Tribune Tower, Northern Illinois Travel Guide

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A landmark neo-Gothic skyscraper in Chicago, once home to the Chicago Tribune, now a luxury residential building with a globally inspired design.

The Tribune Tower, a neo-Gothic skyscraper in Chicago, was built in 1925 as the headquarters for the Chicago Tribune newspaper. Its design, the result of an international competition, features a limestone facade adorned with stones from famous landmarks worldwide. Today, it stands as a luxury residential building, a testament to architectural preservation and adaptive reuse.

A brief summary to Tribune Tower

435 Michigan Ave, Chicago, Streeterville, Illinois, 60611, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tribune Tower.

Explore the exterior of the building to find stones from famous landmarks around the world embedded in the facade.
Visit the lobby to see the Hall of Inscriptions, featuring carved quotations about the freedom of the press.
Look for the carvings of Robin Hood and a howling dog near the main entrance, a playful nod to the architects, Hood and Howells.

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Getting There

Walking

The Tribune Tower is located on the Magnificent Mile, easily accessible on foot from many downtown Chicago hotels and attractions. From the Wrigley Building, cross Michigan Avenue and walk north for one block. The tower is on your right.
Public Transport

Several CTA bus routes stop near the Tribune Tower. Use the CTA website or app to plan your trip and find the most convenient route from your location. The closest 'L' train stations are Grand (Red Line) and Chicago (Red Line), each about a 10-15 minute walk. A single ride on the 'L' train is $2.50, and a bus ride is $2.25. You can pay with a Ventra card or contactless payment.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Chicago. A short taxi ride from the Loop or River North to the Tribune Tower typically costs $10-$15, depending on traffic. Be sure the driver resets the taximeter at the beginning of the ride.
Driving

Driving to the Tribune Tower is possible, but parking in the area can be challenging and expensive. There is no on-site parking. Several parking garages are located nearby, with hourly rates ranging from $12-$30. Metered street parking is also available, but spots are limited and cost $9.50 for 2 hours. Closest parking is at 330 East North Water Street, Chicago.

Discover more about Tribune Tower

Located at 435 North Michigan Avenue, the Tribune Tower is a 463-foot-tall, 36-story neo-Gothic skyscraper that has been a Chicago landmark since its completion in 1925. The tower was commissioned by Chicago Tribune owner Robert R. McCormick to serve as the newspaper's headquarters. To mark the Tribune's 75th anniversary, McCormick held an international design competition, seeking "the most beautiful building in the world".The winning design, by New York architects John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood, was selected from over 260 entries from 23 countries. The neo-Gothic design, reminiscent of the Butter Tower of Rouen Cathedral in France, incorporates architectural elements from the past while utilizing a modern structural steel frame. The building's Indiana limestone facade is embedded with stones from historic monuments and battlefields around the world, including the Great Wall of China, the Parthenon, and Westminster Abbey. These stones were collected by Tribune correspondents, adding a unique global dimension to the building's design.The Tribune Tower also features intricate sculptures and decorations by American artist Rene Paul Chambellan. Carved images of Robin Hood (Hood) and a howling dog (Howells) adorn the main entrance, serving as a playful tribute to the architects. Inside, the Hall of Inscriptions showcases famous quotations on the freedom of the press.While the Chicago Tribune moved out in 2018, the Tribune Tower remains a significant architectural landmark. It has been converted into luxury residences, blending its historic architecture with contemporary living. The Tribune Tower continues to participate in Chicago Architecture Foundation's event Open House Chicago every year.