Above: Party at Marina City, 1967. Photo: James L. Stanfield / Life Magazine
Chicago is one of my favorite cities. Almost anyone who’s into design and architecture is usually charmed by the industrial elegance of the city. And one of my favorite buildings in Chicago – and that’s a long list – is Marina City, also known as the ‘Corncobs’. Designed by Bertrand Goldberg in 1959 and completed in 1964, the two 65 story towers that make up Marina City were the world’s tallest residential buildings when built.
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Innovative in both its design and construction techniques (being the first high rise to use internal tower cranes during construction) Marina City became one of the definitive icons of Chicago and the towers are still a striking presence on the Chicago River some 50 plus years after being built. Considered one of Goldberg’s finest designs it is surprising to note that Marina City was granted landmark status only a few months ago in July of 2015. But better late than never and with its new protected status the buildings will be around for many years to come.
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Tightrope walker Nik Wallenda walks between the two towers of Marina City in November of 2014. Photo: mirror.co.uk
Recent photo showing the Chicago icon Marina City. This photo was taken during tightrope walker Nik Wallenda walked between the two towers in November of 2014. Photo: Wikipedia
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