People’s Choice FINAL FOUR, (1) Tribune Tower vs. (13) Carbide and Carbon 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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(1) Tribune Tower

Stats:

435 N. Michigan Ave

Height: 463 feet

Constructed: 1925

Architect: Howells and Hood

As the winning submission to the Chicago Tribune’s international design competition, Howells and Hood’s neo-Gothic design features soaring vertical lines, flying buttresses, and rich ornamentation. At the base of the building, fragments of 149 famous buildings are integrated into the facade, including the Berlin Wall, the Taj Mahal, the Parthenon, Hagia Sophia, and Great Wall of China to name a few. In 2018, the Chicago Tribune moved out and developers CIM Group and Golub & Company converted the building into 162 condominiums. Solomon Cordwell Buenz and Vinci Hamp Architects led the conversion.

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(13) Carbide and Carbon Building

Stats:

230 N. Michigan Ave

Height: 503 feet

Constructed: 1929

Architect: Burnham Brothers

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!