The third most-populated city in the United States, Chicago has many claims to fame—from deep-dish pizza to the 90s Bulls teams. But something else that makes Chicago a true gem? Its architecture. With a unique blend of historical buildings and modern skyscrapers, Chicago has one of the tallest and densest skylines of any city in the world.
At Auburn Corporation, we’ve worked closely with homes, historic buildings, and commercial spaces in the Windy City for over 100 years. As one of the leading window installation companies in Chicago, we’re committed to beautifying and celebrating the buildings of our historic city. Here are just 5 of Chicago’s most beautiful skyscrapers you shouldn’t miss.
Aqua Tower
Winner of the Emporis Skyscraper Award for 2009 skyscraper of the year, the Aqua Tower is an office and residential building that reaches 82 stories high. The building is notable for its large, wave-shaped balconies that stretch as far as 12 feet out, giving the entire building an organic feeling of movement. Jeanne Gang, the designer of the Aqua Tower, took inspiration for the building’s unique shape from limestone outcroppings common to the Great Lakes.
Trump Tower
A 92-story condo and hotel, Trump Tower Chicago was completed in 2009 and is currently the third tallest tower in the United States. Until the completion of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa a year later, Trump Tower held the title of the tallest residential building in the world. Located along ritzy Michigan Avenue, the condo/hotel is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant and a Forbes-rated spa. It was also the residence of former Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose.
Crain Communications Building
Finished in 1984, the Crain Communications Building has 49 stories and is nearly 600 feet tall. With its sharp, angular design, slanted roof, and disjointed top section, the building has a distinctive look that tends to be loved or hated by residents and visitors alike. Either way, the building is an architectural feat and has become a recognized fixture at the corner of Millennium Park.
Tribune Tower
As the name suggests, Tribune Tower is home to the world-famous Chicago Tribune newspaper. Of all the buildings on our list, this one has the richest history: Its design was chosen during a 1922 competition hosted by the Chicago Tribune in honor of its 75 anniversary. The winning design was submitted by American architects Howells and Hood—after whom a restaurant in the tower is currently named. At 462 feet high, the building was completed in 1925 and stands as a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, complete with gargoyles and buttresses.
Lake Point Tower
Lake Point Tower is a beautiful building that’s slightly off the beaten track. The only skyscraper east of Lake Shore Drive, the tower was completed in 1968 by two students of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a huge name in the Bauhaus and International Style movements in architecture. At nearly 650 feet tall, Lake Point Tower was the tallest apartment building in the world at the time of its completion. The building is unique for its asymmetrical Y-shape and gold-anodized aluminum exterior, which reflects light to give the building a golden glow.
If you have a business in the Windy City, you don’t have to build the next Tribune Tower to make a positive impact on your customers. One easy way to add some extra pop is to spruce up your Chicago commercial windows. Whether you have a skyline-defining building or a small commercial space in the suburbs, Auburn Corporation offers professional Chicago commercial window replacement services that will keep your business looking crisp.
Want to learn more about our affordable and durable window installation services? Just fill out our quick online form for a free estimate, or give us a call today to learn why Auburn Corporation’s Chicago replacement windows are the best choice for you.
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