Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Not So Wordless Wednesday: Chicago #7





These are photos of The Rookery, a very famous building and Chicago icon.  After the fire in 1871, the city exploded with new growth, and this building is a fine example.  It was designed by the well-known architectural firm Burnham & Root (who was at center stage in "Devil in the White City").  The building was revolutionary in 1888, when it was built.  First, at 11 stories tall, it was one of the first buildings to use metal framing with masonry walls on such a large scale.  Today it is considered to be the oldest standing high-rise in Chicago.  

Because of the innovative design, it allowed the use of large expanses of glass, which gave access to unprecedented amounts of light and air.  As you can see in the pictures above, the "light court" or the center of the building (which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905) almost seemed like a bird cage.

This structure is breathtaking.  It is located at 209 South Lasalle Street.  If you are ever in the financial district, you should take a moment to pop your head in.  I guarantee it will be a highlight.  



8 comments:

caite said...

love that ceiling!

bermudaonion said...

I've been to Chicago but never been there. It looks gorgeous!

Ti said...

My trip to Chicago was only a day and a half long. I covered a lot land but never got to that building. It's gorgeous!

Zibilee said...

The ceilings in those spaces are amazing! I love that they let in so much light, but you are right, the middle photo reminds me of a birdcage!

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

I have never seen this building, but it's gorgeous! It's high on my list for my next visit now.

Darlene said...

This building looks amazing and I bet it would be awesome to see in person!

Unknown said...

We're planning a train trip from San Fracisco to Chicago someday, maybe in 2014. I spent a month there a couple of years ago and loved the place.

But you know how it is when you live somewhere you never get around to see the "sights." I've been in the Bay Area since 1976 and never gone to Alcatraz. I spent a month in Chicago and never went to the Rookery.

Kathleen said...

Gorgeous and one I am adding to my bucket list for Chicago!