People’s Choice FINAL FOUR, (2) Wrigley Building vs. (6) The Rookery Building

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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(2) Wrigley Building

Stats:

400-410 N. Michigan Ave

Height: 438 feet

Constructed: 1924

Architect: Graham, Anderson, Probst, & White

Originally built for the headquarters of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr.’s company, the Wrigley Building overlooks where Michigan Ave crosses the Chicago River. Modeled after the Seville Cathedral’s Giralda Tower, the modern steel frame construction is clad in an extravagantly-detailed ornate facade made up of six different shades of white terracotta.  

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(6) The Rookery Building

Stats:

209 S. LaSalle St

Height: 181 feet

Constructed: 1888

Architect: Burnham & Root

The Rookery Building’s exterior is an experiment in using historical decorative elements to inform a contemporary office building in the late 19th century. The facade contains decorative elements reminiscent of late Roman, Venetian, Moorish and medieval-European architecture. Horizontal bands across the Adams and LaSalle facades draw the eye side to side to minimize the perceived height of the building. The interior light court maximizes the light and air inside the structure and was renovated by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907.

Cast your vote below!