Alta vista: take a tour of Chicago’s latest high rise by Jeanne Gang

Chicago’s recently announced skyscraper, the Vista Tower, is inspired by gemstones, explains its architect Jeanne Gang. 

The award-winning Windy City native revealed that the project’s form ’has been created to reflect the geometric properties of the "frustum," a shape often found in crystals and gemstones,’ allowing the tower to twist and pivot in order to capture views towards to the city and the water. And this is not the only feature that makes this project stand out. 

When the scheme completes, it will be Chicago’s third tallest skyscraper. Including 406 units – and over 20 penthouses among them – Vista Tower will include a significant residential element, spanning levels 13-93. Interiors are designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates, who have created a selection of finished packages for prospective buyers to choose from. The lower floors will be dedicated to the Wanda Vista Hotel and its 191 guest rooms. 

Rich amenity spaces will accompany the residences, including a private dinning room, wine storage and wine tasting rooms, massage, sauna and fitness areas, outdoor terrace, concierge service and valet parking. The development’s residents will also be able to use the hotel’s amenities, which is unusual for its kind, adding an extra level of luxury.

The sales gallery for this striking development will open the doors to its 10,000 sq ft on 345 East Upper Wacker Drive on April 4 and to mark the occasion the developers, the Magellan Development Group and the Dalian Wanda Group, have revealed unseen imagery of the much awaited scheme’s carefully crafted interiors.  

Completion at the moment is expected by 2020.