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The Rookery Building: A Chicago Architectural Masterpiece

Discover Chicago's architectural heritage at The Rookery Building, a landmark blending 19th-century design with Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic style.

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The Rookery Building, completed in 1888 by Burnham and Root, is a Chicago landmark blending historic and modern architecture. It features a stunning light court remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright, making it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

A brief summary to The Rookery Building

Local tips

  • Visit the Rookery's light court, redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright, to experience its stunning skylight and intricate details.
  • Take a guided tour to learn about the building's history, architecture, and significance in Chicago.
  • Check out the pair of carved rooks incorporated into the Romanesque archway of the main entrance on LaSalle Street.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Rookery Building is easily accessible via public transportation. Several CTA bus routes stop near the building, including routes #7, #126, and #130 at the Adams and Clark stop. The CTA Blue Line (Monroe stop) and the Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines (Quincy stop) are also within walking distance. A single fare for CTA buses and trains is $2.50. From Chicago Union Station, take the #151 bus to Jackson & Financial Place for $3.

  • Walking

    The Rookery Building is located at 209 S La Salle St in the Chicago Loop, making it easily walkable from many downtown locations. From Millennium Park, walk west on Monroe Street, then turn left onto S La Salle Street. The Rookery will be on your right. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in downtown Chicago. A short taxi ride from Chicago Union Station to The Rookery Building will cost approximately $8-$12, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that taxi fares have a base fare of $3.25, plus $2.25 per mile.

  • Driving

    If driving, parking garages are available near The Rookery Building. However, on-street parking is limited. Several parking garages are located within a few blocks, such as Traders Self Parking and South Loop Self Park. Parking rates typically range from $13-$45 for a few hours. Be aware of heavy traffic during peak hours.

Unlock the Best of The Rookery Building

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Discover more about The Rookery Building

Located in the heart of Chicago's financial district, The Rookery Building stands as a testament to the city's architectural innovation. Completed in 1888 by the renowned firm of Burnham and Root, it was one of the tallest buildings in the world at the time. The building's name, "The Rookery," has an interesting origin, referring to the crows and pigeons that flocked to a temporary city hall that previously stood on the site, as well as the alleged corrupt politicians housed within. The Rookery is notable for its unique construction, which combines masonry and metal. Its exterior walls are supported by masonry piers, while the interior frame is built of steel and iron. This innovative approach allowed for the construction of a tall and sturdy building on Chicago's soft clay soil. The building also incorporates passenger elevators, fireproof construction, and electric lighting, all features that were groundbreaking for the time. In 1905, Frank Lloyd Wright remodeled the light court and entrance lobbies, creating a stunning balance between Burnham & Root's ornamental ironwork and his own vision. The result is a luminous and airy space that is a highlight of the building. Today, The Rookery remains a highly regarded architectural gem and a prestigious business address. Visitors can explore the building's stunning interior, including the light court and Burnham Library, and learn about its rich history through guided tours.

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