Ever since construction began on Aqua in March 2007, Chicago has been abuzz about the building. Its striking design, commitment to a greener lifestyle, and award-winning ways have landed its picture on many a front page.
But as the building nears completion and is filling up with residents, Chicagoans want to know the back story on the city’s new attraction and the surrounding Chicago developments in the Lakeshore East area. The neighborhood of the New East Side, located in the area between Grant Park and the Chicago River, is relatively new to the downtown Chicago scene and inspires curiosity in our city’s citizens.
Who, What, When, Where, Why
Let’s cover the basics, and answer the 5 W questions about Aqua to spread some light on the building and its neighborhood.
Who? The building was designed by Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang, an architecture firm in Chicago. It as primarily constructed by James McHugh Construction Company, and it was developed by Magellan Development, a Chicago development company that was recently ranked one of the top 100 real estate companies in the nation.
What? The building is an 82-floor mixed use development.
When? As stated above, ground was broken on the project in March 2007, and completion is anticipated in Spring 2010.
Where? Aqua is located in the New East Side neighborhood of Chicago, close to Lake Michigan and the Chicago River and on the east border of the Loop. Its main address is 430 East Waterside Drive. The condominium and apartment entrances each have their own entrance at 225 N. Columbus Drive.
Why? Magellan Development, Studio Gang, and James McHugh Construction worked together on the project to bring a mixed use, green and luxury urban community to downtown Chicago.
Green Features of Aqua
Aqua, like many of the Chicago developments in the New East Side, has been built to minimize its impact on the environment while enhancing the lifestyle of its residents.
Some of its green features include:
- The balconies of the building, which not only provide improved views for owners and renters in the building, but also shade the floors from the sun, lowering cooling costs in the warm months.
- Its unique shape, which is friendlier to the migratory bird population. Birds are more prone to see the organic shape and etched glass, and can avoid flying into windows.
- Forest friendly floors available throughout the condominium units. The bamboo used for hardwood flooring in the building is sustainable and recognized as green by LEED since it grows fast, regenerates without the need for replanting, and requires minimal pesticides to grow.
- Water saving appliances that increase the efficient use of the resource in all the buildings’ residences.
- Public car charging stations, located in the building’s parking garage. For electric car owners in the building and throughout Chicago, Aqua offers its convenient location as a place to charge your car.
Records & Recognitions
Aqua’s innovative nature has garnered much recognition. Some of the notable achievements of the building are listed below.
Aqua is:
- The first downtown Chicago development to combine condos, apartments, a hotel and a retail space.
- The tallest skyscraper developed by a woman-led architectural firm.
- One of the tallest buildings designed by a female architect.
- One of the top 10 tallest buildings constructed in 2009.
- One of the top 10 tallest buildings in Chicago.
- One of the top 50 tallest buildings in the USA.
- Emporis’ selection as its 2009 Skyscraper of the year.
With all those points of interest, it’s no surprise that the city of Chicago is excited about its new addition.
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Hayley Wells from 
this building is unique it reminds me of dubai’s buildings
That is a stunning looking building. But I don’t think I’d be able to spend much time on the balconies
My fear of heights might prevent it.
billf´s last blog ..Pets Are Not The Best Gifts For Easter
Interesting design work. Glad to see designers taking energy conservation into account
This is a nice building and according to Wikipedia, they are currently seeking out a LEED certification.
I love this building! It is great to see such contemporary and unique architecture in a multi-use project. Not all Commercial Real Estate is boring.
Marc Brodeur´s last blog ..The Phoenix Camelback Corridor Is Being Leased
What a wonderful building to have… It seems that the features are worth captivating and luxurious. I am looking forward to seeing this in actual. Keep posting nice designed property.
Orem Utah Homes´s last blog ..Previewing February’s New Home Sales: The numbers declined!
Wow – the design is amazing. I had heard of the building but this is the first time I’d actually seen any photos of it! There are so many amazing building in the USA – coming from such a small country like New Zealand limit’s the amount of these types of building we can have.
Grant @ Halloween Gangster Costumes´s last blog ..Privacy
This architecture has shown the possibility to turn a modern rectangular parallelepiped building into a decorated architecture, not in the way that the post-modern architecture did, but being conscience with the environmental issue, thinking of aqua / water and marshy areas / wetlands. Simply superb!
Jo
Jo @ Sell Costumes Online´s last blog ..Halloween Earnings in 2009
Very cool looking building. It’s awesome to see any buildings being completed right now, and it’s awesome to see the green features, as well.
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