Marina City facts for kids

Marina City, May 2006

The Marina City is a famous building complex in Chicago, Illinois. It was designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg in 1959. The buildings were finished in 1964. The project cost $36 million. It was largely funded by a union of building workers. They wanted to encourage people to live in the city center again.

When it was completed, the two towers were very special. They were the tallest residential buildings in the world. They were also the tallest buildings made of reinforced concrete. Marina City was planned like a "city within a city." It had many useful things right there. These included a theater, a gym, a swimming pool, and a bowling alley. There were also shops, restaurants, and a marina for boats.

Marina City: A Unique Design

Marina City is known for its interesting look. The two main towers are often called "corn cob" buildings. This is because of their round shape and many balconies. Each tower is 60 stories tall. The bottom 19 floors are for parking cars. The floors above that are apartments.

Who Built Marina City?

The idea for Marina City came from a group of workers. They were part of a union for janitors and elevator operators. They wanted to help bring people back to live downtown. Many people had moved out of the city center. This project helped make downtown Chicago a lively place to live again.

What Can You Find Inside?

Marina City was designed to have everything residents needed. It was like a small town all in one place.

• Homes: There are many apartments where people live.
• Parking: The lower floors of the towers are a huge parking garage. Cars spiral up the ramps.
• Boats: A marina on the Chicago River lets people park their boats.
• Fun: The complex once had an ice rink and a bowling alley. It also had a theater for shows.
• Shops and Food: There were stores and places to eat. This made it easy for people living there.

Amazing Facts About Marina City

• Tallest in its Time: When it opened, Marina City's towers were the tallest homes in the world.
• Concrete Giants: They were also the tallest buildings ever made from reinforced concrete.
• No Square Rooms: Because the towers are round, the apartments have no perfectly square rooms.
• Tightrope Walk: In 2014, a famous tightrope walker named Nik Wallenda walked between the towers. This was a very exciting event!

Marina City remains an important part of Chicago's skyline. It shows how buildings can be both useful and beautiful.

Images for kids

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  Nik Wallenda, tightrope walking on Marina City in 2014

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  The foundation of Marina City being laid in 1961

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  Marina City under construction

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  Another view of the construction

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  Marina City in 1969. Note the television transmitter with weather beacon on top of one of the towers.

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  Marina City balconies

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  Close-up of Marina City parking

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  The Marina City marina

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  In December 2012. Note the lights on individual apartment balconies

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  As viewed from a boat in the Chicago River

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  Marina City on the Chicago River. View from River Hotel

See also

In Spanish: Marina City para niños