Wrigley Building, Chicago

Perched along the river, at the bend of Michigan Avenue, is the Wrigley Building, a towering symbol of old Chicago deeply ingrained in the hearts of locals. Renowned for its radiant white exterior, this "Jewel of the Mile" stands majestically, with its grandeur enhanced by the mirrored image in the water when looked at from either the east or west sides.

Yet, the Wrigley Building is more than just a beloved symbol; it encapsulates the essence of Chicago's architectural history up to the 1920s. Designed by the talented young architect Charles Gerhard Beersman, the structure's tripartite division draws inspiration from European traditions, a common practice among Chicago's commercial architects since the city's rebirth following the 1871 fire. Beersman was inspired by the dazzling effects of the 1893 White City designs in Chicago, leading him to embellish the building with sparkling terra-cotta cladding.

He selected six shades of tiles, ranging from creamy white, at the base, to blue-white, at the summit, creating an ascending brilliance. When the night falls, an array of floodlights on adjacent structures bathes the Wrigley Building in a captivating, ever-intensifying luminance. Whether it's noon or midnight, the edifice stands as a brilliant beacon against the sky.

Just next door, at 401 North Wabash Avenue, the mirrored oval Trump International Hotel & Tower reached its peak in September 2008; soaring to 92 stories, it was briefly the second-tallest building in the United States, after the Sears Tower. Initially, Donald Trump had ambitious plans to make it the world's tallest building, but these were scaled back in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Impressively attuned to its surroundings, the tower echoes the curve of the river and pays homage to the Wrigley Building. Inside, it houses a luxurious hotel, opulent condos, and a fine dining establishment.

Tip:
Don't miss the chance to step inside the Wrigley Building's lobby during regular business hours to admire its extensive brasswork.