Helmut Jahn, whose cutting-edge work seems to be appreciated everywhere but Chicago, is back on the local scene, following up his Illinois Institute of Technology project, State Street Village, with 600 North Fairbanks, a sleek glass tower that audaciously leans over a neighboring building and in some ways, seems a response to the awkward pedestals on which so many recent Chicago highrises have been perched.

Jahn, of architecture firm Murphy / Jahn, has been voted one of the 10 most influential living American architects by the American Institute of Architects. His design for the 41-story tower started early in 2006 by Urban R2 Development and Schatz Development creates a curved wall of glass at the corner of Fairbanks Court and Ohio Street (Urban R2 is no longer part of the development team).

European influence

Utilizing air rights over a neighboring low-rise structure, Jahn’s highrise projects outward over the adjacent building at an eye-catching slant. Jahn credits European influences for the design of the 227-unit condominium building.

“Europe has encouraged innovation in technology and materials,” Jahn said. “The expectations for living accommodations are higher in Europe in such areas as fresh air, light and visual privacy.”

Residences / price

When it began marketing in July 2005, the $135 million project had condos with one to three bedrooms and 1.5 to 4.5 baths base-priced from the $330s to $1.9 million. In July 2007, remaining units were priced from the $430s to $1.6 million.

Features / finishes

The homes have open floor plans and a loft-like aesthetic, with some exposed steel and concrete and floor-to-ceiling windows. Features include hardwood floors, ceiling heights of 10 to 14 feet and laundry hookups.

The condos have hardwood floors throughout except in bathrooms. Kitchens have Snaidero cabinets (frosted glass available as an upgrade), stainless steel appliances, Sub-Zero refrigerators, granite countertops and islands. Master baths have marble floors, vanities and showers.

Amenities

Amenities include a lap pool, a conference / media room, a green-roof terrace, a fitness center, a sundeck, 24-hour door staff, Internet wiring and two dog runs on the 13th floor.

There are more than 200 heated garage parking spaces available, which in mid-July 2005 were priced at $49,000 each.

Construction

Construction began in early 2006, with first occupancy initially planned for mid-2007, according to sales and marketing agent Koenig & Strey.