A-Z | Chicago Architecture

Founded in 1837, Chicago is famous for a few things; having some of the world’s first skyscrapers, the treasured Chicago River and the Magnificent mile.

In 1909 Chicago's great city planner and famed architect Daniel H. Burnham proposed 'The plan of Chicago' which laid out plans for the future of the city and in 1920 the Magnificent mile was constructed. 

 Chicago's Magnificent Mile  (a portion of Michigan Avenue extending from the River to Oak Street) is internationally recognized as a world-renown destination. It is home to shops, restaurants, museums, hotels and several prestigious and historical buildings and attracts more than 22 million visitors annually!  Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Reproduction #LC-USZ62-36686   

 John Hancock Building (completed 1969), Wrigley Building (built 1920), Trump Tower (completed 2009)  

The architecture varied, but the buildings challenged new heights in construction, Wrigley building, Old Chicago water tower, Tribune Tower, and John Hancock Building all have Michigan Ave addresses.

view from John Hancock Building- looking North onto Lake Michigan

The Chicago river is a cherished city amenity with it’s dazzling views, landscaped river walks, parks and cafes. A river cruise is one of the best ways to see the city’s famed architecture. Willis Tower (formally Sears Tower) 1,450 feet and 110 stories high,  is the tallest building in the western hemisphere.

Another great vantage point for seeing the city's architecture is via the mass transit system known as the 'L'. It gained it's nickname due to the fact that sections of the system are elevated. It is the second longest rapid transport system in the USA, after the NYC subway system.