35 East Wacker Drive aka the Jewelers Building built from 1925-1927

I seem to be stuck on Chicago architecture this week so let’s go for it and look at some of my favorite Chicago buildings and why I like them.

First up, one of my most favorite, why you ask, because this is where my Father’s ad agency was housed, yes, in the dome as well as two other floors.  Helmut Jahn now has this space as his offices where he and his team create their architectural masterpieces. As a child I was fascinated that you could take the private elevator from Daddy’s offices to the 42nd floor which opened onto this elegant space where the creative work was displayed…I loved it so much!  The views were amazing and it was once considered the tallest building in the world outside of New York City. In addition, I was able to walk out onto small parapets (you haven’t been able to do that for many, many years) I thought I was in a fairy castle.  It has had many names and a reputation with the notorious Al Capone.  When Daddy’s office were there it was the Pure Oil Building.

Just down the street on Michigan Avenue is the Carbon and Carbide building which now houses the Hard Rock Hotel.  Designed by the Burnham Brothers it was completed in 1929.  The Art Decor design is truly magnificent. Absolutely love the detail, it is totally unique and adds glamour to our impressive skyline.

The 190 South LaSalle building our one Philip Johnson structure.  It is extraordinary and I did a couple of fantastic fashion shows in the lobby, breathtakingly beautiful….much more on those when we get to the designer’s profiles.  One was none other than Christian LaCroix!!!

The 190 South LaSalle building our one Philip Johnson structure.  It is extraordinary and I did a couple of fantastic fashion shows in the lobby, breathtakingly beautiful….much more on those when we get to the designer’s profiles.  One was none other than Christian LaCroix!!!

Another lobby that I used for fashion shows houses the Chicago Architecture Foundation, http://www.architecture.org and that is the organization that benefited from those shows complete with finales featuring our major architects who call Chicago home base.  The lobby is fabulous, I believe it now houses a scale model of Chicago iconic structures.  Do stop by and view it and be sure to take the architectural tour on the Chicago River, even if you think you know the City and its buildings you learn so much more…a must see not only for your own knowledge but a perfect way to introduce guests to our architecture.  The docents should be awarded the keys to the City!!!   Just a hint of Willis Tower in the background.

Back North and across the River are two of the most recognizable of our buildings (actually a peek at the Hancock as well!). The Wrigley Building and The Tribune Tower.  I couldn’t possibly do a post without them in it.  They anchor the Magnificent Mile and are truly splendid.

Back North and across the River are two of the most recognizable of our buildings (actually a peek at the Hancock as well!). The Wrigley Building and The Tribune Tower.  I couldn’t possibly do a post without them in it.  They anchor the Magnificent Mile and are truly splendid.

One of the newest buildings on Michigan Avenue is the Burberry flagship.  I couldn’t believe my eyes when I say the sides being put in place…they represent the signature Burberry plaid..could anything be more clever and what an addition to our skyscape…obviously not a skyscraper but a fabulous building none the less, kudos to this creative brand. http://www.burberry.com.

I could go on and on and on…but not today.  I do however have to end this post with the old and the new…the Water Tower, the symbol of our City against the first of the Michigan Avenue vertical malls, Water Tower Place http://www.shopwatertower.com, and the Hancock Building looming behind.  Three different attitudes, different eras, and totally different styles…that is what Chicago architecture is all about!  I can assure you there will be many more posts on our historic buildings…which are your favorites????

Recipe time “building” a dessert…..

FROM TOM MANTEL’S RECIPE BOX

BLITZ TORTE