People’s Choice Elite Eight, (2) Wrigley Building vs. (7) Manhattan 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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(7) Manhattan Building

Stats:

431 S. Dearborn St

Height: 224 feet

Constructed: 1891

Architect: William LeBaron Jenney

Designed at a time when towers were new and unproven, William LeBaron Jenney made a design decision to downplay the height of the building by dividing its facade into horizontal sections and added setbacks to appease onlookers of the time. Jenny also experimented with the building’s facade, using a variety of forms, materials, fenestration patterns, and ornamentation.

Cast your vote below!