Chicago Condo: Marina City

Building Address:

300 North State, Chicago, IL 60610

• Units: 896
• Built: 1963
• Neighborhood: River North
• Pets Allowed: Yes

Because of their unique shape that many claim bears a certain likeness to corn cobs or honey combs, the twin towers at Marina City are probably the most famous all-residential buildings in Chicago. The buildings were designed by Bertrand Goldberg in 1959 and they were completed in 1964, and at that time, they were the tallest buildings in the immediate area and the tallest all-residential towers in the world. The complex is named “Marina City” because an artificial lagoon was dug beneath the buildings to harbor small pleasure crafts; therefore, residents that own boats, can simply take the elevator down and quickly go for a cruise.

The Marina city towers were originally rental apartments, but they were gradually converted to condos in the 1970s. Like the exterior of the buildings, the units within are uniquely shapes, as there are almost no right angles in any of the condos. Instead, the condos are shaped as wedges, like pieces taken from a circular pie, with bathrooms located near the center, and large unobstructed windows and balconies along the outer edges. Balconies measure 175-square feet, which is quite a bit larger than most high-rise balconies that can be found in Chicago.

Because of the number of common amenities that are available at Marina City, it’s almost a stretch to say that the buildings are all-residential. Some of the on-site facilities include a bowling alley, gym, theatre, swimming pool, as well as several stores and restaurants. The bottom 19 floors of each building are reserved as parking ramps, as parked can be seen spiraling up from the river.