Chicago’s Best Skyscraper, Elite Eight: (2) Trump Tower vs. (13) Aqua

After eight matchups and 16 contenders we have narrowed our list down to the Elite Eight! With a mix of POMO, modernism, and contemporary architecture, the Elite Eight will be a heated round of eliminations, sending four towers home while advancing Chicago’s Final Four as voted by all of you!

We are jumping right in with our first Elite Eight matchup which may prove to be the biggest battle of them all! Here are our contenders for today:

(2) Trump International Hotel and Tower

Stats:

401 N. Wabash Ave

Height: 1,389 feet

Constructed: 2005-2009

Floors: 98

Architect: Skidmore, Owings, Merrill (SOM)

Developer: The Trump Organization

Formerly the site of the Chicago Sun-Times, our former President developed the building which holds 339 hotel suites, 486 condos, and a rooftop restaurant with great views of the city. Designed by SOM, the project was originally planned to be the new world’s tallest building, but was stunted by a few hundred feet in the aftermath of 9/11. The setbacks of the metal and glass tower respond to the heights of nearby landmarks, matching the heights of the Wrigley Building, Marina City, and the IBM Building.

Vs.

(13) Aqua

Stats:

211 N. Columbus

Height: 859 feet

Floors: 86

Constructed: 2007-2009

Architect: Studio Gang and Loewenberg Architects

Developer: Magellan Development Group LLC

Combining a hotel, offices, apartments, and condos, Aqua works to reinterpret human and outdoor connections through its design. Varying the floor slabs based on view and sunlight, the form of the tower was imagined as a vertical landscape of hills, valleys, and pools. The glass tower is wrapped in sculpted balconies that undulate to create unique outdoor spaces that foster social connections between residents.

Vote now!

UPDATE! The poll has closed. Aqua will move on to the Final Four!