156 West Superior Condominiums Located within the emerging River North district in downtown Chicago, goals for this newbuilding were to blend with adjacent brick and stone loft-type structures and reflect the lively urban lifestyle of the formerly industrial neighborhood.
© Nic Lehoux
The project aesthetic is firmly embedded in the steel and glass style of the city’s Illinois Institute of Technology. The eight-story building is organized like an irreducible living machine: stripped bare, rational and waiting to be inhabited. Balconies projecting beyond the building provide down street views. These outdoor rooms function as surrogate living rooms and enable natural ventilation in each unit. Steel grating gives privacy, while allowing for more daylight and filtered views. Steel cross bracing carrying lateral loads and sub-frame carrying gravity loads provides an armature for the balconies while lending scale and identity to the building.
© Nic Lehoux
A cost-conscious project, the steel structure omitted the need for lay-down space which provided a more efficient construction process. Also conforming to the budget and ease of maintenance is the basic material palette of an anti-graffiti CMU podium with metal framing above. Expressed structure, metal slat screen walls, commercial storefront windows and an open plan characterize the experience of the building which exemplifies the creative possibilities of urban infill.
Project Info
Architects: The Miller Hull Partnership
Country: United States, Chicago
Area: 35000 m²
Year: 2006
Photographs: Nic Lehoux
Client: Ranquist Development
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.