In the third installment of our “Lost Legends” series, we turn our attention to a pair of antennas atop that were once perched at Marina City complex’s West Tower, earning the building the title of tallest structure in the city from 1964 to 1969 before the John Hancock Center was completed.
Marina City Antennas. Photo via Scott Childers
Marina City, situated along the Chicago River at 300 North State Street, is a mixed-use residential and commercial developed designed by the renowned architect Bertrand Goldberg. Fully completed in 1968, the complex intended to lure residents back into the city with its distinctive “corncob” shaped towers and extensive amenities.
West Antenna tower in 1967. Photo by Douglas Pierce
Marina City in 1970. Model by Jack Crawford / Rebar Radar
Marina City antennas in 1970. Model by Jack Crawford / Rebar Radar
Marina City antennas. Model by Jack Crawford / Rebar Radar
Marina City antennas. Model by Jack Crawford / Rebar Radar
In 1962, Chicago’s first commercial television station, WBKB (now WLS-TV), announced plans to erect two radio antennas, the tallest of the pair adding up to 426 feet in height. With a 285-foot mast supporting a 140-foot-six-inch antenna, the top of the west antenna reached 969 feet above ground, making it the highest point in Chicago at the time.
Marina City upon installation of taller antenna in 1965. Photo via Scott Childers
Marina City in 1965. Model by Jack Crawford / Rebar Radar
Marina City in 2033. Model by Jack Crawford / Rebar Radar
This taller radio tower featured a column of red lights that indicated changes in weather conditions, atop an emblazoned gold “circle 7” for WBKB’s logo. The beacon was designed, built, and maintained by White Way Electric Sign & Maintenance Company and controlled from WBKB studios at Marina City. WBKB started broadcasting from Marina City in September 1964, and would use the antenna as its main broadcasting modem for 10 years alongside WFLD-TV.
West Antenna lighting scheme via Scott Childers
Marina City Antennas in 1967. Photo by Douglas Pierce
Marina City Antennas in 1967. Model by Jack Crawford / Rebar Radar
Marina City in 2033. Model by Jack Crawford / Rebar Radar
Skyline view of antennas when built in 1964. Model by Jack Crawford / Rebar Radar
Skyline view of antennas one year before removal in 1977. Model by Jack Crawford / Rebar Radar
Skyline view in 2023. Model by Jack Crawford / Rebar Radar
Skyline view in 2033. Model by Jack Crawford / Rebar Radar
In 1974, WKWB, having now changed its name to WLS-TV, moved its television transmitter from Marina City to the then-newly built Sears Tower to transmit signals roughly 500 feet higher. Given their diminished relative height to other points in downtown, the two antennas were ultimately removed in late 1978, ending the 14-year saga of one of the most easily recognizable skyline features at the time.
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Big shouts to YIMBY for all of the extra credit work on this lost series. I was crushed when Curbed Chicago closed but y’all have stepped in and made an amazing contribution. I hope you all do Detroit soon!
Ah thank you, really appreciate your kind feedback! Detroit would be a great place to have a YIMBY with the growing resurgence of downtown development. Every so often we cover Midwest cities outside of Chicago including Detroit, here are a couple articles my co-writer wrote on the Hudson Site and the Exchange Building:
https://chicagoyimby.com/2022/05/sister-cities-a-look-at-detroits-newest-skyline-defining-hudsons-site-skyscraper.html
https://chicagoyimby.com/2022/11/sister-cities-nations-only-top-first-tower-rises-in-detroit.html
As a transplant to Chicago and someone who has become very interested in architecture and how it brings identity to a city, I absolutely love your ‘Lost Legends’ articles. Keep them coming because it makes me admire Chicago and appreciate what we do have even more. Thank you.
Thank you Ivette! Really appreciate your kind words and glad you’re enjoying the series. Got several more legends in store
Do you guys have any old photos of state street from the 60s and 70s? I looked some up on Google and was amazed how Bright and vibrant Chicago used to be. Would be great to see an article about that.
I like that idea a lot – stay tuned