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February 10, 2022

Tribune Tower, Chicago: A Historic Gothic Icon Reimagined

Property of the Week: One of Chicago’s most recognizable buildings has been restored for the ultimate in luxury living.

By Serina Tatham

Nearly 100 years after the Tribune Tower first graced Chicago’s skyline, this historic landmark has been reimagined. The tower was designed by New York architects John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood after they won an international competition – launched in 1922 by the co-publishers of The Chicago Tribune.

Their entry is still inspiring passersby. The embellishments and intricate buttresses that are reminiscent of gothic architecture draw the eye and capture the imagination, keeping Tribune Tower at the beating heart of Chicago.

Tribune Tower Residences is a collection of 162 newly constructed homes. With a strong desire to retain the historic significance of the building, key elements and artifacts have been preserved and restored by master artisans, including the historic Michigan Avenue lobby and “Hall of Inscriptions”.

This blend of striking architecture and contemporary luxury creates a unique atmosphere, something that imparts a sense of timeless elegance and grandeur.

[See also: The 11 Best Restaurants in Chicago]

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An example of the living area / ©Tribune Tower

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An example of the kitchen / ©Tribune Tower

Located at the intersection of the Magnificent Mile and Chicago River, the city’s top arts, culture, retail and dining destinations are mere moments from your doorstep. The newly imagined residences reflect the history, culture and vibrancy of Chicago and offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in an architectural marvel.

Formerly Robert McCormick’s office (founder of The Chicago Tribune), The Penthouse has been transformed into a 4,000-sq-ft, three-bedroom residence. With lofty ceilings, large arched windows and expansive views of the lake, this home benefits from all of the intricate features of the original building. Upon entering the property, a foyer opens out to a generous gallery. To the left, a large kitchen and family room provides ample space for entertaining family and friends and is fitted with custom-designed cabinetry and quartzite counters, as well as Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Miele appliances.

[See also: The St. Regis Reveals Its First Residences in Chicago]

The kitchen opens out to the living/dining room, complete with a stone fireplace that, coupled with the original expansive windows, makes the room feel grand. There are three bedrooms, all en suite. The master bathroom is spa-like and serene, clad in marble, and a generous bathtub ideal for relaxing after a long day.

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One of the most attractive features of Tribune Tower Residences is the communal spaces. Boasting four levels of amenities, future homeowners can relax after a hard day’s work on the second floor: A luxury spa, full fitness center by The Wright Fit and an indoor golf simulator offer.

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The residents’ lounge / ©Tribune Tower

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The residents’ sun deck / ©Tribune Tower

On the third floor, the ‘Great Room’ is kitted out with a lounge, bar and catering kitchen, as well as meeting rooms and further entertainment and gaming spaces. On the seventh floor, an expansive indoor pool is joined by a sun deck, terrace, and outdoor grilling and dining areas to make the most of long summer evenings.

A nearly 1/3-acre courtyard offers residents a private oasis in which they can escape the urban landscape. To complete the amenities is the ‘Crown Terrace’ on the 25th floor, where a chef’s kitchen, herb garden, and seating areas around firepits are framed by soaring Gothic spires and boast 360-degree views of the city.

Preserving these historic buildings is vital, both environmentally and culturally, and this development sets a precedent for future endeavors. By showing that such a building can be transformed into luxury residences makes Tribune Tower a case study for adaptive reuse of a structure.

Not content with making this the only sustainable feature, the building was fitted with new low-e windows and mechanical systems that make the homes eco-friendly, and the 20,000 sq ft of outdoor space and green roofs act not just as a private sanctuary for residents but also help to mitigate pollution.

Tribune Tower

The iconic tower still draws admiring glances a century after its design / ©Tribune Tower

the crown terrace

The Crown Terrace / ©Tribune Tower

The Penthouse is available from $7.48m, tribunetower.com

[See also: Villa Mosca Bianca: Sustainable Living in the Italian Lakes]

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