Article

The architecturally stunning new condos in Chicago are part of a modern movement in the city, with design in mind. There are many artfully designed Chicago condominiums in the business district of the city, but it actually was not always like this. Although Chicago's commercial buildings have always earned acclaims for their architectural design, the condominiums have not always been so hot. In fact, most of the Chicago condos that were built after World War II were very dreary and minimal, designed more for efficiency than fashion.

In the nineties, however, Chicago condos began to pop up that started to turn the downtown district around. The sale of commercial space in the business district slowed, and using the space for more residential buildings was an obvious answer. The downtown business district began to see new condos filling in the gaps between commercial buildings, but many of them were still very drab. In fact, many of the Chicago condominiums built during this construction boom were built with exposed frames and concrete, which definitely left something to be desired. The local art and design community, however, would not let it stay this way fro long.

The displeasure with the aesthetically displeasing new condos made it all the way to city hall in 2002, when Mayor Richard M. Daley announced with a headline in the daily Sun-Times, “No More Ugly Buildings.” His request didn't go unheard, either, and developers began to incorporate more style into the architectural design of their new condos. Recent energy code changes also encouraged more green building, which is the use of energy efficient design in new construction. Thus the architectural renaissance of Chicago condominiums began.

There are now a variety of very sharp and artistic downtown Chicago condos that have brought the skyline to new heights. One example is the new condos at 400 North LaSalle, which are popular with young professionals for their affordable starting prices in the low $200,000s. The building stretches into the skyline for 45 stories, with soft curves and sharp lines meeting beautifully to create a unique visual statement. The new construction of Avenue East is another example of artistically designed Chicago condominiums. Though only 27 stories, these sleek new condos with clean lines and orderly shapes make a statement of their own.

Chicago condominiums are helping the city live up to its reputation as the birthplace of modern architecture. Though still in line with the minimalist movement, these architectural masterpieces make a major mark on the local imagery. There are many finished Chicago condos that fit into the visual latest trend, and many more new condos that are on the way.