CHICAGO (CBS) — When you think of all the buildings along the Chicago River, one development stands out in particular: the corncobs of Marina City.

The 60 floors of concrete and glass were made famous in the 1980 Steve McQueen vehicle, “The Hunter.”

Today, the building marks 50 years. CBS 2’s Roseanne Tellez toured the inside with residents.

When Marina Towers was being built in the early ‘60s, the skyline was practically bare.

Barbara Joabson could see clear to O’Hare, perfect for the former flight attendant, who moved into a studio apartment in 1963.

“Never thought I’d be here this long, because when you’re 21, you just live for the moment, right?” she says.

It was the first city within a city: residential units atop parking, shops and even an ice rink. All new tenants got a welcome guide, complete with a pass to the observation deck.

Joabson upgraded to a two-bedroom, which, like all the units, is shaped like a wedge of pie. But there was no improving the view, which is still one of the biggest draws.

“They come in your apartment, and they don’t really see your space — they go straight for the balcony,” resident Dustin Harvey says.

In his fully renovated unit, only an original light fixture remains. It was no easy task, he says, but worth the work.

“This is like a Sherman tank. It will last forever,” Joabson says.