Carbide & Carbon Building: Chicago's Art Deco Gem
A dazzling Art Deco skyscraper in downtown Chicago, the Carbide & Carbon Building is known for its unique design and opulent materials.
The Carbide & Carbon Building, located at 230 N Michigan Avenue, is a celebrated landmark in the heart of Chicago. Completed in 1929, this 503-foot-tall skyscraper stands as one of the city's best examples of Art Deco architecture. Designed by the Burnham Brothers, sons of famed architect Daniel Burnham, the building was commissioned as the regional office for Union Carbide and Carbon Company, manufacturers of the first dry cell battery. The company wanted a building that would make a statement about their success. The building's distinctive exterior features polished black granite at its base, transitioning to a dark green terra cotta central shaft, and culminating in a cap adorned with gold leaf. This color scheme, according to popular myth, was intended to resemble a dark green champagne bottle with gold foil at the top, a subtle nod to defiance during the Prohibition era. The use of stylized leaves on the exterior was a deliberate reference to the prehistoric origins of carbon deposits. The lavish interior, originally designed to showcase the company's products, features black Belgian marble and Art Deco bronzework trim in the lobby. The building achieved landmark status in 1994 and underwent a $106 million renovation in 2004. It was transformed into the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. Today, it operates as the Pendry Chicago, a luxury boutique hotel, continuing to draw attention and delight. Its warm and sensuous materials make the Carbide & Carbon building unique among Chicago's towering skyscrapers.
Local tips
- Visit the lobby to admire the original Art Deco design elements, including the black Belgian marble and bronze trim.
- Look closely at the building's exterior to appreciate the details of the black granite, green terra cotta, and gold leaf accents.
- Snap a photo from across the street to capture the full champagne bottle effect, especially on a sunny day.
- Explore the surrounding Magnificent Mile for shopping, dining, and other architectural landmarks.
A brief summary to Carbide & Carbon Building
- 230 Michigan Ave, Chicago, Chicago Loop, Illinois, 60601, US
Getting There
-
Walking
From the Chicago Cultural Center, walk north on Michigan Avenue towards the Chicago River. The Carbide & Carbon Building is located at 230 N. Michigan Avenue, on the east side of the street, a few blocks north of Millennium Park. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.
-
Public Transport
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides several bus and 'L' train options to reach the Carbide & Carbon Building. Several bus routes run along Michigan Avenue. The closest 'L' stations are on the Red Line (Grand or State/Lake) and the Blue Line (Washington). From any of these stations, it's a short walk to the building. A single ride on CTA bus is $2.25 and on the 'L' train is $2.50. 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 ride from nearby landmarks such as Navy Pier or Millennium Park will typically cost between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and demand.
-
Driving
If driving, be aware that parking in the immediate area can be limited and expensive. Several parking garages are located within a few blocks of the Carbide & Carbon Building. Parking rates typically range from $15 to $45 for a few hours. Consider using a parking app like SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance.
