Studio Gang’s ‘Solstice on the Park’ apartment tower tops out in Hyde Park

The once-dormant project now soars over the northern edge of Chicago’s Jackson Park

By Jay Koziarz Aug 25, 2017, 9:59am CDT

Studio Gang’s Solstice on the Park—easily one of Chicago’s most anticipated and long-awaited apartment towers—has reached its full 26-story height and recently taken down its construction crane. Situated just north of Jackson Park at 5540 S. Cornell Avenue, the Hyde Park project was first announced in 2007 as a 145-unit condominium development. One decade and a global financial crisis later, the 26-story tower is on pace to instead deliver 250 rental apartments when it welcomes its first residents some time in 2018.

In addition to topping-off, the concrete high-rise has begun installation of its angled glass facade. With panels alternating between a vertical and 72 degree angle, the pattern mimics the sun’s position in the sky during the summer solstice, says Gang. The effect is undoubtedly modern—if not somewhat brutalist—in its current, partly finished state. The glassy south facade will optimize views of the park, Museum of Science and Industry, and the upcoming Obama Presidential Center.

Developer MAC Properties broke ground in October of last year and received a full building permit for Solstice in February. Also included in the plan is a new garage with over 300 spaces. While this number might seem excessive for a building with 250 apartment units, the parking structure will also be used by residents of the neighboring Windermere House at 5543 S. Cornell Avenue.

Solstice on the Park is the third recent Hyde Park project to come from the architects at Studio Gang. Last year, the Jeanne Gang-led firm completed the 180-unit City Hyde Park apartments as well as the Campus North Residential Commons at the University of Chicago.