The skyscraper that traded right angles for a residential renaissance

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Marina City isn't just a landmark; it is an architectural revolution. Designed to reverse the trend of white flight from downtown Chicago, these two towers pioneered a 'city within a city' model that redefined urban living globally. Inside, every single bedroom and living room features a balcony—a feat achieved through radical geometry.

Designed by Bertrand Goldberg in 1959 and completed between 1963 and 1967, Marina City was a bold experiment in social engineering and structural innovation. Financed largely by the Building Service Employees International Union, the project aimed to revitalize Chicago's inner city by creating a self-contained community. It featured an array of amenities including a theater, gym, swimming pool, bowling alley, and even an ice rink (now replaced by a restaurant). Upon finishing, these twin 65-story structures stood as global leaders in height for both reinforced concrete and residential construction.

The most notable aspect of this development is that it avoids using any interior right angles. Each level features a 32-foot diameter elevator core encircled by a round corridor, with 16 wedge-shaped apartments arranged around the perimeter. This geometry ensures that every unit terminates in a 175-square-foot semi-circular balcony separated by a floor-to-ceiling window wall. To support this unique design, the towers were among the first in the United States to utilize Linden climbing tower cranes during construction. The buildings also pioneered an all-electric utility system; rather than using central heating or gas, each unit has its own individual water heater and climate control units.

Beyond its engineering, Marina City became a primary model for modern urban development worldwide, establishing the standard of high-rise towers with integrated parking bases and mixed residential-commercial uses. Its cultural footprint is massive, appearing in everything from 1970s Mercury Records label designs to contemporary hits like 'The Bear' and 'Candyman.' While it was once a hub for local television stations like WFLD and radio station WCFL, it remains a landmark of the Chicago skyline, recognized by the American Institute of Architects as one of Illinois' 200 Great Places.

Interestingly, the complex has faced unique legal hurdles regarding its identity. Trademark and common law copyright over the buildings' image and name were asserted by the condominium board during 2007. This means that any commercial use of pictures of the towers or the 'Marina City' name without permission is considered a violation of their intellectual property rights.

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