Trump Tower Chicago Height – Riverfront Icon
Trump Tower Chicago rises 1,389 feet (423 meters) along the Chicago River, standing as the city's second-tallest building and one of the most prominent additions to Chicago's world-famous skyline. Completed in 2009, this mixed-use supertall tower features a distinctive three-tiered setback design inspired by classic Chicago architecture, housing luxury condominiums, a five-star hotel, restaurants, and retail spaces at one of the city's most prestigious addresses.
Trump Tower Chicago Quick Facts
- Official Height: 1,389 feet (423 meters)
- Number of Floors: 98 floors
- Location: Michigan Avenue & Chicago River, Chicago
- Completed: 2009
- Architectural Style: Contemporary with Art Deco influences
- Primary Use: Mixed-use (residential, hotel, retail)
Chicago Architecture at 1,389 Feet
Trump Tower Chicago's 1,389-foot height is achieved through a design that pays homage to Chicago's architectural heritage while incorporating modern engineering. Architect Adrian Smith created a three-tiered structure with major setbacks that echo classic Chicago skyscrapers like the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center. The building's form steps back at the 16th, 30th, and 51st floors, creating terraced profiles that reduce wind loads while providing outdoor spaces for upper-level units. The reflective glass facade features stainless steel mullions in a distinctive pattern that emphasizes the tower's vertical lines.
The structural system employs a reinforced concrete tube design with a central core and perimeter columns that provide exceptional resistance to Chicago's famous winds. The foundation required innovative engineering due to the site's proximity to the Chicago River—massive caissons extend deep beneath the riverbed to bedrock, with special attention paid to waterproofing and structural isolation from the adjacent river. The tower's base includes a three-story retail podium that engages with street-level activity along the Magnificent Mile, one of the world's premier shopping districts.
Luxury Above the River
The tower's 98 floors contain 339 condominium residences and 339 hotel rooms operated as a five-star hotel. The hotel occupies floors 14 through 27, while residential units begin on floor 29 and extend to the top. The 16th floor features the famous Terrace at Trump, a restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the Chicago River. Upper-floor residences and hotel rooms offer panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the city's architectural canyon of skyscrapers. The building's riverfront location provides unique perspectives unavailable from other Chicago towers set back from the water.
Comparison to Other Tall Structures
| Structure | Height | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Marina 101 | 1,394 ft (426 m) | 5 feet taller |
| Trump Tower Chicago | 1,389 ft (423 m) | Chicago's 2nd tallest |
| KL Tower | 1,381 ft (421 m) | 8 feet shorter |
| Willis Tower | 1,451 ft (442 m) | 62 feet taller |
Related Chicago Landmarks
Explore heights of other Chicago structures: Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Aon Center, Aqua Tower, and Board of Trade Building.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Trump Tower Chicago?
Trump Tower Chicago stands at 1,389 feet (423 meters), making it the second-tallest building in Chicago after the Willis Tower.
Is Trump Tower Chicago a hotel or residential?
Trump Tower Chicago is mixed-use, containing both a luxury hotel (floors 14-27) and residential condominiums (floors 29 and above), plus retail and restaurant spaces.
Where is Trump Tower Chicago located?
The tower is located at 401 North Wabash Avenue, at the intersection of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile, one of the city's most prominent locations.
When was Trump Tower Chicago built?
Construction began in 2005 and the building was completed in 2009, though it opened progressively with the hotel opening in 2008 and residential units following.
Why does Trump Tower Chicago have setbacks?
The three-tiered setback design references classic Chicago skyscraper architecture, reduces wind loads on the structure, and creates terraced outdoor spaces for upper-level residents and hotel guests.