The St. Regis Chicago is one of the most remarkable additions to Chicago’s iconic skyline. Towering over the city at 1,198 feet (365 meters), this architectural masterpiece combines luxury living, world-class hospitality, and innovative design. From its shimmering glass façade to its eco-conscious features, The St. Regis Chicago has become a symbol of modern elegance and sophistication. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the history, design, and unique features of this extraordinary building.
Introduction: A New Chicago Landmark
The St. Regis Chicago, also known as the Vista Tower during its development, is a mixed-use skyscraper located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood. Completed in 2020, it is the third-tallest building in Chicago and one of the tallest in the United States. Designed by the renowned architect Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang, The St. Regis is a stunning blend of luxury and practicality.
This building is not just a skyscraper; it’s a combination of a five-star hotel and luxury residences, offering its occupants breathtaking views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and the city skyline. Its unique design and high-end amenities have made it a favorite among architecture enthusiasts, real estate investors, and luxury travelers alike.
History and Background
The St. Regis Chicago was conceived as part of the Lakeshore East development, a rapidly growing neighborhood near the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The project aimed to create a building that would combine luxury living with innovative design, contributing to the city’s architectural legacy.
Jeanne Gang, the visionary architect behind the building, is no stranger to Chicago. She is also known for designing the Aqua Tower, another iconic structure in the city. With The St. Regis Chicago, she took her design philosophy to the next level, creating a building that stands out for its elegance and functionality.
Construction began in 2016, and the building was officially completed in 2020. Initially called the Vista Tower, it was renamed The St. Regis Chicago after the luxury hotel brand that occupies the lower portion of the building.
Architectural Features
The St. Regis Chicago’s design is nothing short of extraordinary. One of its most striking features is its faceted glass façade, which reflects light in a way that makes the building appear to shimmer. The design is inspired by nature, specifically the crystalline structure of fluorite. This gives the building a unique, cascading appearance that changes depending on the time of day and the angle of sunlight.
The building is composed of three interconnected towers of varying heights, which taper as they rise. This design not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also helps reduce wind resistance, a crucial feature for a skyscraper of this height.
Each of the three towers is slightly offset, creating a sense of movement and fluidity. This design also allows for more corner units in the residential section, maximizing views for the occupants. The St. Regis Chicago is a true testament to Jeanne Gang’s ability to combine form and function in her work.
Height and Specifications
Standing at 1,198 feet (365 meters), The St. Regis Chicago is the third-tallest building in Chicago, after the Willis Tower and the Trump International Hotel and Tower. It has 101 floors, with the lower levels occupied by the St. Regis Hotel and the upper levels dedicated to luxury residences.
The building’s height and slender design make it a standout on the Chicago skyline. It is also one of the tallest buildings in the world designed by a female architect, further cementing Jeanne Gang’s place in architectural history.
Key information about The St. Regis Chicago building:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | The St. Regis Chicago (formerly Wanda Vista Tower) |
| Alternative Names | Vista Tower, Wanda Vista Tower, 375 E. Wacker |
| Location | 363 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Coordinates | 41°53′14″N 87°37′02″W |
| Status | Completed |
| Type | Mixed-use (Residential / Hotel) |
| Height | 1,198 ft (365 m) |
| Floor Count | 101 |
| Floor Area | 1,414,000 sq ft (131,400 m²) |
| Construction Started | 2016 |
| Completion Year | 2020 |
| Architect | Jeanne Gang (Studio Gang Architects) |
| Developer | Magellan Development Group |
| Main Contractor | McHugh Construction |
| Design Features | Three interconnected towers with curvilinear design; alternating truncated pyramids (“frustums”) |
| Engineering | Coupled dual-core shear-wall assembly; blow-through floors; tuned mass dampers for wind resistance |
| Tallest Designed By | Tallest structure in the world designed by a woman |
| Residences | 393 luxury condominiums (floors 11–97) |
| Hotel | St. Regis Hotel (191 rooms, including 33 suites; floors 1–10) |
| Amenities | Outdoor pool, spa, golf lounge, fitness center, St. Regis Spa, in-room dining |
| Highest Sale | A two-floor unit sold for $20.56 million in 2022 |
| Restaurants | – Miru: Japanese-inspired, located on the 11th floor with outdoor terrace |
| – Tre Dita: Tuscan-inspired, opened in March 2024 | |
| Design Inspiration | Likened to Constantin Brâncuși’s Endless Column |
| LEED Certification | Targeting Silver Certification |
Information source: Wikipedia
Luxury Residences and Hotel
The St. Regis Chicago is a mixed-use building that combines a five-star hotel with luxury condominiums. This makes it a unique destination for both travelers and residents.
