Chicago is one of the most architecturally diverse cities in the world. Its skyline along the shores of lake Michigan is unmistakable, and every year thousands flock to view its historic buildings, cites and attractions. For the common visitor, there are certain places amongst the thousands of attractive sites that stand out in the mind’s eye. If you are visiting Chicago and want to absorb the architectural culture, these are (in no particular order) ten of the top sites to see.
The Chicago Water Tower
806 N Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Water Tower is one of the oldest structures still standing in Chicago. Built in 1869 by William W. Boyington, it is one of the only buildings to have survived the fire of 1871. Saved by its limestone construction, the Water Tower is considered by many Chicagoites to be a historic mainstay and is used today as a center for Chicago tourism. The Water Tower was named an official American Water Landmark in 1969, according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Water_Landmark, and still stands prominently today.
Canaan Baptist Church of Christ Building
6657-6659 S. Harvard St
Chicago, Illinois
For those intrigued by Christian-related architecture, this quiet church on Harvard Street is right up your alley. Declared a Chicago Landmark in 2006, it was designed by Solon S. Beman in 1904 (Source: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/) in the Classical Revival style. Boasting high, domed ceilings and spacious entryways, this landmark dances between simple and elegant. Visitors might notice some similarities to Berman’s other church project, the Mother Church Addition in Boston, MA.
Rookery Building
209 S. LaSalle St
Chicago, Illinois
Built in 1885, the Rookery Building was the brainchild of architect John Root. Being one of the oldest standing buildings in Chicago, it not only survived the fire of 1871, but later served as a canvas for Frank Lloyd Wright. He redesigned the Rookery’s lobby in 1905. Famous for its age, history and those who helped bring her to life, the Rookery was declared a Chicago Landmark in 1972 (Source: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/).
1060 W. Addison St.
Chicago, Illinois
Wrigley Field was built in 1914 for the Federal Baseball League (Source: Wikipedia.org), but stands today as one of Chicago’s (as well as all of baseballs) primary landmarks. An architectural marvel when it was established, Wrigley field has survived decades without major overhauls due to its friendly atmosphere and design. Located in north central Chicago, Wrigley’s is home to the legendary Chicago Cubs, who in 2016 will be able to celebrate a century of calling Wrigley Field, “home”.
Navy Pier Headhouse and Auditorium
Grand Ave. and Streeter Dr. at Lake Michigan
Chicago, Illinois
The Pier was built in 1909 as part of the Plan for Chicago (source: Wikipedia.org). A massive structure, the Pier is known for its huge domed interior and Coney Island-like carnival feel. The Pier has worn many hats over the last 100 years, having been everything from a tourist attraction and docking station to serving as a military training site. Its massive warehouses and central structure even served as the campus for the University of Illinois from 1946 to 1965 (Source: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/). Recent additions to the Pier have included restaurants and an IMAX theater.
Museum of Science and Industry
57th St. at Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois
It was originally the Palace of Fine Arts for the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 (Source: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/), but having gone through several major architectural revisions, this massive structure is now home to one of the most famous museums in the world. Alfred Shaw was chiefly responsible in the early 1920’s fro revamping the Museum’s interior and exterior when it underwent massive reconstruction. Boasting a perfectly blended mix of Classical Revival and Art Moderne style on the outside and throughout its cavernous hallways, the Museum is a great place to whittle the day away (Source: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/).
Chicago Theater
175 N. State St
Chicago, Illinois
Rapp & Rapp designed this historic landmark in 1921, and it has charmed both Beaux-Arts style enthusiasts and art-lovers alike ever since. Winding stairways, rich colors and a beautiful, domed performance hall make one feel as if they are in late 1800’s Paris. Also, serving as a Chicago Landmark is the antiquated neon sign out front, which has been recognized worldwide as a trademark of Chicago style and feel (Source: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/).
333 North Michigan Building
333 N. Michigan Ave
Chicago, Illinois
A towering monolith of limestone and granite, 33 North Michigan is considered to be one of the oldest urban structures standing in Chicago today. Built in 1928 by Holabird & Roche, it stands today as an extremely visible beacon on Michigan Ave. Due to the curve of the street and the perspective of a traveler, it often feels as if the building is in the middle of the road. Many who stop long enough to explore are blown away by its exquisite Art Deco-styling and carvings located in its black and purple base (Source: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/).
35 East Wacker Drive Building
35 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois
Built in 1925 by Giaver & Dinkelberg, this gorgeous skyscraper was a part of the City Beautiful Movement and was declared a Chicago Landmark for its use of Classical Style and amazing structure in 1994 (Source: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/). Known for its beauty, the building has also served as a directional landmark with its hanging outside clock. While touring the inside, you may notice much of the main section of the building was originally conceived as a parking lot (Source: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/). Still, this structure, known by many as the Jewelers Building, is still one of the most prominent in Chicago today.
Mather Tower
75 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois
Considered in 1928 to be a cutting-edge modern skyscraper, it is now the slimmest skyscraper in Chicago. The top of this structure was encouraged in 1923 by the zoning regulations of the time, which called for slimmer, sleeker buildings to be built (Source: http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/). Standing at over 500 feet tall and boasting a strong Art-Deco style and heavily Gothic, it is structures like this that inspired director Chris Nolan to film is new Batman franchise re-launch in Chicago.
