It's History

When Chicago's Rookery Rose from Ashes of the Great Fire (8x301)

: 13, 2024

The Rookery Building, completed in 1888, is one of Chicago's most iconic architectural landmarks, blending both historical significance and innovative design. Conceived by the renowned architectural firm Burnham and Root, it stands as a testament to the early skyscraper movement in the United States. The building's unique hybrid structure combines iron framing with masonry, reflecting a transition from traditional to modern construction techniques. In 1905, Frank Lloyd Wright remodeled the lobby, infusing it with his distinct Prairie School style, which added to its architectural prestige. The Rookery's name, deriving from the temporary city hall's nickname for the site which was infested with pigeons, stands today not just as a historical edifice, but also as a symbol of Chicago's rich architectural heritage and the innovative spirit of the late 19th century.