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Chicago is no stranger to height. The midwestern American city currently boasts four supertall (300 metre plus) buildings: Willis Tower, Trump International Hotel and Tower, Aon Center and the John Hancock Center. Thanks to developers Magellan Group and Wanda Group, there may be a fifth coming soon. Wanda Vista could rise 93 storeys to 1,144 feet, a height that surpasses the Aon Center. If built, the mixed-use complex would become the third tallest skyscraper in the city.
Studio Gang Architects has designed the tower, which would offer 205 hotel rooms, 406 residential suites and four restaurants, one of which, the Vista Eye, would be open 24 hours a day. The complex takes the form of three connected towers of varying heights, stepping up from 47 storeys to 71 storeys, then to its final height of 93 storeys at the westernmost edge of the property. The tapering facades of each tower have functional uses in addition to aesthetics. The configuration maximizes views, distributes green space and improves living area by providing column-free corner rooms.
Located at 375 East Upper Wacker Drive, the development enjoys close access to the Chicago Riverwalk. The developers plan to include a connection to provide a direct route to this public space along the Chicago River. In addition to the area's vibrant amenities, residents will have a separate private terrace plus another terrace shared with hotel guests. The greenery offered in the $950-million development will help it achieve LEED Silver status.
If completed, which the developers indicate could happen by 2019, the tower would become the tallest in the world designed by a woman. The Aqua building, also located in Chicago and designed by Jeanne Gang, is the current record holder.
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