Hanging Out With The Corn Cobs!

I love the city of Chicago. For many, many reasons – but how could you not love these unique corn cob apartment buildings sitting right on the Chicago River downtown?

Exploring The Windy City’s Architecture!

Chicago’s skyline overlooks Lake Michigan, and the downtown area is cut in half by the Chicago River:

Of the beautiful architecture along the river, and the bridges that cross over, perhaps none are more distinctive as these two:

Welcome To Marina City!

Yes, that is what these two “corn cob” buildings are called.

So why am I telling you this? Because someone shared this ad, which reminded me that these are functioning apartment building you can live in!

Here is a classic LIFE magazine ad from 1964. Rent at what is known as “Marina City” for a one bedroom apartment was only $115 a month, now it’s $2100! The apartments are unique in containing almost no interior right angles!

These two buildings are active apartment units to this day!

On each residential floor, a circular hallway surrounds the elevator core, which is 32 feet (10 m) in diameter, with 16 pie-shaped wedges arrayed around the hallway. These are truly some of the coolest, funkiest, most future-forward residential skyscrapers anywhere in the world.

Also, note that the lower floors are for parking cars! But because of the unique shape, it’s all valet parking! See how the cars are backed up to the edge?

Of course, if you lived there, you could gaze down from your apartment and see this happening on the Chicago river:

Yes, they paint the river green every St. Patrick’s day, leaving you with this view of the river for a week:

These buildings are truly unique to see up close – and are just one great aspect of life on Chicago’s river – take a look:

If you are in Chicago, absolutely take the river tours…they start near Lake Michigan at the entrance of the river and glide through downtown – including the infamous site of the original Chicago fire! The architecture has fascinating stories and the cruises are incredibly fun – listen to the tour guide describe Marina City:

Considering what a cool location this is, the corn cobs have only been used in one movie…maybe this is the reason why:

Wow!

Click here for the whole story, plus a look at the scene from the film!

Just east of the corn cobs is another unique aspect of the Chicago River:

The Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain, located on the Chicago River, shoots a water arc across the river on the hour. The fountain operates from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., May 1 through September 30, with the water show lasting approximately 5 minutes. It was dedicated in 1989 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. 

I walked by it countless times and always took video like this:

At the other end of the riverwalk is something equally impressive: America’s largest building other than the Pentagon!

This massive building is one city block long, and is so big that until a few years ago it had its own zip code!

Here’s a look from the tour boat:

And nearby is this incredible building – spectacularly lit up at night:

There is so much history here – some of it brought in and attached to the building!

Yes, the iconic Tribune Building as history literally attached to it – see some of the coolest ones here:

As I said, the corn cob building at the very top right of this picture sit on the north side of Chicago’s river, where a dozen bridges cross over – and on the south side there is an incredible river walk!

It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to see the city…lcik here for the whole tour:

Now, if you make the trip to Chicago, you MUST also check out this iconic restaurant:

The Billy Goat Tavern is famous for so many things, and you can see all of them here!

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Leave a comment if you’ve ever been on this river walk – and I you like this story, please share on social media!

Categories: Art, chicago, Exotic Travel, Food, food blog, Memoirs, Pop Culture, Real Estate, Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Memoir, Wacky Food

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