The lived experiences of inhabitants bring the classic elements of Miesian style to life in his residences–even more so than his municipal, corporate or academic buildings. At 900 910 there is a sense of elegance and community against the backdrop of downtown Chicago. Certainly the historic relevance and aesthetic appeals to the seasoned architects and designers of the city. But the buildings were always designed to accommodate families. In fact, a number of current residents grew up at 900 910 and have made it their lifelong home. Located in the Streeterville neighborhood, the buildings were converted from apartments to condominiums in 1979.

900 910 is quite technically advanced for the time it was built, and remain substantial, stable buildings. Careful preservation is emphasized, and the buildings have not required a special assessment in sixty years—a testament to the lasting resiliency of the original design, construction, and materials, as well as sound financial management. When repairs and improvements are needed, the association board takes painstaking care to adhere to the original intention of the design and retain the buildings’ integrity. For instance, custom work was required to maintain the original look of the die cut numbers in the elevators when LED bulbs replaced the original lighting. When constructing a kiosk to provide a sheltered stairwell to the underground resident parking garage, architecture firm Eifler & Associates incorporated the buildings’ aesthetic to create a seamless appearance.

A favorite aspect of living at 900 910 for many is the feeling of residing within an art museum. Before entering their home, residents enjoy a Richard Hunt sculpture titled “Fox Box Hybrid” made of cor-ten steel, that sits on the East lawn. The lobby at 910 displays a bronze Virginio Ferrari sculpture. Further inside, they live among an extensive, curated collection of 150 works of art displayed in the residential hallways. The mastermind behind establishing the collection was Mies Van der Rohe’s grandson, Dirk Lohan, also an accomplished architect who apprenticed with Mies, served as one of three partners of the Office of Mies Van der Rohe firm after Mies retired, and was once a resident of 900 910. The Association owns this important collection.

The buildings are positioned perpendicular to one another with the north building set farther from the lake to allow for a sundeck and spacious, grassy lawn. Granite paved colonnades surrounding each tower are protected from weather and illuminated by overhead lights and the milk glass windows of the inset first and second floors. The sundeck provides lounges for sunbathing and is popular for evening cocktails or viewing the nightly summer fireworks at Navy Pier.

Lakefront views and immediate access to free public beaches, jogging and bike paths along the commercial-free lake shore make the location incomparable. Between Walton Street and Delaware Place, the buildings are also a short walking distance from many cultural, historic and commercial treasures. This includes the historic Drake Hotel, John Hancock Building, The Arts Club—the interior of which contains furniture and designs from Mies including the floating staircase—and the Museum of Contemporary Art with its frequently rotating world class exhibitions and events. Running parallel to 900 910, Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile just to the west has long been the epicenter of department store shopping in Chicago. Northwestern Hospital is less than a half mile to the south.

Many of the buildings’ apartments have breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, while others feature the stunning cityscape. Floor-to-ceiling views lend a feeling of being outside and inviting natural light even during chilly Chicago winters. Full renovations are allowed and floor plans can be completely changed. Thus, the buildings offer multiple apartment sizes to accommodate single occupants, couples, and larger families. Despite the consistency of Mies’ aesthetic on the exterior of 900 910—as is true of all his building designs—residents have succeeded in putting their individual stamp on their own units, both in décor and layout. Residents change flooring, install new appliances and combine units to create more spacious living quarters.

Residents appreciate the security of living at 900 910. Both the lake shore and the quiet, tree-lined streets of Streeterville invite evening walks. A 24-hour doorperson is available to assist residents and their guests. In addition to the much loved sundeck, the buildings also offer reserved self-parking in an underground garage.

900 910 provides residents with everything they need and nothing they don’t—an elegant and safe lifestyle seamlessly uniting the lakefront and the city.