Chicago’s skyline gets most of the attention. The Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, the Tribune Tower — these are the buildings tourists photograph and locals use for directions. But Chicago’s architectural story is far richer than its most recognizable silhouettes, and some of its most important buildings are hiding in plain sight at street level.
Michael Ferro, Chicago artist and curator, has long argued that understanding Chicago’s architecture means looking beyond the obvious. Here are four landmarks that reward that closer attention.
The Rookery Building
Built in 1888 and designed by Burnham and Root, the Rookery is one of the oldest standing skyscrapers in Chicago and one of the most architecturally layered buildings in the country. The exterior is Romanesque revival — heavy, fortress-like, built from granite and brick. Step inside and the atmosphere completely changes. The light court was redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905, replacing the original ironwork with white marble and gold leaf ornamentation that floods the atrium with light. Two major architects, two eras, one extraordinary building. It is open to the public during business hours at 209 S. LaSalle St.
The Reliance Building
Completed in 1895 at 32 N. State St., the Reliance Building is widely considered a direct ancestor of the modern glass skyscraper. Designed by Charles Atwood of D.H. Burnham & Company, it replaced heavy masonry with terracotta cladding and expansive plate glass windows — radical choices at the time. The building sat vacant and deteriorating for decades before a meticulous restoration returned it to use as the Hotel Burnham in 1999. Its influence on 20th century architecture is difficult to overstate.
The Charnley-Persky House
Tucked into the Gold Coast at 1365 N. Astor St., the Charnley-Persky House was designed in 1891 by Louis Sullivan with a young Frank Lloyd Wright working as his chief draftsman. It is considered one of the earliest examples of modern residential architecture in America — clean lines, minimal ornamentation, a deliberate rejection of the Victorian excess surrounding it. Today it serves as the headquarters of the Society of Architectural Historians and offers public tours.
The Glessner House
At 1800 S. Prairie Ave., the Glessner House is the lone survivor of what was once Chicago’s most fashionable street. Designed by H.H. Richardson and completed in 1887, its fortress-like granite exterior conceals a surprisingly warm and livable interior organized around a central courtyard. Richardson’s design was controversial when it was built — neighbors reportedly hated it — and it remains one of the most distinctive residential buildings in the city. Guided tours are available.
Chicago built the modern city. These four buildings are some of the evidence.
Leave a Reply