Wednesday, May 7, 2008

311 South Wacker Drive . . .

. . . is my favorite building in Chicago.



At 961 feet, it's the tallest building in the world known only by it's street address. Much like the cat in Breakfast at Tiffany's, no one ever bothered to name it. Or better yet, maybe none wanted to impose a name upon it.

If ever driving into Chicago at night, it's lit crown is typically the most pronounced feature of the skyline.



It's believed that shortly after construction began, the principal architect's wife passed away. The crown was then re-designed to resemble the engagement ring he had given her.



Though such a terribly romantic notion, it's difficult to accept that story on face value. One can't imagine that investors, engineers, inspectors, suppliers, and the whole lot of firms that see a building erected were able to change a blueprint that was sealed years before ground was broken.

But at the same time, we want to live in a world where such a thing is possible.

That's why 311 South Wacker Drive is my favorite building.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

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