A Grand & Graceful Optical Illusion: The St. Regis

On the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady, you’ll see an amazing aquamarine-colored skyscraper made up of three towering structures. Completed in 2020, the St. Regis Chicago (originally called Wanda Vista Tower) is Chicago’s third-tallest building. It is also the tallest building in the world designed by a woman — the second-tallest, Aqua, is also located in Chicago, just down the street from the St. Regis. Both buildings are designed by the same architect: Jeanne Gang.

A “Curving” Optical Illusion

The dynamic silhouette of the St. Regis quickly catches your eye in the Chicago skyline. The three buildings that comprise the structure (called “stems” by their architect) vary in height. With 101 stories, the tallest building of the trio reaches just shy of 1200 feet.

The St. Regis’ iconic shape, though, extends quite literally beyond its three-towered design. Rather than traditional perimeter columns that shoot straight up, the seemingly wavy silhouette is actually formed through a series of stacked frustums, or flat-topped pyramids. Protruding inward or outward by 5 inches from the one below it, each column is offset to create what, at a glance, appears a sloping, continuous line. Gradient shades of blue glass for the windows also enhance the elegant, curved illusion. 

A Towering Structure for the Windy City

The skyscraper's breathtaking height, though, presents unique challenges in the Windy City. How to manage the high winds at great heights? Like many skyscrapers, the St. Regis utilizes multiple enormous damper tanks towards the top of the building. Holding more than 400,000 gallons of water, the tanks can counter the powerful forces of the wind found at those astronomical heights. 

The St. Regis also features uninhabited, open floors, covered by grates that match the same color of the windows, helping maintain the building’s curving illusion. Wind passes through the blow-through floors, partnering with the damper tanks to reduce building sway.

Transforming Chicago’s Riverwalk

Architect Jeanne Gang saw the St. Regis as an urban opportunity: the chance to connect Chicago’s Lakeshore East with the Riverwalk, Field Museum, and Grant Park. Focusing on human-centered urban design, she embodied both form and function into her design. A mixed-use building, the St. Regis includes both luxury condominiums and hotel rooms. The property has two restaurants, multiple outdoor terraces, a spa, an outdoor pool, and a golf lounge. Though located right along the busy, three-level Wacker Drive, Gang designed the skyscraper as an urban oasis — right in the middle of the city. 

See The Majesty For Yourself

With its graceful undulating silhouette and aqua-colored windows, there’s no better place to see and learn more about the St. Regis than on the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise Aboard First Lady. Led exclusively by expert volunteer docents from the Chicago Architecture Center, you’ll see how the river reflects off the glass, take in the curving beauty of the columns, and delve deeper into Chicago’s rich history. Choose to cruise - tickets are on sale now!