1960s
The ambitious Marina City project now has plans for 896 apartments and extensive commercial spaces. It will be a prototype for integrated urban living, blending work and leisure.
The financing of Marina City began with a series of complex loans and negotiations that shaped its future. With the FHA’s largest commitment at the time, the project secured crucial funding but faced challenges ahead.
Chicagoans gather to celebrate the groundbreaking of Marina City, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s architectural journey. Guests include Mayor Daley, President-elect John F. Kennedy, and many local dignitaries.
The engineering marvels beneath Marina City.
Bertrand Goldberg’s unique tree-like design features expansive balconies and kinetic space that promotes individuality for residents.
The design of Marina City’s parking ramps was no less innovative and revolutionary.
The tragic construction accident that killed three carpenters led to lawsuits and safety reforms.
The 16-story office building served as a visual barrier and a vibrant hub.
Marina City is one year old.
Marina City’s illuminated tower started with a giant cross that promoted Christmas Seals and evolved into a beacon that guided the city and reflected its sports victories.
From groundbreaking to completion, the construction of Marina City was a monumental team effort led by project manager Clarence Ekstrom and McHugh Construction Company.
Marina City’s model apartments offered a glimpse of futuristic living.
Marina City captures the world’s imagination, and it is not even built yet.
Construction of Marina City is marred again by tragic accidents, raising questions about safety regulations and practices in the booming high-rise industry.
Marina City Bank welcomes its first customers with innovative features like closed-circuit TVs and pneumatic tubes.
Marina City signs to a ten-year lease a National Design Center that will showcase home furnishings and design to an anticipated 1.5 million visitors annually.
The first residents of Marina City begin settling in, despite ongoing construction.
The celestial map showed where Marina City was in the heavens on the day of its groundbreaking.
Original residents reflect on their pioneering experiences.
Hilton Hotels Corporation agrees to lease restaurant space at Marina City, marking its first foray into a non-Hilton property.
Bertrand Goldberg's vision for a spectacular theater at Marina City reflected his deep connection to both architecture and the arts.
Marina City was always up for a celebrity endorsement.
The November 1964 issue of Ebony magazine highlighted the revolutionary living experience at Marina City through the eyes of its diverse residents.
Considered an iconic image of Chicago, Marina City starred in many postcards in the 1960s.
The newsletter captured the unique urban living experience of Marina City residents, reporting everything from local businesses to celebrity visits.
The marina had ambition and started with a bang.
It was a decisive moment in union history as a once-powerful leader issued an all-or-nothing ultimatum.
The founding member of the Chad Mitchell Trio lived at Marina City from 1963 to 1967. When he moved out of Marina City, John Denver moved in.
Its acquisition by Marina Management Corporation put Marina City on a new path.
WCFL thrived at Marina City during a golden era of radio.
Even scaled down from 54 lanes to 38, Marina City was getting a major bowling facility.
By the end of 1964, Marina City featured diverse businesses like a pharmacy and a bank, alongside a health club and summer sculpture exhibitions.
Infamous mobsters left their mark on Marina City.
WFLD began its notable broadcasting journey at Marina City.
The popular, innovative ice rink showcased professional and amateur talent and defied the elements.
Mike Leonard, a former NBC news correspondent, shares his memorable experiences working as a janitor at Marina City in 1966.
Marina City is the site of a tragic murder-suicide.
It was a pioneering feature for the 1960s and available in Marina City’s residential lobbies.
Marina City: The Definitive History of a Chicago Landmark
Trope Publishing Co.
Publication date: February 16, 2027
No other residential building in the United States has a more interesting history than Chicago’s Marina City. Discover the comprehensive story behind this architectural icon.