Aqua (skyscraper), Chicago

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Aqua (skyscraper), Chicago

Aqua (skyscraper), Chicago

It was nearly half a century later that Marina City finally met its match with the arrival of Aqua, Jeanne Gang’s shimmering high-rise wonder. Previously, the iconic “corncobs” ruled Chicago's riverfront for decades until Aqua, standing almost 860 feet tall and dripping with design flair, stole the glances and headlines alike. It’s bold, yes—but it’s also award-winning bold, proudly holding the title of the tallest building designed by a woman-led team. Chicago, meet your new skyline showstopper!

Just like Marina City, Aqua mixes it all—homes, shops, a hotel, and offices—but while Marina rolls with the curves, Aqua plays with layers. At first glance, it’s a rectangular tower. But then Gang pulls her architectural magic trick: “vertical topography.” That’s code for balconies that ripple, wave, jut, and recede across the façade like windblown water frozen in time.

One floor might sprout a sun-catching twelve-foot terrace. The next is a minimalist ledge, just two feet deep—or nothing at all. And where the balconies vanish, Gang slides in sleek, reflective glass “pools” that mimic shimmering water tucked between the waves. On top, there's an 80,000-square-foot garden playground—designed by Ted Wolff—with actual water and greenery, just in case the metaphor wasn’t clear enough.

From afar, Aqua can disappear into the skyline, especially on grey Chicago days. But catch it in the right light, and the building pulses with movement. Try standing underneath one of its corners and look up—your brain might short-circuit trying to make sense of the constantly shifting geometry. It’s like watching the city breathe.

No two balconies here are the same. Truly brilliant in its water-like appearance, this building proves that in Chicago, architecture isn’t just built—it flows...

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Aqua (skyscraper) on Map

Sight Name: Aqua (skyscraper)
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Chicago, Illinois

Create Your Own Walk in Chicago

Create Your Own Walk in Chicago

Creating your own self-guided walk in Chicago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chicago Old Town Walking Tour

Chicago Old Town Walking Tour

Settled in 1850 by German immigrants, Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood is a popular destination for locals and visitors who cater to the entertainment venues, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and boutiques – all of which have turned an area once referred to as the “Cabbage Patch” into an attraction that rivals Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Magnificent Mile.

Start your Old Town walking...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour

Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour

Additional to scenic views of the lake, the boats, and the city skyline, the Navy Pier offers a variety of attractions on the waterfront – for kids as well as adults – that draw nearly ten million people annually, making this Chicago's most visited spot. Yes, some may see it as a “tourist trap”, but it is worth the time and money to spend some time here, so take this self-guided walk...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Millennium and Grant Parks Walking Tour

Millennium and Grant Parks Walking Tour

The city of Chicago is renowned for its outdoor green spaces. One such “forever free and open” space, is called Grant Park and was established in 1844. In fact, upon foundation, it was called Lake Park, but was renamed in 1901 after the American Civil War General and United States President, Ulysses S. Grant.

Popularly referred to as “Chicago's front lawn,” this lakefront park is...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
University of Chicago Walking Tour

University of Chicago Walking Tour

Founded in 1890, the University of Chicago is among the world’s most prestigious educational institutions. As of 2020, the University’s students, faculty and staff have included 100 Nobel laureates, giving it the fourth-most affiliated Nobel laureates of any university.

Set in the heart of Chicago’s famous eclectic neighborhood, Hyde Park, the campus is worth a visit as it offers a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour

The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour

The stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile, is regarded as one of the world’s great avenues – or Chicago’s version of Fifth Avenue. Take this self-guided walk to explore its whole stretch and surrounding area, featuring a wide selection of amazing stores/malls, world-known museums, restaurants and spectacular...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Loop District Architecture Walking Tour

Loop District Architecture Walking Tour

The Chicago Loop District—essentially the city’s historic downtown—has long been a stage for architectural innovation and an open-air museum of American architecture.

The construction boom started after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed much of the central business district, gave architects a blank canvas to rebuild the city from the ground up. What followed was a surge of...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles

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