Residential (High Rise) Category
Aqua at Lakeshore East (Magellan Development Group LLC)
(Magellan Development Group LLC)
Aqua at Lakeshore East
Bold in both design and function, the internationally-acclaimed Aqua tower developed by Magellan Development Group at Lakeshore East is Chicago’s first high-rise specifically create blend condominium residences, luxury rentals, deluxe hotel, retail spaces and an incomparable amenity package.
Aqua at Lakeshore East is characterized as spectacular both in its size and originality and is one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers designed by an architectural team led by a woman, Jeanne Gang, principal of Studio/Gang Architects and Loewenberg Architects, Architect of Record. The USD 475 million structure anchors the northwest corner of the blossoming Lakeshore East development in downtown Chicago situated where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan.
The 87-story Aqua tower designed for LEED certification was named 2009 Emporis International Skyscraper of the Year, besting more than 300 competitors worldwide.
The combination of unique, award-winning architecture highlighted by spectacular undulating balconies up to 3.7 meters in width and incomparable views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the city skyline make Aqua the most innovative addition to Chicago’s architectural heritage.
Its dramatic outdoor balconies and terraces form unique, undulating contours of different sizes and shapes that change gradually from the lower to the higher part of the building. This design that one achitectural critic proclaims “Chicago’s most sensuous skycraper” mirrors the striated outcroppings and formation visible throughout the shorelines of the Great Lakes region.
Chicago’s newest architectural landmark combines elegant condominiums on floors 53 and soaring to the top with luxury rental residences on floor 19 through 52. Floors 4 to 18 has been transformed into the United States’ flagship upscale Radisson Blu Hotel that features 334 guest rooms and suites, a 1,162 square meters ballroom, 2,510 square meter meeting space and a contemporary 150-seat Filini restaurant and bar. It is notable that the lowest of the condo floors are actually among the highest in the city; in many cases they are higher than most penthouses. The building also includes more than 3,346 square meters of first and second floor retail.
In addition to its breathtaking design residents also enjoy access to more diverse amenities, indoor and out, comparable to a world-class resort. Known as The Shore Club, it includes a distinctive 7,345 square meters - foot-deck with luxury gardens, gazebos, pools and cabanas, hot tub, running track, fire pit and grills. Indoors, a 3,253 square meters amenity floor provides fitness facilities, an indoor lap pool, a spa featuring a hot tub, sauna, steam and massage room, a basketball court, private party suites with catering kitchens, media room, billiards and game area, business conference center, and a skygarden.