Chicago is an architectural hub. But why? Here’s a bit of history on Chicago’s architecture.
The Worlds’s Tallest Buildings
For a long time, a commercial or residential building taller than five storeys was unheard of. That is until the mid-19th century, when Chicago debuted the world’s first skyscraper. On the corner of LaSalle and Adams Street, the Home Insurance Company building stood proudly at 10-storeys tall. Designed by William Le Baron Jenney, the building was completed in 1884 with its outer Renaissance terra cotta and stonework shell and iron and steel inner framework.
But what happened to this iconic building? The world’s first skyscraper was demolished in 1931, and the even bigger, 54-storey Art Deco Field Building took its place. It wasn’t uncommon for Chicago’s earlier architectural gems to be removed to make room for new designs. But thankfully today, there are organizations like Preservation Chicago that help preserve and protect the beautiful, historic buildings of Chicago and inform the community to be more aware of their irreplaceable surroundings.
In 1973, Chicago reclaimed its fame for being home to the tallest building in the world – the Sears Tower. And the tower remained the world’s tallest building for a quarter of a century, surpassing the World Trade Center in New York City. It was later renamed the Willis Tower. The building’s structural engineer, Fazlar Khan, had revolutionized skyscrapers, making them lighter with tube frames and external skeletons. This profitable architectural change allowed Chicago’s skyline to reach new heights and continue to gain global recognition for years to come.
The Wrigley Building and Marina City
Just a few years before the demolition of the world’s first skyscraper, Chicago built what would later become one of their beloved landmarks – the Wrigley Building. The Wrigley Building was completed by architects Graham, Anderson, Pobst & White in 1924 and served as the headquarters for the Wrigley Company, the largest gum products manufacturer in the world. It remains one of the most recognizable buildings in Chicago, alongside Bertrand Goldberg’s Marina City with its striking corn cob-shaped towers. Marina City was completed much later in 1964 and is also recognized as an official Chicago Landmark.
Frank Lloyd Wright
We can’t describe Chicago as an architectural hub without mentioning Frank Lloyd Wright. In the suburbs of Chicago at Oak Park, Frank Lloyd Wright developed ‘Prairie’ homes. Frank Lloyd Wright was a prominent architect, who changed how we live and build today. He left his mark on Chicago not only with his Oak Park homes, but with an unfinished plan for the future. His plan involved a building which he named The Illinois, a mile-high skyscraper. And though it was never built, the idea encouraged further architectural innovation throughout the city of Chicago.
Architectural Hub
Not only is Chicago rich with architectural history, but the city also offers many opportunities for architects and architecture enthusiasts alike. From the various architectural events, conferences and degree programs to spending a day at the The Chicago Architecture Center, there is always something to do in the city if you’re looking to share in the appreciation for the art.
