D A N I E L B U R N H A M / B U R N H A M F I R M S
THE ROOKERY CHICAGO, IL
Plan of Safety Deposit for Illinois Trust & Savings Bank, Chicago, IL India Ink on Linen Architect: Burnham & Root Undated - Circa 1887 Approximately 34 x 38 inches
The Rookery Building is an historic landmark located in Chicago, IL. Designed by John Wellborn Root and Daniel Burnham, it is considered one of their masterpiece designs and once housed their offices. Twelve stories tall (it's height measures 181 feet) it is considered the oldest standing high-rise in Chicago. It's unique design features exterior load-bearing walls and an interior steel frame. Four wings surround a central light well with curtain walls of white glazed brick horizontally layered with ribbons of windows. A glass roof over the stunning lobby, remodeled in 1907 by Frank Lloyd Wright, enables every part of the building to receive maximum sunlight.
The Rookery was designated a Chicago Landmark on July 5, 1972 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 17, 1970. It was also listed as a National Historic Landmark on May 15, 1975.
Provenance: Burnham & Root and its successor firms Kelmscott Gallery
The Carbide and Carbon Building is perhaps Chicago's best example of the art deco movement. While well known for many attributes, the Carbide is most famous for its distinctive dark green color and the use of gold leaf to highlight the building's top and setbacks. Some have likened it to a giant champagne bottle. Today, the Carbide maintains its distinctive exterior features as well as those in the main lobby. The remainder of the building's interior has been transformed into Chicago's Pendry Hotel.
On May 8, 1996, the building was named a City of Chicago Landmark.
Provenance: D. H. Burnham & Company and its successor firms Kelmscott Gallery
