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Aqua, St. Regis Chicago & Lakeshore East

  • Exterior view of building with wavy or undulating balconies

    Aqua.

Learn about some of Chicago’s architectural marvels with the “Aqua, St. Regis Chicago and Lakeshore East” tour, a journey through contemporary design milestones.

This tour currently has no scheduled dates.

  • Exterior view of building with wavy or undulating balconies

    Aqua.

Take a short walk to see the Lakeshore East neighborhood, featuring two notable buildings designed by the woman-led Studio Gang: Aqua Tower and the St. Regis Chicago.

Duration
1.5 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

With its wavy, concrete balconies, Aqua Tower quickly became a Chicago icon when completed in 2009. Learn why its design has earned high praise from architects and critics around the world.

Now, another distinctive building nearby, also designed by Jeanne Gang and her firm, stands out in the city’s skyline: St. Regis Chicago. Completed in 2020, it is the third tallest skyscraper in the city, and the tallest in the world designed by a woman-led firm.

In addition to these high-rises, get a feel for the surrounding neighborhood, which includes two large developments: Illinois Center, a large Mid-Century Modern office complex; and Lakeshore East, an evolving contemporary "village" by the Chicago River and Lake Michigan that boasts a six-acre park unknown to most Chicagoans.

Know before you go:
  • Other than the lobby of the Radisson Blu Hotel, this tour features building exteriors only.
  • The tour's ending point is in front of the St. Regis Chicago on upper Wacker Drive, 363 E. Wacker Dr.
Notes:
  • Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours.
  • Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.

Tour reviews

    • This tour is a story of two striking and contrasting buildings designed by Studio Gang, led by Jeanne Gang; but it is also the story of the neighborhood that went from water to rail terminus, to a 1960's planned development, to a very different 21st century planned development that is not quite finished yet.
      Pris MimsCAC Docent
    • I thought this tour was just going to be about the two buildings, but it is so much more.
      Tour Attendee
  • One building comprised of 3 glass towers, against cloudy sky.

    St. Regis. Photo courtesy of Magellan Development Group.

  • Large ivory building, many stories high, with curved balconies.

    Aqua

  • Grassy area and pedestrian path near tall city buildings.

    Lakeshore East Park. Photo by Adam Bernstein.

  • Grassy area and pedestrian path near tall city buildings.

    Lakeshore East Park. Photo by Adam Bernstein.

  • Two tall glass skyscrapers overlooking Lake Michigan.

    Cirrus Cascade. Photo by Magellan Development Group.

FAQ

  • Essential walking tours depart from the center at 111 East Wacker; they are free for all CAC members. Premier walking tours depart from other locations across Chicago, including neighborhood tours. Premier tours are discounted for individual, dual and family memberships and free for Deco level and above.

  • The CAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone. Learn more about accessibility options.

  • Many of our tours depart from the CAC at 111 E. Wacker. Your ticket (regular or print-at-home) will indicate the departure location. If you have any questions about your tour’s meeting place, give us a call at 312.922.TOUR (8687).

    For tours that don’t begin at the CAC, please consult the individual tour webpage, or call 312.922.TOUR (8687) for details on the meeting location.

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Buildings on This Tour

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Group & Private Tours

CAC offers discounted rates and customized options for groups and tour operators. Learn about options here.

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Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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