1720 S. Michigan

Project Details

Project Description

Situated in the South Loop, a neighborhood actively transitioning into a thriving residential area, this thirty-two story tower rises up to offer panoramic views of the lake and the city. Not only do the building’s systems and materials result in stunning architectural form and detail, they are designed to be both efficient and economical. The post-tensioned concrete structure is arranged to optimize spans while reducing the amount of concrete and reinforcement required.

The tower stands on a base of first-floor retail space, plus seven additional floors of residences ringed with generous terraces. A concrete architectural element frames the base, vertically defining the residential entry on the street. Horizontally, this element also separates the base from the tower above it.

On the ninth floor, a large terrace provides common outdoor space. Floors nine through thirty-one are expressed on the east and west through a concrete spandrel frame. These spandrels eliminate the need for safety glazing and enhance the thermal envelope, while providing six and a half feet of light and air to every unit. The north and south elevations feature a floor to floor window wall system consistent with the building’s base.

The building culminates in a spandrel element that appears to float above the residential penthouse. In addition to screening the rooftop mechanicals from view, this element enables the penthouse to enjoy extra high ceilings and windows, as well as large outdoor terraces.