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Architecture + Design

Art Takes Center Stage At This New Chicago Residential Tower

painted mural of Oprah Winfrey on Chicago building

It’s fitting that the side of a new mixed-use development occupying a full block in Chicago’s West Loop pays homage to the icon who helped transform the neighborhood.

Porte, a new two-tower residence of apartments and townhomes, commissioned B_Line Projects—the city’s largest curator of public art murals—to compose a four-artist mural of Oprah Winfrey. “We think of Oprah as the catalyst for all the positive changes that have taken place here,” shares Linda Kozloski, creative design director at Lendlease, one of the project’s developers.

But the inspiration doesn’t stop outdoors. Inside, Porte has more than 35 pieces of original artwork, including commissioned installations from local artists. A third-floor amenity deck with a full acre of private green space is especially welcome during the times we’re living in—and sustainable to boot.

The building is pursuing LEED Gold certification and will partner with The Roof Crop to operate an urban farm that grows produce, herbs and flowers for residents and the community.

PHOTO COURTESY PORTE
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