Imperial Towers at 4250 N Marine Drive: A Timeless Mid-Centrury Masterpiece

by Craig Hogan & Rudy Zavala

Inside 4250 N Marine Drive: Mid-Century Modern Luxury with Lakefront Living

Nestled along Lake Michigan in Chicago’s historic Buena Park/Uptown neighborhood, the imposing two‑tower complex at 4250 N Marine Drive, known as Imperial Towers, is a stunning example of early 1960s modernist architecture by Solomon Cordwell & Buenz. Completed in 1962, the pair of 29‑story glass-and-concrete towers houses a total of 862 residential units. The building has deep roots in architectural and community heritage:

Full-service amenities include a nearly Olympic‑size outdoor pool with cabanas, sun deck, modern fitness center, party room, lobby-level convenience and grocery store, on-site dry-cleaning, laundry facilities, guest suites, and 24‑hour door staff
Pet-friendly, with heated and tandem self-parking in garage, and accessible transit (Red Line Wilson/Sheridan ~0.8 mile), Lake Shore Drive access, and close proximity to Montrose Harbor, Waveland Golf Course, Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theater, Wrigley Field, shops, and restaurants.

Spotlight: Two-bedroom 36 tier

Size: Approx. 1,420 sq ft—spacious by city standards.
Market Position: Comps show strong demand—Our buyer moved quickly and was able to acquire this apartment within days of its listing
Buyer Advantage: Limited availability, requiring patience and proactive outreach. Recent buyers seized the opportunity quickly when another fell through—demonstrating the value of readiness in this building’s tight market.

Our Time at Imperial Towers

We came across a one-bedroom apartment quite by accident in 1996. It was original to the building period, so we embarked on a total gut renovation. It was one of the best moves we made. We sold that wonderful apartment in 2000 and started a new journey. Living here from 1996–2000, we experienced firsthand the allure of these towers—morning lake views, late-night cityscapes, and a community that felt both private and vibrant. Today, with modern upgrades and exceptional amenity offerings, Imperial Towers remains a standout in Chicago’s high-rise market. "We explore this love for architectural storytelling again in our feature on Marina City, another iconic mid-century marvel reshaped for modern living."

Three Tips for Buyers in Imperial Towers

Be Ready: Inventory moves fast—especially the units with lake views. If a terrace unit is an option, you're in luck.
Understand Value Drivers: Renovation quality, floor height/view, square footage, and HOA inclusions make price differences pronounced.
Highlight Lifestyle Fit: The proximity to lakefront, transit, and cultural hotspots—especially what Uptown lockdown offers.
The Renovation: Look for those units renovated with care. The design of this building is a perfect match for apartments that have undergone the highest quality renovation. Anything less is not the right fit.

Imperial Towers at 4250 N Marine Drive blends mid-century elegance with modern luxury and a prime lakeside-living lifestyle. It’s a cherished lakeshore landmark that remains a top-tier option for discerning buyers seeking scale, amenities, community, and timeless design—all while providing sound investment potential in one of Chicago’s premier high-rise buildings.

— Craig Hogan & Rudy Zavala
Hogan Zavala Group | Engel & Völkers Chicago

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