Chicago’s Top 10 : Skyscrapers

1. The Rookery

   One of the earliest remaining skyscrapers, this 1888 Chicago landmark combines traditional wall-bearing and newer steel frame construction.
   The latter made it possible for its architects, Burnham and Root, to
   design an open interior, with office spaces set around a central light
   well.

   
   

   
   
   

   The Rookery

2. Auditorium Theatre

   Built
   by Adler and Sullivan in 1889, the ornate Auditorium also originally
   contained a hotel and office building and had one of the first public
   air-conditioning systems. The revamped 4,000-seat theater boasts
   near-perfect acoustics.

   • 50 E.Congress Pkwy

   • For tours call 312 431 2354

   
   

   
   
   

   Art glass, Auditorium Theatre

3. Monadnock Building

   Constructed
   in two stages, this Loop edifice represents the evolution of skyscraper
   architecture. The northern half was built in 1891 using solely
   wall-bearing construction, while the southern half was built two years
   later and incorporated the then emerging steel-frame technology that is
   still used today .

   
   

   
   
   

   Detail of staircase, Monadnock Building

4. Reliance Building

   The
   steel skeleton on this 1895-built skyscraper allowed it to be wrapped
   in glass. It offers an excellent example of the Chicago window, which is
   characterized by a bay window placed between two narrow, double-hung
   windows – a signature feature of the Chicago school of architecture.
   Occupied by the Hotel Burnham the interior sports replicas of original features .

5. 860–80 N. Lakeshore Drive

   You
   might think these two highrise apartment buildings (1949–51) look like
   many others along this tony strip. Actually, the others look like these.
   German architect Mies van der Rohe perfected the “less is more”
   approach which so many other architects went on to copy.

   
   

   
   
   

   860–80 N. Lakeshore Drive

6. Marina City

   With
   its twin cylindrical structures (1959–64) on the Chicago River, Marina
   City is a “city within a city,” containing offices, residences, a
   theater, a grocery store, and more. The apartments start on the 21st
   floor, affording spectacular views, but their slice-of-pie shape creates
   some interior decorating challenges.

7. Sears Tower

   This
   soaring tower, built in 1974 as the headquarters of retailer Sears
   Roebuck and Co. (who have since moved out), can be seen from almost
   anywhere in the city. Its Skydeck affords sensational views .

8. 333 W. Wacker Drive

   The
   graceful curve of this triangular, tinted-glass office building (1983)
   hugs the Chicago River. The water, together with the changing light and
   clouds create dynamic reflections: the green and silver lobby continues
   the shimmering show.

   
   

   
   
   

   333 W. Wacker Drive

9. James R. Thompson Center

   From
   inside the circular atrium of this magnificent 17-story building
   (1985), a quick glance up is almost dizzying. Take the elevator to the
   top for an impressive view of the stunning marble rosette on the
   concourse level .

10. Ogilvie Transportation Center

    Rising
    40 stories in waves of glass and steel is this striking 1996-rebuilt
    commuter train station (aka the Northwestern Station). Its streamlined
    façade mimics a vintage luxury train.

    • 500 W. Madison St.

Top 10 Architects