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If you find yourself scoping out the inside of a newly built residential tower, it's probably because you're in the market for an apartment or condominium. But there was no expectation that guests pouring through the first building of the Optima Chicago Center complex in the Windy City this past weekend would leave as new homeowners. Rather, thanks to the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s popular Open House Chicago festival, the project by Optima DCH Development and DeBartolo Development swung open its doors to show off its swanky interiors and impressive views.
The free weekend-long event offered the public, especially camera-carrying architecture enthusiasts, a rare behind-the-scenes look at some of Chicago's most significant buildings. Designed by David Hovey, the 42-storey first phase of Optima Chicago Center was one of over 200 structures on full display to the eager attendees, a diverse group which included our very own City Ambassador harryc.
The coloured divisions in the building's facade reflect its expansive interior program. Transparent glass invites users in at street level, while black translucent glass masks the above-grade parking garage. The tower's residential floors are covered in energy-efficient silver metallic glazing and punctured by recessed amenity spaces on floors 10 and 32. The lobby's warm terra cotta-coloured accent wall highlights a space featuring floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the adjacent plaza.
Visitors were offered a tour of some of the units, which come with bamboo laminate flooring, granite kitchen countertops, and stainless steel appliances set within a neutral motif. As you'd expect in a Chicago highrise, the views are remarkable. The photo below shows the layout of a bedroom with a backdrop dominated by the iconic John Hancock Center.
The 10th floor amenities area is devoted to wellness and fitness. Here, residents will find a fully equipped fitness facility, spa, steam room, and 15-metre-long pool awaiting them. A terrace, replete with a range of seating options, adjoins this space.
Alternatively, the Residents' Club on the 32nd floor is designed for both recreation and relaxation. A pool table, ping-pong table, and shuffleboard cater to residents' more playful side, while a television and cozy lounging nook present a homier setting. The space can easily handle private social and business events, with high-end audio/visual systems, two kitchens, and a conference room available.
The wraparound terrace comes with grilling stations and a big helping of dramatic views. The domed roof of the circa 1929 InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is visible directly to the west, while the south yields views of the 37-storey NBC Tower and the upscale Loews Chicago Hotel. The Chicago River, the sinuous balconies of the 82-storey Aqua, the pinnacle of Trump International Hotel and Tower, and the historic Tribune Tower are also plainly discernible from this elevated perspective.
The succeeding tower will be even taller, climbing 54 levels from 220 East Illinois Street. The completed Optima is the ideal platform from which to gawk at this building's construction, which is quickly surpassing the height of its neighbours. When complete, it too will pack a punch in the amenities department, boasting a podium rooftop deck with a basketball court, pool, and golf simulator.
Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
