Marina City, Modernist high-rise complex in River North, Chicago, US.
Marina City is a mixed-use complex on the north bank of the Chicago River in Chicago, designed by Bertrand Goldberg. Its two cylindrical concrete towers, 179 meters tall, have 65 stories ringed by semicircular balconies; the lower 19 floors form a spiral parking ramp. A 10-story office building and a saddle-shaped auditorium complete the raised platform above a small marina.
Construction began in 1960 under architect Bertrand Goldberg, who created a radical alternative to the rectangular architecture of the era. The towers were completed in 1964 and stood at 179 meters (587 feet) as the tallest residential concrete structures in the world at that time.
The complex introduced the concept of a vertical neighborhood where residents could live, shop, and enjoy leisure activities without leaving the downtown core. The twin towers appeared in numerous films and became an instantly recognizable landmark along the city's riverfront.
The towers stand along the Chicago River Walk and are visible from street level. The complex sits centrally near several bridges and can be included when exploring the downtown river district on foot.
The apartments contain no right angles and follow the cylindrical form with circular hallways and pie-shaped floor plans. The original units featured open layouts without load-bearing interior walls, allowing residents to configure their spaces freely.
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