Luxury Residences
The upper floors of the building are home to some of the most luxurious residences in Chicago. These condos offer spacious layouts, high-end finishes, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide stunning views of the city, the lake, and the river. Amenities for residents include:
- A private dining room.
- A fitness center.
- A swimming pool.
- A screening room.
- A wine-tasting room.
Prices for these residences range from $1 million to over $18 million, making them some of the most sought-after properties in the city.
The St. Regis Hotel
The lower levels of the building house the St. Regis Hotel, which offers 192 guest rooms and suites. Known for its exceptional service, the hotel features:
- A fine-dining restaurant.
- A luxury spa.
- Meeting and event spaces.
- A sky bar with panoramic views of the city.
The hotel’s blend of elegance and comfort makes it a popular choice for business travelers, tourists, and locals looking for a luxurious staycation.
Sustainability and Innovation
In addition to its striking design, The St. Regis Chicago is also an example of sustainable architecture. The building incorporates several eco-friendly features, including:
- Energy-efficient glass: The façade reduces heat gain while allowing natural light to flood the interiors.
- Rainwater management: The building collects and reuses rainwater for irrigation, reducing water waste.
- Wind resistance: The tapered design minimizes wind loads, making the building more stable and reducing the need for excess materials.
These features not only make the building more environmentally friendly but also reduce operating costs for residents and hotel guests.
St. Regis Chicago vs. Other Skyscrapers
The St. Regis Chicago stands out in a city known for its skyscrapers. Here’s how it compares to some of Chicago’s other iconic buildings:
| Feature | The St. Regis Chicago | Willis Tower | Aqua Tower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 1,198 feet (365 meters) | 1,450 feet (442 meters) | 876 feet (267 meters) |
| Architect | Jeanne Gang | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill | Jeanne Gang |
| Purpose | Mixed-use (hotel/residences) | Office/Observation Deck | Residential/Hotel |
| Design Style | Modern, fluid design | Modernist | Undulating balconies |
While the Willis Tower remains the tallest, The St. Regis Chicago is unique for its focus on luxury and its innovative design.
Location and Nearby Attractions
The St. Regis Chicago is located in the Lakeshore East neighborhood, one of the most desirable areas in the city. Its address places it within walking distance of some of Chicago’s top attractions, including:
- Millennium Park: Home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (The Bean).
- Chicago Riverwalk: A scenic walkway with restaurants, shops, and boat tours.
- Navy Pier: A hub for entertainment, dining, and fireworks.
- Art Institute of Chicago: One of the world’s premier art museums.
The building’s location also provides easy access to public transportation, making it convenient for both residents and visitors.
Fun Facts and Trivia
Here are some interesting facts about The St. Regis Chicago:
- During its development, it was known as the Vista Tower.
- It is the tallest building in the world designed by a female architect.
- The building’s design was inspired by the crystalline structure of fluorite.
- It features one of the highest residential swimming pools in Chicago.
- Its unique shape allows for more corner units, maximizing views for residents.
These fun facts highlight the creativity and innovation that went into creating this architectural marvel.
FAQs about The St. Regis Chicago:
- What is The St. Regis Chicago known for?
The St. Regis Chicago is a 101-story, 1,198 ft (365 m) supertall skyscraper in Chicago. It is the third-tallest building in the city and the tallest structure in the world designed by a woman, Jeanne Gang. - What type of building is The St. Regis Chicago?
It is a mixed-use building that includes 393 luxury condominiums (St. Regis Residences) and a hotel (St. Regis Hotel) with 191 rooms, including 33 suites. - What are the key amenities available at The St. Regis Chicago?
The building offers luxury amenities such as an outdoor pool, spa, golf lounge, fitness center, rooftop gardens, and access to the St. Regis Spa and in-room dining for residents. - Who designed The St. Regis Chicago?
The building was designed by architect Jeanne Gang and her firm, Studio Gang Architects. It features a unique curvilinear design with three interconnected towers. - What restaurants are located in The St. Regis Chicago?
The building houses two independently owned restaurants:- Miru: A Japanese-inspired restaurant on the 11th floor with a large outdoor terrace.
- Tre Dita: A Tuscan-inspired restaurant opened in March 2024.
Conclusion
The St. Regis Chicago is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of modern luxury and architectural brilliance. From its stunning design and eco-friendly features to its world-class amenities and prime location, it represents the best of what Chicago has to offer.