Marina City Apartments, Chicago

Overview

Marina City: An Iconic Apartment Complex in Chicago

Marina City stands as a landmark in Chicago’s skyline, instantly recognizable by its pair of sculptural, “corncob” towers on the north bank of the Chicago River. Designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg and completed in the early 1960s, Marina City was the first mixed-use complex in the United States to include housing, office, retail, and abundant amenities—truly a “city within a city” in downtown Chicago. Today, it remains one of the most distinctive apartment complexes in the city and a model for urban living worldwide.

Vision and Architectural Innovation

Goldberg’s vision for Marina City was to create a self-contained urban village that would entice residents to choose city living over the suburbs. The complex features two 65-story circular towers, each rising 587 feet (179 meters) and containing 896 apartments on just over three acres—an extraordinary achievement in urban density. The towers’ unique, curvilinear design yielded pie-shaped apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies offering panoramic views of the river and cityscape.

Marina City was also a pioneer in construction technology. It was the first major U.S. building constructed with slip-form concrete, using fiberglass molds to add a floor a day during construction. At completion, these towers were not only the tallest apartment buildings in the world, but also the tallest reinforced concrete structures anywhere, setting precedents for skyscraper innovation.

Apartment Living and Amenities

From the start, residents of Marina City enjoyed a lifestyle rarely matched in urban apartment complexes. The development was conceived to provide everything a person might need within walking distance—a philosophy reflected in its extensive amenities. The original program included a fitness room with river views, a swimming pool, an ice rink, a bowling alley, a theater, a marina, retail shops, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Many of these amenities remain today, though repurposed for the 21st century: the auditorium is now the House of Blues, a hotel (Hotel Chicago) is adjacent, and Smith & Wollensky steaks are served with a riverfront view.

Inside the two towers, apartments are laid out in a radial plan, maximizing natural light and views. Each unit features hardwood floors, a dishwasher, and disposal, with kitchens and living spaces optimized for modern urban living. The building offers in-unit laundry, 24-hour security, a fitness room, event space, roof deck access, bike storage, and on-site maintenance, making daily life both comfortable and convenient. A walk score of 99 means just about everything—dining, shopping, and green space—is moments from your front door.

Architecture That Made History

Marina City was not just a new kind of apartment complex; it was a catalyst for Chicago’s urban renaissance. When it opened, it was the fourth-tallest building in Chicago and the city’s first all-electric residential building. The project was financed primarily by building trade unions, who saw it as a way to stem the exodus of middle-class families from downtown to the suburbs. Its success proved that the city center could be a desirable place for families, singles, and professionals alike—a vision that has helped shape downtown Chicago’s transformation into one of the fastest-growing residential neighborhoods in the region.

The influence of Marina City’s design and philosophy extends well beyond Chicago. Its mixed-use, high-rise towers with parking at the base have become a blueprint for urban development across the United States and around the world. The complex is still celebrated as an icon of urban planning and architecture, both for its dramatic form and its community-building program.

Living in Marina City Today

While Marina City is now more than sixty years old, the complex has been updated for contemporary living, with many units converted into luxury condominiums. Despite these updates, the building retains its original spirit: a community where residents can live, work, and play without relying on a car. The towers are still among the densest residential buildings globally, home to thousands who appreciate the unique combination of convenience, style, and architectural history that only Marina City offers.

Marina City is not just an apartment complex; it is a living piece of Chicago’s architectural heritage—a bold experiment in urban living that continues to inspire new generations of city dwellers.

Amenities