07/08/2026
Walking through Chicago sometimes feels like walking through history. Old and new buildings stand side by side, each telling a different story. 🏙️
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1. Continental Illinois Bank Building (The massive Classical Revival landmark partially visible on the far left):
Completed in 1924, this historic symbol of Chicago's financial district features a grand exterior lined with towering Ionic columns and is famous for its breathtaking, cavernous second-floor banking hall filled with magnificent marble structures and classic murals.
2. Aon Center (The tall, solid white rectangular skyscraper on the right):
It is currently the 4th tallest building in Chicago.
When it was completed in 1974 (originally named the Standard Oil Building), it was the world's tallest marble-clad building. However, because the thin Carrara marble couldn't withstand Chicago's harsh, freezing winters, the entire exterior eventually had to be refaced with solid white granite at an incredibly high cost.
3. Two Prudential Plaza (The building in the middle with the distinct pyramidal peak and a soaring antenna spire):
This building is famous for its striking postmodern architecture, particularly its chevron-shaped, stepped peak that lights up beautifully at night.
It has won multiple major architectural design awards for its seamless blend of modern and classic aesthetics.
4. One Prudential Plaza (The shorter building on the left with the "Prudential" logo):
Completed in 1955, this was the very first skyscraper built in Chicago after the Great Depression and World War II, marking the city's grand architectural revival. At the time of its opening, it boasted the highest observation deck in Chicago.
👉 Follow along to explore Chicago with me! ☺️✨
