With Chicago's MILA residential development now topped off at 444 feet / 135 metres and almost fully clad at the intersection of N Michigan Avenue (MI) and Lake Street (LA), SkyriseCities City Ambassador harryc was guided on an exclusive tour of the 41-storey, bKL Architecture-designed development earlier this week.

MILA captured from across the river in the ABA conference room, image by Harry Carmichael

As the City of Chicago forbids parking garages from facing Michigan Avenue, the building's above grade parking garage will be concealed from view by retail spaces, as well as an artistic lighting display fronting Michigan Avenue. Below, we are shown a view of MILA's Lake Street retail frontage in its current state.

Storefronts on Lake Street, image by Harry Carmichael

Aside from basic utilities like plumbing and electrical, MILA's retail spaces are being left unfinished, giving tenants the opportunity to customize interior layouts and decoration to their liking.

Inside one of MILA's future retail spaces, image by Harry Carmichael

On the lower levels of the building, finishing is well underway for the interiors of some of the 402 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom rental units contained in the building.

Partially finished suite at MILA, image by Harry Carmichael

Further up the tower, spaces are in a much rawer state. In one of the suites where drywall has yet to be installed, features like heat pumps and laundry exhausts are still visible. Individual suites' heat pumps will interact with a large HVAC unit on the roof, while 50% of laundry exhaust will be vented over an adjacent alley and the other 50% from the roof.

Unfinished suite with heat pump (L) and laundry exhaust (R), image by Harry Carmichael

Residents of the completed development will enjoy amenities including a podium-top outdoor space featuring a grilling area and a dog run.

Podium-top green space, image by Harry Carmichael

Another amenity space will offer an outdoor pool and sundeck at the top of the tower, allowing residents of all floors to share the panoramic city views generally reserved for residents of upper floors.

Rooftop pool deck, image by Harry Carmichael

Even on an overcast day, the views from the building's upper levels are quite spectacular. A selection of notable Chicago landmarks are visible, including the Illinois Center, the Trump Tower, Marina City, the Carbon and Carbide Building, and the Jewelers' Building.

View of the Trump Tower from MILA, image by Harry Carmichael

View of Marina City from MILA, image by Harry Carmichael

Developed by The John Buck Company in partnership with Partners Group and Becker Ventures, MILA is scheduled for completion in 2016.

Additional information and renderings can be found in our Database page for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the project's dedicated Forum thread, or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.