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| Sears Tower |
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| Lake Michigan and Millenium Park |
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| Soldier Field just behind those buildings |
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| The Aon Center, one of the highest in Chicago |
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| The view north and east |
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| Looking northern neighborhoods of Chicago |
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| The Hancock Center in black |
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| The Carbide & Carbon Building |
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| In late 1800s the Chicago River's flow was reversed. It now flows away from Lake Michigan. |
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| A long, long way down!!! |
Ok, I know, it's the building formerly known as the Sears Tower. Today it's the Willis Tower. Growing up in the shadows of NYC, I was always fascinated with NY's skyline. It was heartbreaking to know there was a building in Chicago taller (the world's tallest for all of my childhood) than my beloved Twin Towers. Just as the NYC skyline will always include the Twin Towers in my image, the Sears Tower will always be the Sears Tower.
Unfortunately, I did not take the stairs up. After my brother and I picked up my dad at the train station, we suckered him into going to the top. After a little waiting and what was most likely the fastest elevator that I've been on, we made it to the summit with some expansive views of Chicago despite the haze.
Being a lifelong New Yorker it was hard to come to the realization that Chicago's buildings appear to be far more interesting. I will have to take a trip to Manhattan and spend time at just looking at its buildings to see if this is really how I feel. Chicago has an immense amount of art deco buildings dating from the 1920s. Unfortunately, two of the best, the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Tribune Building are somewhat obstructed from this vantage point. There is a nice bird's eye view of what might be my favorite building in Chicago, The Carbide and Carbon Building.
The best view from the Sears Tower is to the north. Here is where you get a nice view of some of the Art Deco buildings and the Hancock Center, one of the better modern skyscrapers. Also viewed from here is the Trump Building which is the 2nd highest in Chicago. But when it comes to Trump, Has he created anything appealing?
I bet their art deco is inferior to the New York buildings. The Empire State and Chrysler buildings are great! No, Trump hasn't done anything. His style is modern boring.
ReplyDeleteNo city in the world compares to New York. And even in the shape it's currently in - it will recover!
I don't think I've been to Manhattan in about eleven years. I was thinking that we should go on a field trip to check out some buildings when I first saw your photos.
I'm a big fan of the Chrysler Building. But overall, I find Chicago's buildings more interesting. This probably makes sense since Chicago is credited with the world's first skyscraper.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing about Chicago is that their buildings are easier to view. Where can you get a good look of the Empire State Building, besides being right up against it?
I definitely have to take a trip down there soon and scope out the old Art Deco buildings and some of the newer ones downtown. There is a building in NY that pre-dates the Carbide and Carbon Building.
I miss the Twin Towers. The stuff going up just looks awful. Maybe when it's completed, my opinion may change.
Really? Is that the Water Tower? You would probably have to get a good look at the Empire State Building from another building or a bridge. Good point.
ReplyDeleteI miss the Twin Towers too. But they weren't architectural wonders. I guess we're just used to them being there our entire lives.
No, the water tower isn't considered a skyscraper. It's a building that's been demolished. It was only about 10 stories high, but is considered a real breakthrough. Overall, NYC has had taller buildings, but it appears Chicago lead the way.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anything will ever surpass the old Art Deco skyscrapers.
That glass box overhang looks intense. Which floor is that on?
ReplyDeleteNot sure. But the tourist elevator take you right to it.
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