860–880 Lake Shore Drive Apartments (aka the “Glass House” apartments) • Location: Chicago • Developer: Herbert Greenwald • Architect: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe • Built: 1948–1951 • Units: Originally designed with 90 three-bedroom apartments in one tower and 158 one-bedroom apartments in the other, but many of the units have since been combined. • Notable: The 26-story towers were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and designated Chicago landmarks in 1996. In 2009, Chicago firm Krueck & Sexton completed a refurbishment of the towers that reversed a number of previous renovations and restored the original design and intent.
860–880 Lake Shore Drive Apartments (aka the “Glass House” apartments) • Location: Chicago • Developer: Herbert Greenwald • Architect: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe • Built: 1948–1951 • Units: Originally designed with 90 three-bedroom apartments in one tower and 158 one-bedroom apartments in the other, but many of the units have since been combined. • Notable: The 26-story towers were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and designated Chicago landmarks in 1996. In 2009, Chicago firm Krueck & Sexton completed a refurbishment of the towers that reversed a number of previous renovations and restored the original design and intent.

Glass House is still a premium property because of its gorgeous, restrained, elegant design. The two ­towers really show the value and power of ­design and offer a great illustration of the premise, ‘If it’s not for you, it doesn’t mean it isn’t for ­somebody.’ The buildings are also a fine example of how high-rise living can be a wonderful alternative for families that want the space of a ­suburban single-family house without all the yard work and ­maintenance. Residents can also enjoy the lake, proximity to the fabulous urban amenity and amazing resource that is ­Lincoln Park, and more time with their family. Plus, they get to walk through that beautiful glass-and-marble lobby every day.

David Baker, FAIA, LEED AP, partner, David Baker + Partners, San Francisco
David Baker, FAIA, LEED AP, partner, David Baker + Partners, San Francisco

—David Baker, FAIA, LEED AP, partner, David Baker + Partners, San Francisco