I have already written multiple posts about our visits to Lawrence, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri, but I must confess that the portion of that particular trip that I was most looking forward to was our time in Chicago. In all my years, I’ve never actually been to this city, unless you count changing planes at O’Hare (which I most definitely do not.)
Before we get started, I have to say that if you’re going to be sightseeing in the city for 3 days or more, I highly recommend that you purchase the Chicago CityPass. We used it at least 4 times in different venues, and it was a great savings. Okay, commercial over. (But I swear I’m not getting paid to tell you about this.)
Our first full day in the Windy City began with the perfect experience: The Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour. We boarded a vessel called the Bright Star. It was docked on the north shore of the Chicago River, next to the Equitable Building on Michigan Avenue. Our tour guide was “Super Dan”, and he really knew his stuff. Not only did he have his spiel down pat, but he encouraged questions. (I believe he was an architecture student.)
I’m glad we took this tour first, because it was a great way to orient ourselves within an unfamiliar city. It also taught me what to look for when attempting to distinguish the many architectural styles that Chicago is well known for. In addition, Super Dan was able to give us a great deal of historical background that we might have otherwise overlooked (see my upcoming blog posts about the Great Chicago Fire and Spider Dan), so this 75-minute experience kind of felt like a freshman orientation, and it added depth and color to our whole Chicago experience.
Here are just a few of the architectural styles we saw on the tour. I got their descriptions directly from the Chicago Architecture Center website. That’s another place I hope to visit if I ever get to return to the Windy City.
Art Deco (My Favorite!)
Art Deco has come to represent opulence and glamour. One striking example is Chicago’s Carbide and Carbon Building, designed to look like a Champagne bottle and finished with real gold. Other notable examples include the Merchandise Mart and the Chicago Board of Trade Building.
International Style
The International Style is a type of modern architecture born after World War II, known for its steel-and-glass exteriors, minimal (if any) ornamentation, and open interiors. Notable examples include One Illinois Center, and 330 N. Wabash.
Mid-Century Modernism
Mid-Century Modern takes the technical precision of the International Style and experiments with new materials like concrete and more sculptural, organic forms (like the iconic Marina City corn cobs). Notable examples: 875 N. Michigan Ave., Willis Tower, and Marina City.
Chicago School
After the Great Chicago Fire, the city began to rebuild at an extraordinary pace, leveraging the latest techniques and technology to take the city’s architecture to new heights that were previously unimaginable. Architects finished these structures with decorative elements and delicate details, making Chicago School instantly recognizable. Notable examples: Reliance Building, Monadnock Building, and Sullivan Center.
Postmodernism
While the International style adheres to clean lines and minimal decoration, Postmodernism is all about being creative, eclectic, and sometimes a little quirky. Think curved forms, asymmetry, bright colors, and generally breaking with tradition. Notable examples: James R. Thompson Center, Harold Washington Library, and 333 West Wacker Drive.
Gothic Revival
American architects first introduced Gothic Revival style buildings to the United States in the mid-19th Century. Borrowed from a popular revival that first began in 18th Century Britain, the style spread through building pattern books. Medieval castles and cathedrals of 11th-13th Century Europe were reinterpreted as picturesque churches, homes and university buildings in the United States.
One example of this style is the Chicago Water Tower. Gothic skyscrapers are less common, but Chicago has three good examples, including: Tribune Tower, Chicago Temple and the Fisher Building.
But since I’m a bridgetender, the most fascinating structures were Chicago’s many drawbridges and their accompanying tenderhouses in their various styles. I could imagine being a bridgetender in the Windy City and having these spectacular views. And then walking home along those bustling streets, picking up a deep dish pizza along the way. It’s a nice dream, except these bridges are rarely operated anymore and therefore do not have full time staff, and I could never afford to live in the city center. I will be blogging a lot more about these bridges at a later date.
When I started writing this post, I intended to go into great detail about some of the most unique buildings, and divide my photos out into the various styles, but I’m beginning to learn that not everyone wants as much information as I tend to give, so I’m exercising restraint and just lumping all the photos together and letting you figure them out. (Actually, let’s just call it restraint with a heavy dollop of laziness, because that level of organization would have taken me hours.)
And with that, Dear Reader, I hope you enjoy it the same way we did: in a big old eclectic and chaotic jumble of architectural gorgeousness!
Are you wondering what to bring to Thanksgiving dinner? How about my book, Notes on Gratitude? Place your orders now! (Or any other time, since we’re on the subject.) And… thanks!
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