Known for its world-renowned architecture, Chicago has more than its fair share of stellar buildings and towers. From the Willis Tower downtown, to the Frederick C. Robie House out in the neighborhoods, famous architects keep coming back to put their mark on our skyline. We have dozens of iconic buildings around our city, but there can only be one that is the best!
In the spirit of March Madness, it’s time to figure out exactly which building is the favorite. With the bracket filled by all of you readers, it’s time to start voting!
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(4) Reliance Building
Reliance BuildingChicago Architecture Center
Stats:
32 N. State St
Height: 202 feet
Constructed: 1895
Architect: Burnham & Root
Reliance BuildingWikipedia
Designed by Burnham & Root, the Reliance Building exhibited the technical and design advancements of the Chicago School with its steel frame construction and thin curtain wall facade that consists of large bay windows and terracotta. When their client William Hale commissioned the architects to design a 14-story building, a building already existed on the site. Tenants on the upper floors of that existing building didn;t want to give up their leases, so the existing building was jacked up and the new building’s foundations were constructed while the tenants remained above.
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(13) Carbide and Carbon Building
Carbide and Carbon BuildingLucien Lagrange
Stats:
230 N. Michigan Ave
Height: 503 feet
Constructed: 1929
Architect: Burnham Brothers
Carbide and Carbon BuildingEric Allix Rogers
The Carbide and Carbon Company, which developed the first dry cell battery, needed a regional headquarters to house its rapidly expanding business. The facade of the lavish Art Deco skyscraper is composed of luxurious polished black granite, green and gold terra cotta and gold leaf with bronze trim. The building’s cap is ornamented with genuine 24 karat gold, though it is only one five-thousandths of an inch thick.
Cast your vote below!
