Chicago’s Best Skyscraper, 1st Round: (8) One Chicago vs. (9) 311 S. Wacker

Known for its world-renowned architecture, Chicago has more than its fair share of stellar skyscrapers. From the Willis Tower and John Hancock to more modern examples like The St. Regis and NEMA Chicago, famous architects keep coming back to put their mark on our skyline. We have dozens of skyscrapers making up our world-class skyline, but there can only be one that’s the best.

In the spirit of March Madness, it’s time to figure out exactly which of those is our best skyscraper. We have narrowed it down to the 16 tallest projects and can’t wait to see who we crown as the winner! 

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(8) One Chicago

Stats:

1 W. Chicago

Height: 971 feet

Floors: 78

Constructed: 2019-2022

Architect: Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture and Goettsch Partners

Developer: JDL Development

Just completed last year, One Chicago is a luxury mixed-use development that features two residential towers connected by a mixed-use podium. Designed by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture and Goettsch Partners, the project includes 735 apartments, 77 condominiums, 55,000 square feet of office space, 188,000 square feet of retail space, and a LifeTime fitness and wellness center. The tower’s design consists of five vertical, rectilinear bars that step back at varying heights, creating multiple large terraces and making the tower more slender as it rises. Expressive fins vary in width to reinforce the verticality of the building, giving the facade a distinct texture.

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(9) 311 S. Wacker

Stats:

311 S. Wacker

Height: 961 feet

Floors: 65

Constructed: 1988-1990

Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox and HKS Inc.

Developer: Lincoln Properties

Another great POMO tower in Chicago, 311 S. Wacker was the tallest reinforced concrete building in the world when it was completed. Designed by KPF and HKS, the tower is crowned by a 105-foot-tall translucent atrium surrounded by four other crown-like glazed masses. Lighting up at night, the crown makes the tower an icon within the skyline right next to the Willis Tower. Two levels at the base are designed as a winter garden with an 85-foot-tall area that is topped by glass that allows light to fill the space.

Cast your vote below!

UPDATE! The poll has closed. One Chicago will move on to the Elite Eight!