Once considered the tallest building in the world, the 74 story skyscraper Water Tower Place houses a mall that is the epicenter of shopping in the Midwest. Situated on the Magnificent Mile on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, this stunning building near the John Hancock Observatory takes shopping to a whole new level. There are 7 floors of retail spaces, boutiques, restaurants, Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse and the historic Ritz-Carlton Hotel. In addition, there are many private businesses and residences in the building, Oprah Winfrey being perhaps the most famous full-time resident, when she acquired a $6,000,000 luxury condominium there in 2006.

A Little History : Water Tower Place Mall

This famous skyscraper is named after the Chicago Avenue Pumping Station, one of the only buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire and known to locals as the Water Tower. It was conceived by Mafco Company in the 1960s, a division of the Marshall Field Company and is America’s first “vertical mall.” When it was completed in 1975, this single building drew many middle class shoppers onto the Magnificent Mile, which was mostly dominated by high-end retailers, posh hotels, and opulent apartments.

What You’ll Find : Water Tower Place Mall

Some stores within the mall are so popular you can find a space in the mall and another shop out on Michigan Avenue. Popular retailers are American Girl’s flagship store, The Lego Store, Macy’s, Abercrombie & Fitch, Ann Taylor, Coach, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret and many more. Dining venues include deca Restaurant + Bar at the Ritz-Carlton, Godiva Chocolatier, foodlife, Teavana and other delectable offerings. Paid parking is available at the mall, and there are many special events at different stores throughout the year. If it easily fits into your holiday plans, visiting Water Tower Place and the Magnificent Mile to see the lights is a truly breathtaking experience during the Christmas season.