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The Rookery Building: A Chicago Architectural Masterpiece

Discover Chicago's architectural gem: The Rookery Building, a historic masterpiece 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 and renovated by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a Chicago landmark blending historic grandeur with modern innovation. Its unique construction and stunning light court make it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

A brief summary to The Rookery Building

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the natural light in Frank Lloyd Wright's redesigned light court.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to learn about the building's history, architectural significance, and unique construction methods.
  • Explore the exterior details, including the carved rooks near the entrance, a nod to the building's name and history.
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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 Red Line (Jackson stop) and Blue Line (Monroe stop) are also within walking distance. The Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines stop at Quincy, a short walk from the Rookery Building. A single CTA bus or train fare is $2.50.

  • Walking

    The Rookery Building is located in the Chicago Loop and is easily reachable by foot from many nearby landmarks. From Chicago Union Station, walk east on Jackson Boulevard for about 10 minutes. From Millennium Park, walk west on Adams Street for approximately 15 minutes. Observe the building's Romanesque archway on LaSalle Street.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services offer a convenient way to reach The Rookery Building. A short taxi or ride-share trip within the Loop area typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and distance. Be sure to specify the address, 209 S La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60604, to ensure accurate routing.

  • Parking

    While The Rookery Building does not have on-site parking, several parking garages are available nearby. Garages can be found at 320 S. Clark St, 183 W Monroe St and 230 S Wells St. Parking rates typically range from $13 to $45 for a few hours, depending on the garage and time of day. It is advisable to book a parking spot in advance using apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz.

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 and resilience. Completed in 1888 by Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root, it is considered one of their masterpiece buildings and is among the oldest standing high-rises in Chicago. Following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, architects explored new construction methods, and The Rookery exemplifies this era. Its name is derived from a temporary city hall that housed birds and, allegedly, corrupt politicians. The building uniquely combines masonry piers with an internal steel frame, representing a transition between traditional and modern building techniques. Root devised a 'floating foundation' to support the immense weight on Chicago's soft clay soil. In 1905, Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned the two-story, sky-lit lobby, creating a stunning interior atrium. Wright removed the ironwork and replaced it with white marble, carved and gilded with ornament. The Rookery is a designated Chicago Landmark, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and as a National Historic Landmark in 1975.

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