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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 innovations.

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The Rookery Building, located in the heart of Chicago's financial district, is a stunning architectural landmark blending 19th-century design with modern innovation. Completed in 1888 by Burnham and Root, with a lobby redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905, it showcases a transitional period in skyscraper construction and remains a testament to Chicago's resilience and architectural ingenuity.

A brief summary to The Rookery Building

Local tips

  • Visit the stunning light court, redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright, to experience the breathtaking skylight and intricate details.
  • Take a guided tour to learn about the building's rich history, architectural significance, and role in Chicago's evolution.
  • Explore the lobby for free during open hours on weekdays and Saturdays, but note that it is closed on Sundays.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Rookery Building is easily accessible via Chicago's public transportation system. Several CTA bus routes stop near the building, including routes #7, #126, and #130 at the Adams and Clark stop, which is a short 2-minute walk away. Alternatively, routes #20, #56, and #J14 stop at Washington and LaSalle, about a 7-minute walk from the building. For those using the 'L' train, the CTA Blue Line (Monroe stop) is a 4-minute walk, while the Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines (Quincy stop) are just a 3-minute walk. A single ride on CTA buses costs $2.25, and 'L' train fares are $2.50. Consider purchasing a Ventra card or a day pass for unlimited rides.

  • Walking

    The Rookery Building is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby landmarks and transportation hubs. From Chicago Union Station, it's approximately an 8-minute walk. From Millennium Park, the walk is about 15-20 minutes. Simply head west on Adams Street or Jackson Boulevard. The building is located on the east side of South La Salle Street. Walking is free, offering an opportunity to appreciate the surrounding architecture and city atmosphere.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide convenient access to The Rookery Building. A short taxi or ride-share trip within the Loop typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on the distance and demand. Drop-off is easiest on the east side of South La Salle Street. Be aware of potential traffic congestion during peak hours. There is no on-site parking at The Rookery Building.

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Discover more about The Rookery Building

The Rookery Building, situated at 209 S La Salle St in Chicago, stands as a testament to the city's architectural innovation and resilience. Completed in 1888 by the renowned firm of Burnham and Root, it was designed to be a prestigious business environment in the heart of Chicago's financial district. The building's name, 'The Rookery,' has several origin stories, one being that the location was previously occupied by a temporary city hall frequented by roosting birds. At the time of its completion, The Rookery was one of the tallest buildings in the world, showcasing a unique blend of masonry and metal construction. Its innovative 'floating foundation,' designed by John Root, used a network of iron rails and structural beams encased in concrete to support the building's immense weight on Chicago's soft clay soil. The building also incorporated passenger elevators, fireproof construction, and electric lighting, heralding the arrival of the modern age. In 1905, Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned the stunning two-story, sky-lit lobby, adding his Prairie-style aesthetic with white marble, Persian-style ornamentation, and golden tracery. This renovation transformed the light court into a bright and open space, enhancing the natural light that floods the interior. The Rookery has undergone several renovations, including one in 1931 by William Drummond and a meticulous restoration in 1992, preserving its architectural significance. The Rookery Building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1972 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Today, The Rookery is a modern, sustainable LEED Gold office building, offering office spaces with natural light, high ceilings, and modern amenities. Visitors can explore the building's lobby and light court, take guided tours to learn about its history and architecture, and appreciate its blend of Romanesque, Islamic, Venetian, and Moorish design influences.

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