, multi-use urban center.