Architecture & Public Art (outdoor), Chicago

by deecat
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191 North Wacker Drive

I did not know where to place this tip. It's a little-known building so I decided to choose "Off the Beaten Path". This particular building is especially designed for large, full-floor tenants. It's located on an "ideal" site facing the open corridor of the Chicago River. 191 North Wacker Drive is a tall, silver-blue glass box slaab on its western facade. Theis tall box is separated from the rear section by a notch that is about five feet wide and two feet deep. This eastern section contains mechanical systems that are enclosed in transparent glass. I especially admire the open "grid work" at the top. It's wonderful how other buildings are reflected in the "glass skin" at 191 North Wacker Drive. The same architectural firm of Kohn Pedersen Fox designed three office towers in a row: 333 West Wacker Drive; 225 West Wacker Drive; and 191 North Wacker Drive.


	Architecture & Public Art (outdoor): Erie On The Park Condominiums	Tip Rating:

By deecat

on May 26, 2005

by deecat
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Erie On The Park
Condominiums

When Erie on the Park Condominiums opened, many people were shocked because of the"industrial look. The architect, Lucien Lagrange, usually did not do this kind of work; however, he was interested in the use of "powerful steel structural expression". Most critics feel that Lagrange did a great job using the steel structure here at Erie on the Park. His choice to use steel instead of concrete framing was good because it better addressed stresses, especially wind, on this narrow parallelogram-shaped site. Using steel required fewer columns which offers flexibility to "maximize residential layouts, unit heights, and balcony options". Look at the photograph, and you will see that the use of the exposed exterior bracing lead the eye upward to the open steel frame at the top. I personally like the blue-tinted glass and bands of steel. It's especially good for city dwellers who enjoy a contemporary look. I took the photo from the architectual tour boat. I'm not sure of the exact address.


	Architecture & Public Art (outdoor): Monument to the Northern Migration	Tip Rating:

Updated By dlandt

on November 2, 2003

by dlandt
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Monument to the Northern
Migration

This is really all there is. There is a plaque about the size of a dinner plate that explains what it is, but doesn't go into depth. He is rising out of a mound of shoe soles, some with holes in them, and his suit is made of them too. This is in Bronzeville, at King and 26th. My thanks to VT member SamBarnett, whose pages I like a lot, and reminded me that this little gem of an off the beaten path place existed.


	Architecture & Public Art (outdoor): The statues of downtown Chicago	Tip Rating:

By rmdw

on August 31, 2003

by rmdw
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Colorful statue in
downtown Chicago

Downtown Chicago is covered with a wide variety of different statues, including one built by the famous artist, Picasso. Though you'll find yourself frequently looking up at the breathtaking skyscrapers, do take the time to look at some of the statues too!


	Architecture & Public Art (outdoor): Monument to Fort Dearborn Massacre	Tip Rating:

By Dabs

on April 11, 2004

by Dabs
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Monument to Fort Dearborn
massacre

On the bridge on the northeast and northwest corners of Michigan and Wacker, there are two monuments to the Fort Dearborn Massacre. Fort Dearborn stood pretty much where this bridge is today. In 1812, the inhabitants of this fort were forced to evacuate and were massacred by the Indians as they fled.


	Architecture & Public Art (outdoor): Merchandise Mart	Tip Rating:

By sambarnett

on May 6, 2003

by sambarnett
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da merch mart

This brilliant, 25-story art deco design originally served as a wholesale store of the Marshall Field's company. Built in 1930, the Kennedy clan purchased it in 1945 and converted it to commercial space. The place is massive, containing over 4 million square feet, much of it is actually empty and most of the inside is off limits to the general public. The limestone facade was getting a touching up during my last visit.


	Architecture & Public Art (outdoor): 333 Wacker	Tip Rating:

By sambarnett

on May 6, 2003

by sambarnett
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333 wacker

In the far northwest corner of the Loop, this curved, all-glass skyscraper is not only perfectly positioned and designed, fitting a bend in the river, but the reflections of the river and nearby buildings add to its brilliance. Constructed between 1979-83, 333 Wacker shows that excellent Chicago architecture knows more than one age.


	Architecture & Public Art (outdoor): The Loop: Bank One Plaza	Tip Rating:

By sambarnett

on March 17, 2003

by sambarnett
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bank one building

Confound your senses at the Bank One Plaza. Walk up to the base of the building, place your foot on the vertical wall and look up. The unusual curveature of the buildings will make you feel you could run up to the top. Then, turn around, place your back up against the building and look up. It seems like the building curves over and beyond you!


	Architecture & Public Art (outdoor): Not all the art is in galleries ...	Tip Rating:

Updated By shrimp56

on July 31, 2003

by shrimp56
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Architecture & Public Art (outdoor) - Chicago

Chicago has a history of neighborhood mural art. This example is one of a series that line a block on W. Superior St leading to the gallery area. I thought it was there during construction -- but there's none I can see behind it and they've been there for years!


	Architecture & Public Art (outdoor): N. Michigan Ave - Benito Juarez sculpture	Tip Rating:

By yooperprof

on August 16, 2004

by yooperprof
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An American hero

Benito Juarez (1806-1872) was the Mexican President who successfully fought off European attempts to establish a "protectorate" with Maximillian of Austria as Emperor during the 1860s. What's he doing on Michigan Avenue, in a quiet courtyard next to the Wrigley Building? Well, let's just say that Mexican-Americans are an important constituency in the Windy City. (For the time being, the Benito Juarez statue is only a stone's throw away from the "Bob Hartley-on-the-Couch" Statue, which is actually closer to the street and thus more visable.)