Lake Point Tower

The only skyscraper east of Lake Shore Drive, standing on a promontory north of the Chicago River since 1968.

Lake Point Tower is a residential skyscraper located on a promontory of the Lake Michigan waterfront in Chicago, just north of the Chicago River at 505 North Lake Shore Drive. Completed in 1968 by architects John Heinrich and George Schipporeit, it stands as the city's only skyscraper east of Lake Shore Drive. Situated in the Streeterville neighborhood adjacent to Navy Pier, this curving three-wing structure was once the tallest apartment building in the world. Its unique asymmetrical Y-shaped design radiates from a central triangular core, allowing for multiple distinct views from single apartments while withstanding high winds.

Quick Facts

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Roof: 645 ft / 197 m
Floor count: 70
Construction began: 1965
Completed: 1968
Architect: Schipporeit & Heinrich
Floor area: 1,299,990 ft2

Lore & Background

Designed by Schipporeit and Heinrich, students of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Lake Point Tower was completed in 1968 as the tallest apartment building globally at approximately 645 feet (197 m). The project developer William F. Hartnett, Jr. oversaw a design necessitated by its lakeside site and height to withstand high winds. At the center lies a triangular core, 59 feet wide, containing nine elevators and three stairwells that hold all vertical weight, permitting smaller perimeter columns. Radiating from this core are three arms forming an asymmetrical Y-shaped floor plan with outer walls curved for distinct views. The building was always designed as a three-wing structure, with the three arms spaced 120 degrees apart.

Reader's Guide

Located at 505 North Lake Shore Drive in the Streeterville neighborhood, Lake Point Tower is the city's only skyscraper east of Lake Shore Drive. It sits adjacent to Navy Pier on a promontory north of the Chicago River. The complex pioneered the "Park in the City" concept, featuring a two-and-one-half acre park three stories above ground with a playground, pool, duck pond, and waterfalls. Shops and restaurants occupy the first two levels beneath this elevated park. It was one of the first high-rise residential buildings to feature all-electric appliances. The building's position ensures unobstructed views in all directions, protected by ordinances limiting construction on the waterfront. Its graceful curves and picturesque location make it a major private structure on the east side of Lake Shore Drive.