A View of Lake Michigan

Chicago has always been a hotbed of architectural innovation, a city where the language of architecture has evolved through the visions of some of modernism’s greatest masters. Here, amid the Chicago School skyscrapers, architects such as Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe have defined an esthetic that has influenced urban landscapes around the world. It was Mies, in particular, whose rigorous lexicon of glass and steel left an indelible mark on the city, creating buildings that still embody his philosophy today. One of them is Commonwealth Promenade, a twin-tower residential complex completed in 1957. ERA / Eric Rothfeder Architect recently renovated an entire floor of one tower, converting it into a spacious apartment with sweeping views of Lake Michigan.

The project reconfigured the layout to showcase the building’s chief asset: 27 stories of floor-to-ceiling glazing with unobstructed views of the city and lake. The architect has repurposed Mies’ curtain wall, turning it into an organizational element that shapes the spaces, amplifying the perception of natural light and its continual variations throughout the day.

Divided into distinct functional zones, the living area extends along the entire south façade, while the more private spaces, such as the entry and bar, are closer to the core of the apartment, where they create an interplay of light and shade. The centerpiece of the lounge is a wood-paneled wall that incorporates the TV. In front of it, powder-blue armchairs and a sand-colored sofa are arranged around a wood-and-wicker coffee table. The architect paid particular attention to the furnishings, which underscore the Miesian legacy. The selection includes pieces designed, among others, by Gerrit Rietveld, Paul Kjærholm, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, Patricia Urquiola, and Marc Newson, striking a balance between past and present.

The south-facing kitchen and dining room overlook a verdant panorama and the expanse of Diversey Harbor. The kitchen features a central island with white surfaces and an ivory marble top, and a high wood table with leather stools. Along the wall, the refrigerator and wood-slat cabinetry combine with a suspended wall unit that provides additional storage, creating a dynamic interplay of volumes. The adjacent bar area features a more tactile material palette, with dark-stained wood and brushed stainless steel creating an elegant contrast with the brightness of the space. A light-colored wood dining table with upholstered white chairs completes the scene.

On the north side, the private wing incorporates a master suite with en-suite bathroom, guest bedrooms, a gym, an office, and an independent suite. Wrapped in neutral tones ranging from white to cream, these rooms are arranged around the perimeter of the apartment, framing views of the lake and Chicago skyline.

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A View of Lake Michigan | © Mike Schwartz, courtesy of ERA

In the study, the surfaces create a visual continuity between the floor and walls. In harmony with the living area, this is achieved through the use of wood as the primary material.

A View of Lake Michigan | © Mike Schwartz, courtesy of ERA

The master bathroom features generous proportions and a neutral color palette ranging from cream to light taupe, harmonizing with white fixtures with linear, minimalist geometries.

A View of Lake Michigan | © Mike Schwartz, courtesy of ERA

The master bathroom features generous proportions and a neutral color palette ranging from cream to light taupe, harmonizing with white fixtures with linear, minimalist geometries.

A View of Lake Michigan | © Mike Schwartz, courtesy of ERA

A View of Lake Michigan | © Mike Schwartz, courtesy of ERA

Large windows in the master bedroom frame views of the lake, creating contrasts between the blue water and the light tones of the ribbed carpeting. A wood chair adds a further touch of elegance to the space.

A View of Lake Michigan | © Mike Schwartz, courtesy of ERA

A View of Lake Michigan | © Mike Schwartz, courtesy of ERA

Sophisticated designer pieces with clean lines and high-quality materials were selected to underscore the dialogue with the Miesian philosophy and enhance the balance between form, function, and space.

A View of Lake Michigan | © Mike Schwartz, courtesy of ERA

A wood wall unit with integrated shelving houses the TV and a selection of décor items. Powder-blue armchairs and a sand-colored sofa are arranged around a wood-and-wicker coffee table, creating an inviting sitting area.

A View of Lake Michigan | © Mike Schwartz, courtesy of ERA

Mies van der Rohe’s elegant curtain wall has become the focal point of the interior, framing views of the city and Lake Michigan while modulating the ambiance with shifting natural light and shade. With its essential material palette, elegant details, and meticulous craftsmanship, the project reflects the Miesian vocabulary.

A View of Lake Michigan | © Mike Schwartz, courtesy of ERA

Sophisticated designer pieces with clean lines and high-quality materials were selected to underscore the dialogue with the Miesian philosophy and enhance the balance between form, function, and space.

A View of Lake Michigan | © Mike Schwartz, courtesy of ERA

Flooded with natural light from all sides, the kitchen features a central white island with a high wood table surrounded by leather stools to the side.

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