Words: Josh Lee
In association with:
Chicago is a city thick with history, its cultural significance stretching everywhere from its jazz licks to its role as a hip-hop incubator, its magnetism for sporting excellence and its grandiose architecture that’s evident in a seemingly never-ending horizon of skyscrapers and mega towers.
When it comes to identifying a symbol that represents the very best of Chicago, few can look beyond the Tribune Tower Residences, a construction of neo-Gothic glory that sits at the gateway of Michigan Avenue – one of the world’s most prominent thoroughfares – and the 156-mile Chicago River.
Conceived by New York architects John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood, and completed in 1925, the treasured landmark and former home to the Chicago Tribune is bedecked in materials such as Indiana limestone, and is further defined by historic detailing, such as its ornate flying buttresses and cathedral-like exterior – and, in recent years, it has been reimagined into a set of luxury condominium units that imbue the structure with a contemporary spirit.
As part of its rebirth, a process overseen by architects SCB, many of the building’s historical elements have been retained, restored and enhanced, including the historically significant Michigan Avenue lobby, an area noted for its oversized map, carved and inset inscriptions, and iconic clock adorned with characters from Aesop’s fables. Adding to these original details are new design expressions – notably, the Michigan Avenue lobby’s magnificence has been matched in striking detail by the newly conceived Illinois Street lobby, a soaring space worthy of the building’s rich past and sophisticated present – that are spread across the lavish interiors that lay claim to more than 55,000 sq ft of unrivalled amenities, offering residents within a lifestyle unlike any other in Chicago.
When it comes to the living spaces, each area is done out in a timeless, elegant scheme that features high ceilings and wide-planked hardwood flooring, and showcases exceptional finishes and superb craft. Due to their sizeable floor plan and considered fit-out that dovetails comfort with style, every residence is ideal for either entertaining small or large groups, or enjoying an intimate evening with close ones.
When prepping meals, kitchens, too, offer the perfect balance of functionality and elegant design, thanks to a mix of bespoke cabinetry, quartzite counters and appliances by Sub Zero & Wolf, and Miele, all of which combine to not only spark your culinary creativity, but also make the heart of the home both beautiful and welcoming.
Completing each home is a spa-like primary bathroom, which offers respite from city bustle and activity: whether under the rain shower, which is surrounded by marble, or plunged deep in the soaking tub, this is an area to start your day on a fine footing, or wash away stress and woes.
Amenities-wise, Tribune Tower Residences is also home to a state-of-the-art fitness centre in which one can find a wide array of equipment that covers cardio and strength conditioning. Notably, the 75-foot indoor pool is the perfect location to start or finish your fitness session, and the pool sundeck, flush with city and river views, is often the choice spot from where to relax post-workout. The spa, set with steam rooms, saunas, and private treatment rooms for massages, rounds out the fitness-and-wellbeing experience, meanwhile a sports simulator and a large putting green offer further recreational opportunities for residents to enjoy with others.
The communal spaces, too, are of equal remark, with several decadent settings made for entertaining guests, celebrating special occasions and socialising with fellow neighbours. For example, The Crown Amenity, a landscaped outdoor terrace on the 25th floor, offers sweeping vistas of the cityscape – all of which is framed by soaring flying buttresses – and provides residents and their guests with a superlative setting for intimate gatherings or stargazing with a libation in hand. An indoor chef’s kitchen, outdoor terrace for grilling and fire pits help provide the fuel and warmth for any get-togethers.
Residents can also find a place of retreat in the game rooms and at the private elevated park – which acts as an urban oasis – meanwhile a work lounge is there in case any emails need to be fired off.
As a result of these clusters of common areas, Tribune Tower Residences is not only a destination for a finding personal peace, but it’s also one where there’s a strong sense of community, making it a place to not only live, but to belong to.
“We’ve been finding a lot of connections in the building,” says resident Mr. Tonnison. “It’s been far more social than we expected. These are real friends – it’s no longer that we just live in the same building.”
“It’s a wide, eclectic mix. I finally feel at home,” adds another resident, Ms. Jager, whose family love the diversity they’ve found. “Everybody is different and so nice and accepting. Everybody has a story and everybody gets along.”
Beyond the Tribune Tower Residences’s vicinity, one can discover North Michigan Avenue – known as Chicago’s Magnificent Mile – one of the most feted drags in the world, reputed for hosting the city’s best boutiques and restaurants. Further attractions, including the Theatre District, celebrated art and cultural institutions, the spirited lakefront and the Chicago Riverwalk, are also moments away.
Forever unparalleled, Tribune Tower Residences is an architectural masterpiece that has been reimagined as the city’s most prestigious residential address, where historic significance dovetails with modern magnificence, good design, a community spirit and a distinct location, offering a lifestyle that is truly unique.
Want more historic beauties? Read about The Little Car Company’s Bentley Blower Jnr, a reimagining of a 1929 classic…
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