Chicago Tower

Miami University

Project idea

ARC 601
Architectural Design Studio 2019
University of Miami, Oxford Ohio
Project Design Program
Union Station Square


Concept:
Creating an interactive dialogue with the public through placing a bridge that connects Chicago Union Station to the tower was one of the main ideas that make this building more delightful for the public. The site has a spatial location in Chicago city. Chicago Union Station is so unique and the project aimed to take advantage of the historical building. A bridge linked the Union Station to retail and amenities. The bridge is like a time tunnel that connects the Union station (past time) which is one of the historical buildings in Chicago to the modern towers (future).
The residential tower with a 45-degree rotation aimed to obtain a better view and more sunlight. The residential tower located on the south side of the site that exist more residential complex nearby. The towers envelop are mainly glazing walls.

Project description

The project site is in Chicago IL adjacent to the historic Union Station bounded by W.Jakson Blvd, W Van Buren St, Canal St, and Clinton St. For the purposes of this project, the property line boundaries will be expanded to include the full city block of 319'x397' providing 126,643 SF of development site area. Using an as of right FAR of 12.0 the development FAR allowable area will be 1,519,716 SF. An existing condition survey of site boundaries, topographical information with grades, and utilities shall be provided for the basis of design with modification denoted defining a full block development. The exciting parking structure and bus staging area will be demolished prior to project commencement.

Technical information

The office tower has 515’ high, 33 floors and 1,000,000 RSF include 2 service, 18 offices, and 2 parking elevators also 2 escalators connect the bridge to the office tower.
The residential tower has 479’ high, 34 floors, and 300,000 RSF. Apartment tower designed to include 300 rental units with an average leasable unit size of 1,000 USF. Rental unit mix to be 70% one-bedroom, 15% two bedrooms, 15% studio. It has 3 elevators and one service elevator.
The retail section (60’ high) in two levels located beneath the residential tower, with 200,000 GSF of retail space in podium project level to accommodate high-end grocery tenant, 3 food and beverages lease areas, coffee, and specialty retail spaces. One glass elevator and stair located in the plaza connect the bridge to the plaza and parking levels for the public.
Amenities (86’ high) in three levels50,000 SF shared tenant amenities facilities at podium platform level including a conference center, fitness, daycare, pet care, and dog walk area.
The parking, loading, and services in two levels below grade and podium level parking. Loading docks for office and residential towers adjacent to building cores per zoning requirements 120 spaces office, 300 spaces residential, 200 spaces public.