Chicago is a city famous for its striking skyline, innovative architecture and deep-rooted history in urban design.
Among its many iconic buildings, one of the most recognizable is Marina City, often referred to as the "Corncob Towers" due to their unique cylindrical shape. But what makes the pair of buildings so special, anyways? Here’s a closer look at the two iconic buildings' history, the architect behind them and their place in Chicago’s architectural legacy!
Marina City’s place in Chicago’s architectural landscape
Why is Chicago known for its architecture?
Chicago has long been a hub for architectural innovation. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the city underwent rapid redevelopment and reconstruction, attracting some of the most influential architects in history. The city became home to the first modern skyscrapers thanks to advancements in steel-frame construction, and has since maintained its reputation as a leader in design and engineering.
Chicago’s skyline is filled with groundbreaking designs from architects like Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, just to name a few. The city’s architectural diversity also includes everything from neoclassical masterpieces to art deco landmarks, stunning cathedrals, modernist structures and more! This environment of creativity and innovation paved the way for architect Bertrand Goldberg to design one of Chicago’s most unusual and beloved residential complexes: Marina City.
Who Is Bertrand Goldberg?
Bertrand Goldberg was a visionary American architect known for his unconventional and futuristic designs. Born in Chicago in 1913, Goldberg studied architecture at Harvard and later in Germany at the Bauhaus, where he was influenced by modernist principles and functionalist design.
Goldberg’s work often emphasized curved, organic shapes rather than the rigid, boxy designs typical of mid-century skyscrapers. His architectural philosophy centered around human-centered design, where form and function merged to create more livable spaces. He applied these ideas to various projects, but none were as famous as Marina City.
Goldberg and Marina City
Completed in 1968, Marina City was a groundbreaking project in the world of urban living design. Located along the Chicago River at 300 North State Street, the twin towers rise 587 feet above the bustling city streets and contain a mix of residential apartments, commercial spaces and parking garages. Their distinctive appearance, resembling a pair of knobbly corn cobs, makes them one of the most recognizable structures in the city!
Goldberg designed Marina City as a "city within a city," aiming to provide everything residents might need within the complex. At the time he designed the buildings, many people were leaving downtown areas and moving away to the suburbs — so Goldberg envisioned Marina City as a way to attract and keep people living in the heart of Chicago. Each tower consists of a unique, petal-like floor plan that maximizes window views and creates a sense of openness within each apartment — all the space and comforts of a suburban house with all the convenience of a city apartment!
One of the most remarkable design aspects of Marina City is its innovative use of reinforced concrete. The towers were the tallest reinforced concrete buildings in the world when they were built, showcasing Goldberg’s forward-thinking engineering approach in addition to his design prowess. Finally, the lower levels serve as parking garages, spiraling upward in a continuous ramp, eliminating the need for traditional parking decks and freeing up space around the building, too.
Other buildings created by Goldberg in Chicago
While Marina City remains Goldberg’s most famous work, he designed several other notable buildings in Chicago that also reflect his distinctive style:
- River City (1986): Located in the South Loop, River City features a curving, serpentine design that was meant to be another "city within a city." Though the original vision was never fully realized, it remains an architectural landmark with a striking presence along the Chicago River. You can get a great look at it from the Chicago Water Taxi!
- Hilliard Homes (1966): This public housing project was unique in its circular towers, breaking away from the monotonous high-rise designs typically associated with public housing. The goal was to create a more community-oriented environment for residents.
- Prentice Women’s Hospital (1975): A former Northwestern University hospital building, Prentice was one of Goldberg’s most unique structures, featuring an eye-catching quatrefoil design! Despite protests from preservationists, the building was demolished in 2013.
Goldberg’s work stood out because of his emphasis on curved forms and a holistic approach to urban living. His legacy lives on through the impact Marina City has had on residential architecture and mixed-use developments worldwide.
A lasting symbol of Chicago
The Corncob Towers, or Marina City, remain an enduring part of Chicago’s skyline and architectural heritage. Their bold design, innovative use of space and emphasis on modern urban living continue to inspire architects and city planners today. Whether you admire them from a distance or want to take a closer look at their intricate details, Marina City is a testament to Chicago’s ongoing legacy as a center for architectural excellence. No wonder our luxury Chicago apartments fit in so well here!
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Featured photo by Lokesh B Masania on Unsplash
Second photo by Justin Heap on Unsplash
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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