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In May of 1969, during the year of its Centennial Anniversary, the Chicago Water Tower was selected by the American Water Works Association to be the first American Water Landmark in the nation.
The tower was completed in 1869. The architect was William W. Boyington and the tower is constructed of Joliet limestone blocks quarried in Illinois. The old Water Tower and Chicago Avenue Pumping Station are the only public buildings to survive in the area destroyed by the Fire of 1871. On the day following the fire, the Water Tower served as a guidepost by which citizens hunted through the ruins for what had once been their homes. It became a monument to the efforts of Chicago's water works engineers; it became and has remained a symbol of Chicago's indomitable "I Will" spirit.
Both structures were designed in a castellated-Gothic Revival style. The tower represents a fanciful interpretation of a medieval fortress or, in a quote attributed to the famed critic Oscar Wilde, a "monstrosity with pepper boxes stuck all over it." Nonetheless, both buildings have come to symbolize Chicago's fierce drive to continue, as well as rare monuments to the 19th century. The Water Tower was originally built to house a 138-foot standpipe, which became obsolete and was removed in 1911.
Today, the Historic Water Tower is the home of City Gallery, the city's official photography gallery, and the Pumping Station has been transformed into a Visitor Welcome Center where the public can not only gather literature about the city's myriad of attractions, but also observe the Chicago WaterWorks at work.
Updated Aug 5, 2003
Address: 806 N. Michigan Avenue
One of the places we stopped was FAO Schwarz, a huge 3-story toy store downtown. My favorite area of the store was the grand collection of Barbie paraphenalia. I also enjoyed creating a melody with my feet on the large piano walkway. Your kids will go crazy in this place! Be careful, or you'll end up shelling out for that stuffed monkey that Betty just "can't live without."
Written Apr 21, 2003
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This was taken with my new digital camera, and it's the most deserted view of Michigan Avenue you'll ever see! On weekends, this is where everybody comes to shop, stroll, eat, and enjoy Chicago's unique aura.
In this picture, you can see Water Tower Place, one of the most exclusive shopping malls, right under the John Hancock Center, our second tallest building. This is looking straight east towards Lake Michigan.
Written Apr 14, 2003
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It's where Chicago's most exclusive stores exhibit their stuff. It starts with Wrigley Building and on the way you will see Water Tower and one of the tallest buildings in the world - the John Hancock Center.
Updated Mar 15, 2003
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Take a look at the building to survive the famous Chicago Fire -- The Water Tower.
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In the picture you can see the Water Tower Place mall [gray building] and the John Hancock Center [the tall black building].
Written Feb 25, 2003
Address: North Michigan Ave.
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Dating back to the great Chicago Fire, the Chicago Water is one of Chicago's most famour monuments. The thumbnail picture to the left here cuts the top off of the monument and looks a little fuzzy. Click on it to enlarge it and you will be able to see the entire monument.
Updated Nov 10, 2002
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Shopping and sightseeing on Michigan Avenue. What the Champs-Elysees is for Paris, the Kurfürstendamm is for Berlin and Sunset Blvd is for L.A. that is Michigan Ave. for Chicago. Posh shops of all important designers, but also the first Nike Town on earth are located on that street that is parallel to the Lake Michigan.
Watching people, shopping (if you have the money, I didn´t), and taking pics of the really impressive old houses in that street.
Written Sep 8, 2002
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Go shopping on the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave). Lots and lots of shops! Try and catch a glimpse of the Chicago Tribune building near the Chicago river while you're there too. It's a nice building!
Written Sep 7, 2002
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Walk across North Michican Ave. Start by crossing the Chicago river.
North Michican Ave. starting from E100 is also called the magnificant mile. It consists of a.o. Niketown, Wrigley building and Virgin. The magnificant mile is the 5th avenue of Chicago when it comes to shops and buildings.
Written Aug 26, 2002
Address: North Michican Avenue
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The Wrigley Building as seen from the Tribune Plaza
This is great because it is a majestic structure but still old-fashioned, better than those new glass and steel monsters ou can see everywhere in the USA, they are close to my old-continent experience
Written Aug 26, 2002
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Michigan Avenue tips and photos posted by real travelers and Chicago locals.
Write a ReviewThe Wrigley Building as seen from the Tribune PlazaThis is great because it is a majestic structure but still old-fashioned, better than those new glass and...
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