27 Oct 2015
LONDON – October 27, 2015 – Chicago has long been a leader in architecture and it all started with the skyscraper. This year marks the 130th anniversary of the world's first skyscraper, The Home Insurance Building, which was erected in 1885 at the corner of Adams and LaSalle in downtown Chicago. Comprised of 10 stories and rising to a height of 138 ft., it was almost as tall as the Rome Coliseum today – not tall by modern standards.
The Home Insurance Building marked the start of an architectural renaissance and today's iconic Chicago skyline is reflective of that history. From some of the world's tallest buildings like Willis Tower (formerly, Sears Tower) to modern glass and steel buildings like the Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago's skyline stands out along the shores of a vast Lake Michigan. It also includes a few unique gems: The Tribune Tower is the result of a design competition hosted by the Chicago Tribune in the 1920s and features fragments of iconic architecture from all over the world on its exterior, including London's Houses of Parliament.
Illinois Office of Tourism Director Cory Jobe said: “Chicago, Illinois, has a diverse collection of classic and contemporary architecture. Whether you take it in by foot, on a boat or from the air, it's a leading draw for visitors from the UK and Ireland.”
Lynn Osmond, President and CEO of Chicago Architecture Foundation said: “Chicago has long been a laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation. From some of the world's earliest skyscrapers, through mid-century modernism and up to the design of innovative high rises of buildings of today, Chicago continues to play a role in influencing the design of the tallest buildings around the world.”
ARCHITECTURE HIGHLIGHTS IN CHICAGO AND BEYOND
Take an Architectural River Cruise. The Chicago Architecture Foundation coordinates more than 85 boat and walking tours, which allow visitors to explore classic buildings to skyscrapers and discover how each one is representative of major developments in architectural technology and design from 1872 to the present day.
Stroll along the newly-opened Riverwalk. Enjoy Chicago's skyline at street level by taking a walk along the Riverwalk, a new series of public footpaths and seating areas along the Chicago River.
Experience the first-ever Chicago Architecture Biennial. The exhibition of architectural innovation is the largest international study of forward-looking contemporary architecture in North America and will run in Chicago until 3 January, 2016. It is featured at sites throughout the city with a hub based at the historic Chicago Cultural Center.
Take in the skyline from more than 100 floors up. Stand 1,353ft above the city on a glass ledge that extends four feet from the 103rd floor at Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower or visit 360 Chicago at the John Hancock Center, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Venture just outside the city to see Frank Lloyd Wright in action. Frank Lloyd Wright used his first home in Oak Park to experiment with design concepts, which is now open to the public and can be accessed via an easy L (Elevated) Train ride from Chicago.
Illinois will be at the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM) in London, 2-5 November 2015, at booth #NA305-H. For further destination information, new trip inspiration ideas, visit: www.enjoyillinois.co.uk.
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The Illinois Office of Tourism directly supports the travel industry by promoting visitor travel both domestically and internationally, to help grow the tourism industry throughout the state. The Illinois Office of Tourism is funded by a percentage of the state's hotel and motel tax revenue.
CONTACT
Christina Peach
+44 020 8618 2921
christina.peach@fleishmaneurope.com
