Chicago, IL, is renowned for its architectural innovation and skyline, and among its unique structures stands the round apartment building in Chicago known as Marina City. This landmark complex, often called the Corn Cob Towers due to their distinctive cylindrical shape, represents an iconic example of mid-century modern residential architecture.
Exploring the Chicago Round Apartment Building: Marina City
Marina City consists of two identical 65-story towers located at 300 N. State Street in the River North neighborhood. Designed by the visionary architect Bertrand Goldberg, the towers were completed in the early 1960s and revolutionized urban living in Chicago. Unlike traditional rectangular high-rises, these towers showcase virtually no interior right angles with a circular hallway design centered around an elevator core.
The round apartment building Chicago offers 896 residential units across the two towers. Their honeycomb-like façade is created by 16 sector-shaped apartments arranged around each circular corridor. Each apartment has its kitchen and bathroom oriented toward the center, while living spaces face outward to maximize city views and natural light. Most notably, every unit includes a semi-circular balcony approximately 175 square feet in size, ensuring that residents enjoy panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and the Chicago River.
Lifestyle Amenities and Urban Living at Chicago’s Round Apartment Building
Marina City is not only about innovative design but also about creating a self-contained urban community. The lower floors of each tower house an exposed spiral parking ramp, offering about 896 parking spaces. Above this, residents have access to shared amenities including laundry rooms, fitness centers with city views, meeting spaces, and rooftop decks on the 61st floor with 360-degree open-air vistas.
Beyond living spaces, Marina City integrates retail and entertainment options right within the complex. Residents and visitors can enjoy the House of Blues concert hall, upscale dining, bowling alleys, and even a bank on-site. This integration fosters a city within a city atmosphere, with convenient proximity to Chicago’s downtown cultural and nightlife hotspots just outside the door.
Chicago Round Apartment Building: Architectural and Cultural Significance
Marina City’s bold design was groundbreaking; it was the first U.S. building constructed using a crane and pioneered the mixed-use tower concept that's now common worldwide. The towers have captured public imagination, appearing in films like *The Dark Knight* and *Nothing in Common*, becoming symbols of Chicago’s architectural heritage.
The design’s psychological intent was to avoid the anonymity often associated with high-rise living. The outward-oriented apartments, short corridors, and generous balconies create a sense of connection between residents and the vibrant urban environment surrounding them.
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Round Apartment Building In Chicago
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