The 87-storey mixed-use tower at 225 N. Columbus Drive in Chicago anchors the west boundary of the 28-acre neighbourhood. It earned the international award in the 2011 Prix Residential High-Rise category. Aqua is the first high-rise in Chicago specifically designed to feature condominiums, luxury rental, hotel and retail spaces in a single structure with separate access for each sector.
The floor plan of residences focuses on open living, dining and kitchen layouts.
The condominiums at Aqua tower feature the split two-bedroom, 2-1/2-bathroom plan offering more than 1,800-square-feet of living space on the 81st floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows accentuate nearly 14-foot ceilings combined with approximately 600-square-feet of curved balcony space.
The condos are replete with rich finishes. A marble foyer opens to hardwood flooring throughout the living area. The kitchen is highlighted with Snaidero cabinetry, granite countertops and Subzero-, Wolf- and Miele-brand appliances. Bathrooms feature marble floors and countertops. The huge master bath provides a separate shower and luxurious jetted tub. The second bedroom has its own en-suite bath. All closets walk-in closets in the residence are organized.
Aqua’s outdoor amenities includes an 80,000-square-foot outdoor deck with lush gardens, gazebos, pools and cabañas, hot tub, running track, fire pit and grills. Indoor facilities include a 35,000-square-foot amenity floor providing state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a basketball court, group fitness studio, indoor lap pool, a spa featuring a hot tub, sauna, steam and massage rooms, private party suites with catering kitchens, sky garden lounge, media room with theater-style seating, billiards and game area and business center.
The Prix d’ Excellence is given to projects that show excellence at every stage of their creation and is awarded by an international panel of experts who evaluate developments with respect to such criteria as design and construction that benefits the community, environmental impact, ease of facilities management, financial viability, marketing strategies and lifestyle improvement for its occupants. Prix award winners were announced on 19 May 2011 at the FIABCI (the International Real Estate Federation) 62nd World Congress held in Paphos, Cyprus.
Developed by Magellan Development Group, Aqua has previously won other awards including the 2010 Distinguished Building Award by the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, 2009 Emporis International Skyscraper of the Year, and 2008 American Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. The project was also one of the five finalists for a new International Highrise Award sponsored by the Deutsches Architekturmuseum of Frankfurt/Main Germany.
