I remember the first time I saw this magnificent building because I couldn’t believe what I was seeing in downtown Chicago of all places! It reminded me of a castle or a very stately building from another era. This is, “Tribune Tower”.
Built in 1925, this Neo-Gothic style structure originally came about by somewhat of a publicity stunt. The newspaper, “The Chicago Tribune” was celebrating its 75th anniversary in 1922, and wanted to have a brand new headquarters to commemorate the stellar occasion. With what could perhaps be considered as a genius marketing campaign, an architectural contest was held to see who could come up with, “the most beautiful and distinctive office building in the world.”
For the time period, a whopping $50,000 prize was offered to the winning architectural group. That honor was awarded to New York architects John Howells and Raymond Hood. The building is 464 feet tall, and you will love this: to pay homage to the winning architectural group, there are carved statues of Robin Hood (for Raymond Hood) and a howling dog (for John Howells) at the entrance of the building. I don’t think I could have made that up if I tried!
Very impressing building, Cher 🙂
I agree, Irene! It’s such a delightful addition to downtown Chicago! Thank you! Cher xo
A most impressive building, I’ve walked passed it many times when I am visiting Chicago
Isn’t it just, William? Oh have you? I think it fits in quite well with the downtown ‘scheme’! Thank you! Cher xo
Whar an imposing building. Very special and beautiful.
Oh yes, I think so too my dear! Thank you! Cher xo
What a great way to celebrate a birthday! It truly looks like some kind of a castle!
It does, Erika! I love it! Cher xo
I hope to see it one day soon too 😊
Me too, Erika!! Cher xo
😁😁
One of my favorite buildings in the whole world. 🙂
Is it, Doc? That is really nice to hear! Cher xo
Merci monseiur!! 💖 Cher xo
The Tribune is moving out of there, from what I’ve read, and they plan on selling the building. Who knows, in a couple of years it could be Guaranteed Rate Tower or something…
Not that I’m rooting for something like that to happen. I don’t live in Chicago anymore, but the Sears Tower will always be that to me, and Marshall Field’s will always sit on State Street between Randolph and Washington, the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower will always be across the street from each other.
I hadn’t heard about that, John. Yes I do know about the “names” of some buildings, despite the fact the names have changed. It certainly seems to be a very Chicago thing to do and I really get it! LOL Why even this Canadian refers to the Willis as Sears Tower! Cher xo
We lived in Chicago and area until retiring to Door County, WI. Chicago holds many memories for us. Thanks for reminding us of the beautiful Tribune Tower!
Oh did you? Ah, well that is lovely to hear! I do post a lot of photos in and around the Chicago area. Please let me know if there is a building you’d like to see! Cher xo
The Tribune Tower is so striking!! And when I visited they had a banner with the Hawks playing the Jets, and my Winnipeg life was MADE! Such a cool point in the skyline 😍
Ah, that is soooo cool! I sure bet that was an amazing experience!!! Thank you!! Cher xo
As always, the clarity is magnicant! xo
Ah, bless! Why thank you, kind sir! Cher xo
Wow! I like this beautiful building and so glad it is still standing, Cher. I like the idea of the unique carvings, too. 🙂
Me too, Robin! In fact, another interesting tidbit about this building: there are pieces of ‘stone’ from well-known structures all over the world that are implanted into Tribune Tower. I believe they are marked (as they are at ‘street-view’ on the front of the building). I know that there is a piece from the Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, just to name a couple! Must get some photos to post! Thank you, Robin! Cher xo
Oh, my! This really is an amazing and memorable building, Cher! I had not heard of any other buildings doing this, especially so long ago. Just imagine the time it took to send these bits of stone via packages. It makes you wonder, did they mail by plane or by ship? This is a fascinating tidbit! Wow! You’re welcome. xo 💐
Yes, there are small sections of stones from some incredible places around the world. I think the stones were sent ‘back’ to Chicago from Chicago Tribune (newspaper) correspondents around the turn of the century. When the tower was built, they incorporated these stones into the building. You are right, Robin; it’s fascinating! Cher xo
This is awesome Cher. Somehow I lost my way here…Glad I have found you again.
Well my dear, it is wonderful to see you again! I am so glad you are back! Thank you and a huge ‘welcome’!! Cher xo
xo…thank you , your blog never disappoints, it is amazing.
Ah, bless! Thank you so much! That means a lot to me! Cher xo
What a beautiful building!
Isn’t it just, Tonya? I must go inside and take some pics! Cher xo
That sounds like a fantastic idea!
Ah, thank you, Tonya! I shall report back! Cher xo
🙂