Tribune Tower

Tribune Tower is a historic building located in Chicago, Illinois, designed by the renowned architectural firm Graham, Anderson, Probst & White and completed in 1925. The building was commissioned by Robert R. McCormick, the owner of the Chicago Tribune, and was intended to serve as the newspaper's headquarters. The construction of the building was a significant event in the city, with Mayor William Hale Thompson and other notable figures, including Frank Lloyd Wright and Daniel Burnham, attending the groundbreaking ceremony. The building's design was influenced by the Cathedral of Rouen and the Chrysler Building, and its completion marked a new era in Chicago's architectural landscape, with Franklin D. Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover praising its innovative design.

● History

The history of the building dates back to 1922, when Robert R. McCormick announced plans to construct a new headquarters for the Chicago Tribune. The building's design was chosen from among 263 entries in an international competition, which was judged by a panel including Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and Daniel Burnham. The construction of the building was a major undertaking, with William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Medill Patterson providing significant funding. The building was officially dedicated on July 7, 1925, with Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover in attendance. The building's completion marked a significant milestone in the development of Chicago's Michigan Avenue, with Marshall Field and Potter Palmer contributing to the area's growth. The building has also been associated with notable events, including the 1928 Republican National Convention and the 1933 World's Fair, which was held in Chicago and featured exhibits from General Motors and Westinghouse Electric Corporation.

● Architecture

The building's architecture is a unique blend of Gothic Revival and Art Deco styles, with a distinctive butterfly roof and a clock tower inspired by the Cathedral of Rouen. The building's design was influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and Daniel Burnham, and features a striking limestone and granite façade. The building's interior features a grand lobby with a marble floor and a staircase designed by René Lalique. The building's architecture has been praised by notable figures, including Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, and has been featured in numerous publications, including Architectural Record and The New York Times. The building's design has also been influenced by the Chicago School of architecture, which was characterized by the use of steel frames and terra cotta cladding, as seen in buildings such as the Reliance Building and the Fisher Building.

● Designation

The building was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The building has also been designated as a Chicago Landmark by the City of Chicago, and has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects as one of the most significant buildings in the United States. The building's designation has been supported by notable figures, including Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter, and has been featured in numerous publications, including The Chicago Tribune and The Wall Street Journal. The building's historic significance has also been recognized by the National Park Service and the Library of Congress, which have documented the building's history and architecture.

● Occupants

The building has been occupied by a number of notable tenants, including the Chicago Tribune, WGN Radio, and WGN-TV. The building has also been home to a number of other businesses and organizations, including Tribune Media, Tribune Publishing, and the Chicago Tribune Charities. The building's occupants have included notable figures, such as Robert R. McCormick, Col. Robert R. McCormick, and Jack Fuller, who have played significant roles in shaping the city's media landscape. The building has also been associated with notable events, including the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the 1996 Democratic National Convention, which were held in Chicago and featured speeches by Bill Clinton and Al Gore.

● Renovation

The building has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, including a major renovation in the 1980s, which was led by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The renovation included the restoration of the building's historic façade and the installation of new elevators and mechanical systems. The building has also undergone significant renovations in recent years, including the addition of new office space and the restoration of the building's historic lobby. The renovation has been supported by notable figures, including Richard M. Daley and Rahm Emanuel, and has been recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Institute of Architects. The building's renovation has also been influenced by the Chicago Architecture Foundation and the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois, which have worked to preserve the city's historic buildings and landmarks. Category:Historic buildings in Chicago