Take A Peek Inside 'Wanda Vista,' Chicago's Next Big Skyscraper

By Kate Shepherd in News on Sep 18, 2015 5:09PM

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Ready for another addition to the skyline? A proposed 1,100-foot skyscraper in Lakeshore East set to be completed in 2019 would be the fifth highest skyscraper in Chicago. The unique three-tiered profile design by Studio Gang would add its own stamp to the iconic skyline, as we can see in new renderings released of the project.

The Wanda Vista Tower development is a set of three interconnected, side-by-side high-rise buildings covered with blue-green glass with the tallest clocking in at 1,100-feet. Located on the northeast edge of Lakeshore East at E. Upper Wacker Drive, the building's flowing shape is somewhat reminiscent of the nearby Aqua Building, which was also designed by Jeanne Gang.

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The tapering block used to form the three towers is derived from frustum geometry and will offer benefits for residents. The architecture will distribute lake views and green space, reduce the down draft, allow for multiple column-free corner rooms on each floor and increase corner views, according to Studio Gang.

There's already a height dispute over 50-feet, which is the difference between Wanda Vista being Chicago's third- or fifth-tallest skyscraper, according to the Tribune. If you measure the building from the ground-floor entrance, at the same level as Wacker Drive, it is 1,144 feet tall making it the third-tallest building. When measured from the Upper Wacker Drive entrance, the building is 1,094 feet tall and Studio Gang's website describes the building as 1,100 feet tall.

China's Wanda Group and Chicago's Magellan Development Group will own the $950 million, LEED silver-rated building, according to the Tribune.

New renderings of the interiors of Wanda Vista are on display at Expo Chicago this weekend. Have a look: