At first glance, this building appears unfinished. Or perhaps it was winged by a passing meteor. But this is architecture. Award-winning architecture.

Skybridge was one of the first developments to usher in a new era of modern residential living in the area just west of the Chicago River. Though most people will notice the beckoning trellis that extends the roof line over the northern deck, there are other features worth noting.

At Skybridge, balconies are no longer the domain of people who live on the corners of buildings. The tower features an inset light well that gives residents dozens more opportunities to step out and take in a warm Chicago Summer night. Or perhaps grill a hot dog while absorbing the beauty of the main city skyline virtually at their doorstep. But all this is part of the illusion. Rather than a space carved out of a tower, the building is actually constructed as two towers with glass-enclosed walkways connecting the two.

Though residential demand has been firmly established in the market west of the Chicago River, it remains to be seen if this pioneering outpost West of the Kennedy Expressway is too far removed from the business core to have others follow its lead.