Aqua

Illinois, United States

Exterior only

Visible from the street; the inside is private.

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ReferenceCTBUH Skyscraper Center↗

Aqua is an 82-story mixed-use skyscraper designed by Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects and completed in 2009 in Chicago's Lakeshore East district. Rising 262 meters, the building was the world's tallest structure designed by a woman at the time of its completion, a distinction it held until 2020. The tower's distinctive contemporary design features a 140,000-square-foot base supporting an expansive 82nd-floor terrace outfitted with gardens, gazebos, pools, hot tubs, a walking and running track, and a fire pit. Five levels of parking extend below ground. The building earned the Emporis Skyscraper Award as 2009's skyscraper of the year and was shortlisted for the International Highrise Award in 2010. It has since been recognized among Illinois's most significant architectural landmarks, selected as one of the Illinois 200 Great Places and featured in USA Today's list of must-see Illinois destinations.