MOver a century ago, architect Daniel Burnham was famous for saying that Chicago should “not do small projects.” However, the second part of this oft-quoted speech could be repeated today after walking through the recently completed renovation and restoration of a neo-Gothic-style monument built almost a century ago as the seat of the Chicago Tribune.

“Make big plans,” Burnham said when revealing his Chicago plan of 1909. “Aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble and logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone, he will be a living being. “

Like many large buildings from the golden age of everyday life, the next iteration of this icon had yet to be completed when Chicago Tribune offices have moved to a smaller location in town. Designed in a 1922 architectural competition to rival the world’s most famous buildings, a Chicago icon that could have been lost forever is reborn as the Tribune Tower Residences.

Anyone who has been fortunate enough to visit this wonderful luxury lifestyle condominium community will agree that the result is beyond anyone’s expectations, even those who were on site throughout the process.

“Every time I step onto Crown Terrace it takes my breath away with its flying buttresses and spectacular views of the city. There is simply no such thing! says sales manager Jeanne Martini of the outdoor terrace inside the building’s iconic “crown”, a tribute to the 13th-century butter tower of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rouen, France. “From the Illinois lobby, through the hallway filled with commissioned artwork to the Michigan Avenue lobby, the fitness and spa floor to the stunning 7th floor swimming pool and its sun terrace, I am constantly in awe of the beauty and luxury around every corner. It’s great to see the reaction when we walk the folks from the Illinois Lobby to the Historic Michigan Avenue Lobby, they are just in awe.

Tribune Tower Residences

The historic Michigan Avenue Lobby preserves the essence of the original building, with quotes engraved on the walls when the monument was erected nearly 100 years ago.

“All of the quotes have lighting that really accentuates the beauty, and the lobby is decorated with a lovely seating area,” she adds. “The spa and fitness area are also beautiful and the pool with the terrace where the Chicago Tribune is located is truly spectacular.”

Located at the intersection of the Magnificent Mile and the Chicago River, Tribune Tower Residences offers 162 luxury condominiums with over 56 distinctive floor plans ranging from one to four bedrooms and up, ranging in price from $ 900,000 to over $ 7 million. The first residents closed their homes and moved in last summer and by the end of November the building was over 50 percent sold. Martini said sales were good from the start, but once potential buyers were able to visit and see the models and equipment in person, the response has been overwhelming.

“Now that they can take full advantage of our offering and see models decorated, while still being arguably the best location in town, we plan to continue to have great commercial success,” she adds. “Who wouldn’t want to own a place in iconic Chicago history? This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Outdoor porch overlooking the Chicago River

Over 50,000 square feet of lifestyle amenities are now open to residents, including a luxury spa with steam rooms, saunas, private treatment room, state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, practice simulator, lounge co-working, meeting rooms, entertainment and event spaces with bar and catering kitchen. A courtyard on the third floor opens onto a vast private outdoor oasis, a rare luxury in the city. The pool deck with outdoor grill stations and sun deck is a stunning way to spend an afternoon and an evening.

Far above all, residents take in panoramic views and beautifully framed sunrises and sunsets from the incomparable Crown Terrace and Lounge Amenity. With indoor chef cuisine, outdoor grilling and a garden of fresh herbs, the 25th-floor Crown Terrace offers an intimate setting surrounded by stunning flying buttresses and elegant tracery iconic from the line of Chicago skyline.

In addition to 24-hour door and staff, the building provides residents with personal concierge coordination services such as travel assistance, on-site car wash, cleaning pickup and delivery. dry, and even delivery of groceries to your front door.

“Life at Tribune Tower Residences is like living in a five star hotel,” says Martini. “We’ve already had a few SubZero Wolf events with one of their business leaders demonstrating the residents’ premium appliances and serving gourmet appetizers and dinner.”

Reflecting on how far the project has come and the praise from everyone from architects and agents to buyers, Martini says it is so gratifying to see the end result exceptionally beautiful.

“The comments are that the transformation is beyond what everyone imagined. All the details, finishes, fittings and residences have lived up to the stunning architecture and prominence of the iconic Tribune Tower, ”she says. “It’s wonderful to know that the transformation of the Tribune Tower is living up to this magnificent icon. Expectations were already high. To think that these were not only accomplished but surpassed speaks volumes.

The Tribune Tower Residences Sales Gallery is located on the 28th floor of 401 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. For an appointment, call 312-967-3700 or visit tribunetower.com.