In the city of Chicago, the skyline has become one of its defining features. Chicago has a rich variety for any architecture lover and the ability to give awe to those who have just stumbled upon the structures.
Engineer William LeBaron Jenney designed the Home Insurance Building in 1885, credited to be the first "skyscraper" at 10 stories, using the new construction methods of steel framing.
The skyline in the city of Chicago is a place to watch for those interested in tall buildings. The Sears Tower, completed in 1973, became the world's tallest building at 1,450 feet, marking a new feat along the skyline while showing engineers around the world that it was possible to reach these heights with steel construction. The new Trump Tower, completed in 2009, uses new technology in concrete construction to make a building leaner and taller at 1,362 feet.
Some of the tallest buildings scraping the sky are: the Sears Tower, located at 233 S. Wacker Drive and designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill; the John Hancock Center, located at 875 N. Michigan Ave. also designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, ranges 1,127 feet; the Water Tower Place, located next the John Hancock Center, is at 859 ft. A building not as tall but noticeable is Lake Point Tower, built in 1968 and situated along the shoreline of Lake Michigan at 505 N. Lake Shore Drive.
A prominent section to view the skyline is along the Chicago River, which runs through the city. The twin circular Marina City Towers, built in 1964, reside next to the IBM Plaza, which was built in 1973, designed by architect Mies Van Der Rohe. The Merchandise Mart, which is so large that it has its own zip code, can be found farther down the river. Although not the tallest, it still commands attention. Other highlights include: the R.R. Donnelly Building, the Leo Burnett Building and not too far off, the Tribune Tower.
The Spire, designed by famous architect Santiago Calatrava, located at 400 N. Lake Shore Drive, begun construction in 2009 and will become one of the city's (and world's) tallest buildings. Aqua Tower, designed by Studio Gang and located at S. Water St. & N. Stetson, features an undulating wave-like surface, changing the look of the glass and steel skyline, and it is set to be finished at the end of 2009.
