The birthplace of the skyscraper has added a new unique member to its iconic skyline and we’re certainly impressed. After 4 years of construction and a name change, St. Regis Chicago stands as the tallest skyscraper designed by a woman in the entire world. This feat is particularly impressive because, well, it’s a skyscraper, and according to the Chicago Architect Center, reports, “About 50 percent of architecture school students are female. However, many never embark on a full-time career in architecture due to a lack of pay equity, professional support, and sensitivity to gender differences, among other reasons.”
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re taking a look back at the impressive trailblazing woman who designed this towering building.
The skyscraper was designed by Jeanne Gang and her architectural firm, Studio Gang Architects, making it the tallest structure in the world designed by a woman! Gang and her team were also behind the elegant Aqua skyscraper that opened in Lakeshore East back in 2009. The year that Aqua opened its doors it was awarded The Emporis Skyscraper Award and named as world skyscraper of the year.
How did she get her start?
Jeanne Gang first earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Illinois before going on to get her master’s degree in architecture from Harvard University in 1993. She worked for the Office for Metropolitan Architecture from 1993 to 1995 before opening her own firm in 1997.
Along with the Aqua Tower, Jeanne Gang, and her firm have designed the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo, the Boathouse at Clark Park, and the Northerly Island Framework Plan amongst other Chicago structures.
Here’s what to know about the 3rd Tallets skyscraper in Chicago
It’s safe to say we were expecting big things and St. Regis Chicago certainly hasn’t let us down! Standing at 1,198 ft tall over the Chicago River’s main branch, the 101-story skyscraper is the city’s second-highest roof and the third-tallest building behind the Willis Tower and The Trump Tower. The tower consists of three interconnected towers of different heights but all possess the same unique curvilinear design.
Each tower is wrapped in eight different shades of glass and the tallest of the three includes an unoccupied “blow-through” floor to prevent the building from swaying in the wind. The eye-catching tower cost nearly $1 billion to construct and contains 396 luxury condos, a 192-room five-star hotel, restaurants, gyms, a theatre, a Sky Bar, and both indoor and outdoor pools.
They won the Luxury Lifestyle Awards back in 2020 for The Best Luxury Real Estates in Chicago. Not only does Vista Tower offer exceptional views of Lake Michigan, the riverfront, and the rest of the Chicago skyline but the architectural wonder features state-of-the-art amenities and luxury rooms that are unrivaled in Chicago. Open floor plans and stunning interior design are enriched with hidden storage areas and intuitive kitchen engineering.
Here’s a glimpse at some of the incredible views:
The view northeast over Lake Michigan during the day.
The view northwest over Chicago at night.
The view northwest over Chicago during the day.
The view south at night.
The view south during the day.
The view southeast over Chicago at night.
The view southeast over Chicago during the day.
[Images from Vista Tower Chicago]