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City Within a City: The Biography of Chicago’s Marina City
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1990s

A post-modern mess

A proposed transformation faces opposition.

Motivated sellers

Despite some interest in Marina City’s commercial property from potential buyers, including casinos, the situation remained dire for the architectural gem.

Police raid Marina City ‘weapons bunker’

When police raided a Marina City apartment and seized 285 firearms, they did not take a bite out of crime as much as annoy Francis Samp, long-time resident, veteran, licensed gun collector, owner of an insurance company and the cannon that defended the east tower.

‘A seedy, crumbling wreck’

Deals collapse, giving Marina City an uncertain future.

Residents help down-on-its-luck neighbor

Frustrated over the deterioration of Marina City, the condo association directs funds toward repair of commercial property.

Luck starts to change

Developer John L. Marks plans a $70 million facelift for Marina City, after years of decline.

Diminishing returns

The bankruptcy case of Marina City Associates, which began in 1994, was a complex web of financial struggles with over 30 creditors and multimillion-dollar claims that continued for the rest of the decade.

‘We’re going to electrify the city with this’

Marina City is set for a major transformation, featuring a concert hall, hotel, and vibrant nightlife, led by developer John L. Marks and entrepreneur Isaac Tigrett.

Marina City says goodbye to its architect

Bertrand Goldberg, the visionary architect behind Marina City, shaped Chicago’s skyline in the 1960s and influenced modern architecture.

New use for the skating rink

Smith & Wollensky is set to bring upscale dining to Marina City, though sparking controversy over its design.

Renaissance

House of Blues Hotel helps breathe new life into Marina City.

Loud neighbors with a liquor license

Tension escalates between Marina City’s new House of Blues and its residents.

12 stories