Vista Tower, Chicago
In April 2016, plans were announced for Vista Tower, a 95-storey luxury residential high-rise building in Chicago. The building will consist of more than 1.9 mn sq. ft of accommodation, and at nearly 1,200 ft in height, will be the third tallest skyscraper in the city.
The tower has been designed by award-winning architect Jeanne Gang, of Studio Gang Architects, to reflect the geometric properties of the 'frustum'. This is a shape often found in crystals and gemstones, and according to the designer it will be used to 'capture and highlight the building's sweeping views of the skyline, river and lake'.
With more than 20 penthouses, including a $17.1 mn two-floor apartment, Vista Tower will feature the highest concentration of full-floor penthouses with unobstructed 360-degree views in the U.S., according to the developer, Magellan Development Group. The penthouses will be blank canvases, allowing residents to 'create their own mansions in the sky'.
Kathleen Dauber, partner at Hirsch Bender Associates said: “We worked with Studio Gang to ensure all the interiors of Vista Tower complement the architectural designs of Jeanne Gang and are clean, streamlined, open and modern to maximise the space and draw the eyes toward the breathtaking views beyond.”
The tower looks set to become the most luxurious residences in Chicago, with private dining room, wine storage facilities, game room, city and sky lounges, theatre, massage rooms, private training space, and an expansive outdoor terrace. Situated in the Lakeshore East neighbourhood, the developers promise that as 'a true village within the city, Vista Tower residents will enjoy the genuine community atmosphere that Lakeshore East offers'.
The completion of Vista Tower will also represent increased connectivity for Chicago. Located at the end of Upper Wacker Drive, Vista will be the final link between Lakeshore East and the rest of the city. The green spaces within the community will be connected to a new access point on the Chicago Riverwalk via a pedestrian and automobile route that will pass directly through the middle of the tower at the ground level.
The anticipated project cost is $950 mn and it is excepted to be completed in 2020.
Images and content courtesy of Henson Consulting
More information can be found at Vista Tower Chicago
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 3 World Trade Center.
- 416-420 Kent, Williamsburg.
- 555 Howard, San Francisco.
- Chrysler Building.
- Eight most impressive skyscrapers under construction in 2016.
- Empire State Building.
- Fox Plaza, LA.
- New York Horizon.
- One Hyde Park.
- Petronas Twin Towers.
- Shanghai Tower.
- Tallest buildings in the world.
- Tebrau Waterfront Residences.
- The Mile.
- Trump Tower New York.
- UNIC, Paris.
- US Air Force CCLD, Colorado.
- US Embassy hotel plans.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.