The Modern List Chicago
[Photo courtesy Google Earth]
Recently team BUILD spent some time in the windy city for our Tree House project that’s moving around the nation. We’ve since compiled our homework and we’ve got a tight list of cool spots to check out in Chicago. Today’s post highlights some favorites (both new and old); the full roster has been compiled in an easy to reference PDF which can be downloaded here. Tell us what you like, where we missed the mark or what’s on your list.
Signature Lounge on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Tower at 875 North Michigan Avenue designed by SOM and completed in 1970. Hand’s down our favorite view in Chi-town. Skip the Sears tower (er, Willis Tower) and get a spectacular view and a couple of drinks for the same price.
Aqua at 430 E Waterside Drive by Studio Gang. This one kept our attention throughout the day with the varying light conditions and different perspectives.
[Photo by Zoltaan]
Avec at 615 W. Randolph Street designed by James and Kutyla Architecture.
[Photo by Doug Fogelson/DRFP]
Blackbird at 619 W. Randolph Street designed by Thomas Schlesser.
[Photo by Doug Fogelson/DRFP]
Publican at 837 W Fulton Market designed by Thomas Schlesser.
[Photo by Bob Briskey]
The Art Institute of Chicago at 111 South Michigan Avenue originally designed by Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exhibition. The modern wing was design by Renzo Piano Building Workshop and competed in 2009. Check out our more thorough review of this fantastic building here.
[Photo by Isaiahj]
McCormick Center at 3201 S State St on the IIT campus by OMA. This building was an all-out attack on the senses and we loved every minute of it.
[Photo by Cor Lems]
Cloudgate sculpture at 201 East Randolph Street, Millennium Park by Anish Kapoor. Gorgeous and wonderful.
[Photo by Fixed Image]
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower at 20 E Chesnut Street designed by Jean-Paul Viguier.
[Photo by rajmtx]
The Rookery Building at 209 South LaSalle Street designed by Burnham & Root in 1888 with the lobby later remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905. Let’s face it, we’d be delinquent not to include at least one of the more traditional architectures that Chicago was founded on. The Rookery is one of our favorites because it’s accessible and drop-dead gorgeous.
[Photo by Matt Cline
For recommendations on additional cities check out The Modern List.
By CG, December 18, 2009 @ 8:56 am
For restaurants I would add Terzo Piano to your list. It’s the restaurant at the top of the Art Institute and it’s a wonderful space.
By Kim, December 18, 2009 @ 9:01 am
While it’s a bit touristy I’m surprised that the Willis (Sears) tower didn’t make your list. It is still, after all, an icon of modern design.
By Adam Crain, December 18, 2009 @ 9:17 am
Looks like you got around to a lot of spots I haven’t seen yet, thanks for the tips!
By Nyugen, December 18, 2009 @ 10:18 am
Next time you’re in town check out Wicker Park – lots of cool bars, restaurants and shops.
By Ariel, December 18, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
Seriously think you could have second career as a photographer…
By Build LLC, December 18, 2009 @ 5:14 pm
@ CG – Good rec, we actually ate lunch there and it’s an inspiring space. Just plain forgot to add it.
@ Kim – yeah the Sears tower probably should be on the list. Stay tuned.
@ Ariel – thanks but the photos above are the skillful work of other photographers – noted in the caption under each photo and hot-linked where applicable.
By mike, December 18, 2009 @ 6:43 pm
where are all the revolving doors on these restaurants? that took some getting used to, but on a cold blustery chicago day, seems rather befitting…
did you guys make it to harold’s or intelligentsia?
By Kathy, December 18, 2009 @ 6:56 pm
Since I (Andrew’s mother) grew up outside of Chicago, and his grandmother attended the Art Institute, and grandfather worked in the Loop for 40 years, you’d think I’d know all about the city. Not so! It’s amazing to see Chicago through the eyes of persnickety design-types. I’m impressed.
By Aaron, December 21, 2009 @ 11:45 am
Blackbird – My personal favorite, it stopped me mid-scroll. 1/2 Buidling 1/2 beautiful picture.
By sandy, December 22, 2009 @ 8:15 am
superb list!
avec and bb are tasty spots as well.
a few others to add to the list of the top of my head:
-coffee: the coffee studio
-archi: ando-designed private residence in lincoln park
-art: museum of contemporary art
-shop: p.45
-drink: violet hour
-wine: Juicy wine co. (they serve salumi meats from seattle!)