Magellan Development Group LLC

Drawing Lake Michigan up to the sky and soaring 87-stories, Aqua is destined to be the most talked about building in Chicago. The fluid contour of Aqua's exterior creates distinctive floor plans with most residences having their own unique balcony design. Aqua offers a combination of Shore Club entertainment and recreational facilities with a host of indoor and outdoor options totaling 110,000 sf. Soaring residences offer breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling windows and unique undulating balconies.

Aqua is the first mixed-use building of its kind to include commercial, hotel, apartment, condominium, parking and office spaces.

This project was designed to comply with LEED Certification, and is an example of Magellan Development’s commitment to the recovery of materials, reduction of waste and increased energy efficiency. LEED credits were sought for items such as a reduction in energy use through the use of energy efficient glass and increased shading from the balcony configuration, the use of Chicago Thermal for district heating and cooling and the installation of electric charging stations in the public garage. The project awaits final Certification from USGBC.

The Aqua site presented many challenges to the architects and their team. The team worked closely with the Board of Underground, Department of Buildings and CDOT to develop workable solutions. Old freight tunnels run under the site that had to be removed of debris and grouted solid. The building sits above and spans over a major ComEd substation feeding the downtown district and the development team worked closely with the utility companies through the Board of Underground to coordinate the location of caissons in order to avoid conflicts in two utility easement areas running under the site. The building is also situated adjacent to a three-level public street system which required access points for auto and pedestrian traffic. Lastly, Aqua connects back to the downtown area through a continuation and connection to two pedway systems.