Explore Marina City—Chicago’s iconic Corn Cob Towers that redefined urban living with bold design, riverfront views, and mid-century flair.
🖋 By Meenakshi – AZAD Architects, Barnala
Marina City: Chicago’s Mid-Century Marvel and the Legendary Corn Cob Towers
#architectureanddesign #modernarchitecture #designinspiration #architecturaldetails #CreativeSpaces #architecturelovers
Soaring above the Chicago River in a pair of unmistakable cylindrical forms, Marina City is one of the city’s most unique and instantly recognizable architectural landmarks. Affectionately nicknamed the “Corn Cob Towers” for their rounded, scalloped appearance, Marina City isn’t just a building—it’s a self-contained urban ecosystem and a bold expression of modern design from the mid-20th century.
🏙️ A Revolutionary Concept in Urban Living
Designed by visionary architect Bertrand Goldberg and completed in 1964, Marina City was built as a revolutionary “city within a city.” At the time, it was the tallest residential concrete structure in the world and the first major residential complex built in downtown Chicago after World War II.
Goldberg’s goal was to reintroduce middle-class residents to the city by creating a space where people could live, work, shop, dine, and park—all in one place.
🌀 What Makes Marina City So Unique?
Marina City consists of two identical 65-story towers, each with:
- Marina boat docks at the base
- Multiple levels of spiral parking garages (one of its most photographed features)
- Residential apartments with pie-shaped floor plans and curved balconies
- Commercial space including restaurants, retail, and entertainment
The innovative design and integration of amenities made Marina City a model of mixed-use development decades before the concept became mainstream.
🎬 Pop Culture Fame
You’ve probably seen Marina City even if you’ve never been to Chicago. The towers have been featured in countless movies, TV shows, commercials, and music videos. Most famously:
- A car was driven off the parking ramp into the Chicago River in “The Hunter” (1980) starring Steve McQueen
- Featured prominently in The Bob Newhart Show
- Album covers and ad campaigns regularly showcase its one-of-a-kind design
📍 Location & How to Visit
Address:
- 300 N State Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Getting There:
- By Train: CTA Red Line to Grand or Blue Line to Clark/Lake
- By Bus: Numerous CTA routes serve State Street and Wacker Drive
- By Foot: Steps from the Chicago Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile, and downtown Loop
You can walk around the base, admire the circular parking ramps, and enjoy riverside dining or drinks at venues like Smith & Wollensky or City Winery on the Riverwalk.
🏘️ Can You Live in Marina City?
Yes! Both towers offer condominiums, and while many residents own their units, some are available for rent. Living in Marina City is all about experiencing architectural history, unmatched views, and walkable urban convenience.
🖼️ Architectural Legacy
Bertrand Goldberg’s Marina City was ahead of its time, both in form and function. It challenged traditional rectangular skyscrapers and introduced a bold organic aesthetic to Chicago’s skyline. Even today, it remains a powerful symbol of innovation, modernism, and city life.
🌆 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an architecture buff, a photographer, or just someone strolling along the Riverwalk, Marina City is a must-see. Its curving balconies, iconic silhouette, and cultural significance make it a one-of-a-kind fixture in the heart of Chicago.
It’s not just a building—it’s a living piece of design history.
📌 Thank you!
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