 NBC
TOWER IS ONE OF THE BEST
examples
of postmodern architecture influenced by Art Deco
architecture in its design. It serves as a landmark for Cityfront Center,
a multi-phase, 50-acre development conceived as a link between Chicago’s
Near North Side and the Loop. Guided by a desire for neighborhood improvements
that would benefit business tenants, residents and pedestrians, the tower
is thoughtfully integrated within the historic Michigan Avenue Bridge District.
The building is approximately 850,000 square feet of rentable area including
a 38-story tower with a four-story radio and television broadcasting facility.
There is a 261 car enclosed garage on three levels directly below the ground
floor. The design and finishing materials complement the character of Cityfront
Center’s historic neighborhood through the use of limestone and light-toned
granite. The building’s formal gestures are reminiscent of the RCA
Building at Rockefeller Center in New York.
 The
concept of NBC Tower is one of a series of parallel planes oriented north-south
and articulated by limestone piers penetrating the central east-west mass
of the tower. The design allows for varying floor areas ranging from 29,670
square feet at the widest part of the tower to 14,920 square feet at the
penthouse level.
The series of setbacks that define the tower profile is consistent with
the earlier zoning requirements that influenced the traditional buildings
along the Chicago River. Alternate use of limestone piers and recessed tinted
glass with granite spandrels, give the facade both depth and vertical expression.
An additional architectural feature borrowed from the Tribune Tower is the
stylized “flying buttress” on either side of the tower. |
