Architect:

Perkins + Will

Completion:

2004

Description:

This highly-praised and awarded mid-rise in Chicago's River North area is an example of how multi-family architecture can rise above the typical bland boxes of that building type.

A few things stand out: the articulation of the 11-story mass, which follows a basic tripartite organization but does it asymmetrically; the low-scale (versus hi-rise developments) that allows this articulation to succeed; the choice not to paint the exposed concrete structure; and the expression of the parking garage in a way that celebrates it rather than hides between a false face.

Images:

Address:

516 North Wells

Chicago, IL

Map/Directions/Info:

The building is located at 516 North Wells, on the southwest corner of Grand and Wells in the River North area of Chicago.

Train: Brown and Purple Line to Chicago or Merchandise Mart; Red Line to Grand

Bus: #65 along Grand

The residences are private, so they aren't open to the public, though the ground floor retail space is accessible.

Other buildings by architect:

August Wilson Center

Crate & Barrel Corporate Headquarters

Perspectives Charter School

Links:

CMK Companies

Perkins + Will

AIA Chicago Award

Emporis

Residential Architect