30 West Oak

Opportunity: At one of the most desirable addresses in Chicago, high-rise residences and townhomes are created that redefine modern elegance within the vibrant core of the city.

Solution: The Chicago tradition of innovating tall building design advances with this 48- unit condominium tower. Open living areas, expressed in floor to ceiling glass with expansive views, combine with bedroom areas offering more privacy with small window openings, resulting in a dynamic sculptural form. Constructability was enhanced by perimeter steel beams which are used as concrete formwork and to provide a precise setting for the window wall.

In contrast to the tower, the brick cladding of the townhomes (not pictured) reflects urban traditions expressed in a modern idiom. Steel balconies and private interior courtyards provide unique amenities to the urban homes.

Value: Named “Best New Building” of 2006 by Friends of Downtown, a significant voice for intelligent planning and urban design for downtown Chicago since 1981.