December 14, 2008 – 72 photographs taken during the construction of Marina City in the early 1960s have been given to the project that is literally writing the book on Marina City’s history.

The photos are from Portland Cement Association, which produced the 1965 film This is Marina City.

“Portland” is a type of cement – the most common type of cement in general use. Founded in 1916, the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.

During the concrete construction of Marina City, a PCA engineer was on-site to inspect and document the process.

(Above) South side of Marina City construction site in 1961. Seawall is still in place. Core of east residential tower has risen just a few stories. State Street at right. (Click on image to view larger version.) (Below) Same area in 2007.

Captions are currently being written and the photographs should be available for viewing later this month.

 City Within A City: The Biography of Chicago’s Marina City