As I spent my early teenage years in Elkhart, Indiana, I was very aware of the building project that became known as Marina City. To me, the towers looked like the ultimate place to live, overlooking the Chicago River and downtown—the pinnacle of residency to aspire to as I became an adult.
I had no idea how that dream might come to pass, but it was a cherished fantasy nonetheless.
That is, until we moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and then to Houston, Texas—about as far in distance and style as one could get from Chicago and Marina Towers.
Nevertheless, they have always held a special place in my heart, and their striking architecture still stands out in Chicago. Especially when viewed against a blue summer sky, with an overflying jet and its contrail somehow bridging the exuberance of the go-go '60s with today. At least in my mind!
