Architect Daniel Burnham was famously quoted saying that Chicago should “make no little plans.” However, the second part of that oft-cited speech might be said again today after walking through the newly completed renovation and restoration of a Gothic Revival landmark built almost a century ago as headquarters for the Chicago Tribune.

“Make big plans,” Burnham said when revealing his 1909 Plan of Chicago. “Aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing.”

Like many of the grand buildings from the gilded age of the daily newspaper, the next iteration of this icon was yet to be realized when Chicago Tribune offices moved to a smaller location in the city. Designed as part of a 1922 architecture competition to rival the most famous buildings in the world, a Chicago icon that could have been forever lost has been reborn as the Tribune Tower Residences.

Anyone fortunate enough to tour this lifestyle condo community would agree that the result is beyond anyone’s expectations—even those who were on-site throughout the process.

“Every time I step onto the Crown Terrace, it takes my breath away with its soaring flying buttresses and spectacular views of the city. There is simply nothing like it!” says Sales Director Jeanne Martini of the outdoor terrace within the building’s iconic “crown,” an homage to the 13th century Butter Tower of Notre Dame Cathedral in Rouen, France. “I am constantly amazed at the beauty and luxury around every corner. It’s great to see the reaction when we walk people from the Illinois lobby to the historic Michigan Avenue lobby, they are just wowed.”

The historic Michigan Avenue lobby preserves the essence of the original building, with quotes etched on the walls when the landmark was erected. “All of the quotes have lighting that really accentuates the beauty, and the lobby is decorated with a lavish seating area,” she adds. “The pool terrace with outdoor grilling stations and a sundeck sporting the Chicago Tribune sign is an unforgettable spot to spend an afternoon or evening.”

Located at the intersection of the Magnificent Mile and Chicago River, Tribune Tower Residences offer 162 luxury condominiums with over 56 distinctive one to four-plus bedroom floor plans priced from the $900,000s to more than $7 million.

The first residents closed on their units and moved in last summer and by late November, the building was more than 50 percent sold. Martini said sales have been good since the beginning, but once prospective buyers could walk through and see the models and amenities in person, the response has been overwhelming.

“We expect to continue having great sales success,” she adds. “Who wouldn’t want to own a place in iconic Chicago history as well as being in arguably the best location in the city? It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

More than 50,000 square feet of lifestyle amenities are now open to residents, including a luxury spa with steam rooms, saunas, private treatment rooms, state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, driving range simulator, co-working lounge, meeting rooms, entertainment areas, and event spaces complete with a bar and catering kitchen. A third-floor courtyard opens to a sprawling private outdoor oasis—a rare luxury in the city. The pool terrace with outdoor grilling stations and sun deck is a stunning way to spend an afternoon and evening.

Far above it all, residents take in panoramic views and beautifully framed sunrises and sunsets from the incomparable Crown Terrace and Lounge Amenity. With indoor chef ’s kitchen, outdoor grilling and fresh herb garden, the 25th floor Crown terrace offers an intimate setting surrounded by the dramatic flying buttresses and elegant tracery that have long graced Chicago’s skyline.

In addition to 24-hour door staff and personnel, the building offers residents concierge personal coordination services such as travel assistance, on-site car wash, dry cleaning pickup and delivery, and even grocery delivery to your front door.

“Life at Tribune Tower Residences is like living in a five-star hotel,” says Martini. “We have already held a couple of SubZero Wolf events with one of their corporate chefs demonstrating the residents’ high-end appliances along with serving gourmet hors d’oeuvres and dinner.”

Reflecting on how far the project has come and the outpouring of praise from everyone from architects to agents to buyers, Martini says it is so gratifying to see this exceptional result.

“Feedback is that the transformation is above and beyond what anyone imagined. All the details, finishes, amenities, and residences have lived up to the striking architecture and prominence that is the Tribune Tower,” she says. “It is wonderful to know that the transformation of Tribune Tower is befitting of this magnificent icon.”

The Tribune Tower Residences Sales Gallery is located on the 28th floor at 401 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. For an appointment, call 312-967-3700 or visit tribunetower.com.