What's New

  • View of tall glass building through a park with trees

    St. Regis Chicago. Photo courtesy of Studio Gang Architects.

This tour features some of the most recent additions to the built environment near the Chicago Architecture Center.
  • View of tall glass building through a park with trees

    St. Regis Chicago. Photo courtesy of Studio Gang Architects.

Over the course of 90 minutes, explore some of the newest buildings around the Chicago Architecture Center, focusing on construction elements and their impact on the city’s built environment.

Duration
1.5 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

The tour showcases several recently completed buildings, including 465 N. Park and the St. Regis, and compares them to each other in order to observe emerging patterns. We'll focus on each building's height, structure, materials, ornament and its impact on the environment, the neighborhood and the city's economy. These new additions are also contrasted with some of the older buildings downtown as a way to highlight developments.

Tour reviews

    • Every time I lead this tour, I’m struck again by the way architects weave history, technology and local context into the most contemporary designs.
      Burt MichaelsCAC Docent
    • I’m a local, but that’s the beauty of the What’s New? tour. I learned about new architectural styles, ‘post-tensioned concrete’, new LEED features that help protect birds, and much more! Definitely an enjoyable afternoon!
      Tour Attendee

Featured Building

See All Buildings of Chicago

Chicago has long been a laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation. Discover the stories behind some of the city’s most significant skyscrapers, museums, theaters, bridges, homes, schools, houses of worship and parks.

Tour Accessibility

CAC is committed to improving access to our tours. The accessibility information below reflects our docents’ experience and is provided for general guidance only.

What to expect on this tour

  • Icon of a person walking with a red percentage sign

    Terrain & Surfaces

    Easy - Paved and flat the entire route 

  • Icon of a wheelchair and red arrow

    Wheelchair & Walker Access

    Difficult - Stairs required, no ramps

  • Icon of the outline or some steps and a red arrow pointing diagonally right and up.

    Steps or Stairs

    Difficult - Stairs required, no alternate route available

  • Icon of an ear with a red throughline

    Hearing Access

    Easy - Quiet setting, easy to hear

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Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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