April dates in Marina City history

April 30, 1961 – Writing for the Chicago Daily Tribune, Marina City architect Bertrand Goldberg says downtown areas are being turned into “canyons of glass and steel, teeming with office workers during weekdays but deserted nights and weekends.” It is becoming a costly luxury, believes Goldberg, since the city is “used only 40 hours a week but receiving round-the-clock urban services.”

April 9, 1963 – Marina City is the last taste of freedom for the accused mastermind of a car theft ring. The FBI chases 66-year-old George J. Soeder for ten months before catching up with him as he visits a Marina City resident.

April 30, 1963 – Marina City developer Charles Swibel and his family are robbed at gunpoint by five men who break into their home in south Chicago. They steal $15,000 worth of furs, jewelry, and cash.

April 11, 1964 – Despite a problem with the plumbing, the three main dining rooms at Marina City are shown off for the first time to a private benefit for St. Joseph Hospital. Kay Loring of the Chicago Tribune describes the dining rooms as “colorful and finely done, with a nautical and Victorian air pervading them.”

April 1, 1965 – A “census” of residents shows a population of 1,279. Adult residents are evenly divided into three categories – married couples, single men, and single women. Four percent of residents are younger than 21 years old. Three percent are over 65. Most residents are 26-50 years old and earn more than $10,000 per year (or $68,806 in 2010 dollars).

April 13-16, 1967 – About 75 skaters perform the two-and-a-half hour “Chicago Scene ’67,” twice daily. Bleacher seats are set up for 300 spectators.

April 28, 1972 – A 20-year-old woman walks into Marina City Bank and hands a note to a teller telling her to “give me all your money or die.” She walks out with $33,000.

April 7, 1983 – A security guard, Jesse Willis, is shot and wounded in a holdup attempt at Marina City Bank. Two gunmen get away but no money is taken. After surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Willis is reported in good condition.

April 21, 2006 – A candle on the 21st floor starts a small fire that brings emergency crews to the west tower. A condo unit is damaged but there are no injuries.