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860–880 Lake Shore Drive Apartments (aka the “Glass House” apartments) • Location: Chicago • Developer: Herbert Greenwald • Architect: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe • Built: 1948–1951 • Units: Originally designed with 90 three-bedroom apartments in one tower and 158 one-bedroom apartments in the other, but many of the units have since been combined. • Notable: The 26-story towers were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and designated Chicago landmarks in 1996. In 2009, Chicago firm Krueck & Sexton completed a refurbishment of the towers that reversed a number of previous renovations and restored the original design and intent.
Glass House is still a premium property because of its gorgeous, restrained, elegant design. The two towers really show the value and power of design and offer a great illustration of the premise, ‘If it’s not for you, it doesn’t mean it isn’t for somebody.’ The buildings are also a fine example of how high-rise living can be a wonderful alternative for families that want the space of a suburban single-family house without all the yard work and maintenance. Residents can also enjoy the lake, proximity to the fabulous urban amenity and amazing resource that is Lincoln Park, and more time with their family. Plus, they get to walk through that beautiful glass-and-marble lobby every day.
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David Baker, FAIA, LEED AP, partner, David Baker + Partners, San Francisco