Park Tower Condominium (Chicago) facts for kids
The Park Tower Condominium is a very tall residential building right by Lake Michigan in Chicago. It's located in the Edgewater neighborhood, at 5415 North Sheridan Road. This impressive tower was built in 1973 and stands 55 stories high, reaching 513 feet (156 m) into the sky. It's one of the tallest buildings outside of downtown Chicago and one of the largest buildings in the city made only for homes.
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What is the Park Tower Condominium?
The Park Tower Condominium is a huge building where many people live. It's called a "high-rise" because it's so tall, and "residential" means it's for homes, not offices or shops. Living here means you're right by the lake, which offers great views and easy access to the waterfront.
How Tall is Park Tower?
Standing at 55 stories and 513 feet (156 m) tall, the Park Tower Condominium is a giant among buildings. It's actually the second tallest structure outside of Chicago's main downtown area. Imagine looking out from the top floors! This height makes it a noticeable part of the Chicago skyline, especially from the lakefront.
Who Designed This Building?
The Park Tower Condominium was designed by a famous Chicago architecture company called Solomon, Cordwell, Buenz and Associates. They are known for creating many modern and tall buildings. When they first planned the Park Tower, it was meant to be part of an even bigger project with three towers, but only this one was built.
History of Park Tower Condominium
The Park Tower has an interesting history, changing how people live inside it over the years.
When Was Park Tower Built?
Construction on the Park Tower Condominium finished in 1973. This means the building has been a home for people for over 50 years! It was built during a time when many tall buildings were going up in Chicago, changing the city's look.
From Rentals to Condos: A Big Change
When the Park Tower first opened in 1973, it offered apartments for rent. This meant people paid a monthly fee to live there, but they didn't own their homes. However, in 1979, the building went through a big change. It was "converted to condominiums." This means that instead of renting, people could buy their own individual apartments, becoming owners of a piece of the building. This was a popular trend in the 1970s and 1980s for many large apartment buildings.