The St. Regis Chicago (vista tower)

The grandeur of The St. Regis Chicago (Vista Tower) at Lakeshore East starts below the level of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Built over a complex web of structure, bridges, and parking, the landscape organizes and mediates the surrounding urban fabric for hotel guests, condo residents, and public visitors alike. Entrance into the hotel and residential buildings is celebrated through dynamic seasonal gardens, while paving patterns and materiality navigate the circulation routes for safe passage throughout the site. The project knits the Lakeshore East Community to the riverfront at Lower and Upper Wacker Drive, connects Waterside Drive to Upper Wacker Drive, and forms an essential link between the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Public amenities such as a tree-lined lawn, a riverfront lookout deck, and the South Overlook framing views toward Lakeshore East Park and Lakeshore Drive beyond become park space for all of Chicago’s residents to enjoy. Topping the building’s iconic frustum forms will be multiple terrace levels that serve as private oases for residents and guests. The uniqueness of the spaces is made manifest through materiality and details for comfort such as a poolside red maple grove and a sky bar with intimate outdoor rooms for socializing and enjoyment over stunning views of Navy Pier and Lake Michigan. 

OLIN collaborated with Studio Gang Architects, bKL, and Mackie Consultants to clarify pedestrian and vehicular circulation and cultivate lush, green spaces on existing and new urban structures in a complex urban setting. 

Location
Chicago, IL

Owner
Magellan Development Group

Status
Completed 2020

Key Team Members
Susan Weiler, Partner-in-Charge
Jessica Henson, Managing Partner
Zoe Booth-Jarrett, Senior Landscape Architect

Awards
2023, American Institute of Architects Chicago Chapter, Citation of Merit
2023, American Institute of Architects Chicago Chapter, People’s Choice Award
2022, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Award of Excellence, Best Tall Building 300-399 meters
2022, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Award of Excellence, Best Tall Mixed Use Building
2022, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Award of Excellence, Best Tall Building Americas

External Links
Live construction webcam, courtesy of EarthCam