Downtown Chicago
Chicago’s modern skyscrapers and historic architecture
The city of Chicago is world-famous for its wide range of unique architectural styles. Most of the city’s buildings were destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, so little remains from prior to the fire. The Chicago Water Tower is the most famous exception.
Well known landmarks include many modern skyscrapers, such as the 875 North Michigan Avenue building, formerly known as the John Hancock Center. When the 100 story, 1,128 foot John Hancock Center was completed in 1968, it was the second tallest building in the world. The building includes both residential and commercial space and features the 360 Chicago Observation Deck on the 94th floor, with astounding views of the city and the Lake Michigan shore line.
This photo (left) shows Lake Shore Drive following the Lake Michigan shore line, as seen from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Building.
