The view 83 floors above Wacker Drive is to die for. But this so-called blow-through floor, the first of its kind in Chicago, will never be enjoyed.
Welcome to the Vista Tower, which will be the city’s third-tallest building when it opens next year. Designed by Chicago star architect Jeanne Gang, it’s also going to be the world’s tallest building designed by a woman. We toured the 101-story, 1,191-foot skyscraper to see its engineering features firsthand.
Engineer David Eckmann and Tribune reporter Blair Kamin on the 83rd story blow-through floor of Vista Tower under construction Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
A view of Grant Park and Monroe Harbor to the south from the open 83rd floor of Vista Tower under construction Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
A look south from the 65th floor of Vista Tower in downtown Chicago.
A skyline view down the Chicago River from Vista Tower.
Grant Park and Monroe Harbor from Vista Tower on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
Engineer David Eckmann draws diagrams during a tour of Vista Tower on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
The Vista Tower, which is under construction, on Aug. 27, 2019.
A look east toward Navy Pier from the 64th floor of Vista Tower on Aug. 27, 2019.
Vista Tower’s shadow reaches toward the Spire site Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
A view northwest from the 64th floor of Vista Tower, which is under construction, on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
Grant Park and Monroe Harbor from Vista Tower on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
A view of Lakeshore East from Vista Tower under construction Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
A skyline view north through a construction elevator at Vista Tower on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
A look north of the Chicago skyline from Vista Tower on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
The north facade of Vista Tower, under construction, along the Chicago River on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
