Small space, worth a visit when getting off the train to see other things downtown. The plaques are informative, and not too intense. If you have an affinity for Frank Lloyd Wright, or or are interested in the architectural history of the city, you will not be disappointed.
The Rookery, Chicago
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The Rookery
209 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60604
312 553 6150
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22 visitor photos
Ranked #41 of 334 attractions in Chicago
Type: Architectural Buildings
Owner description:
Set in the heart of Chicago’s financial district, at 209 South LaSalle Street, Daniel Burnham and John Root’s Rookery Building is a Chicago landmark,...
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Owner description:
Set in the heart of Chicago’s financial district, at 209 South LaSalle Street, Daniel Burnham and John Root’s Rookery Building is a Chicago landmark, containing a luminous and brilliantly articulated central light court remodeling by Frank Lloyd Wright.When completed in 1888, The Rookery was one of the most expensive and largest commercial buildings in Chicago, housing more than 600 offices. The building’s name was carried over from a nickname given to the structures that occupied The Rookery site prior to its design. These buildings, Chicago’s temporary city hall and a water tank, were known popularly as “the rookery” because of the many birds that nested there and the likelihood of being “rooked” by the politicians in residence.In 1898, when Frank Lloyd Wright opened his studio in Oak Park, he rented space in The Rookery Building to serve as his downtown Chicago office. In 1905, Wright was commissioned to update the interior design and plan of the light court and lobbies. He realized a stunning balance between Burnham & Root’s ornamental ironwork and his own vision to create a spectacular environment – one of his most dramatic interior compositions.Learn about the building’s fascinating history and the unique contribution of one of America’s greatest architects on the Preservation Trust’s guided tours Monday through Friday at noon.
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Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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See 3 more reviews by Vanwailin for Chicago
South Glastonbury, Connecticut
Senior Reviewer
We visited the Rookery in Chicago. The half hour tour was timely and inexpensive. The guide was knowledgable. It is a beautiful building with great architectural history. I enjoyed the tour, but wished it had covered more than the outside of the building, the lobby and the staircase.
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Elkhorn, Nebraska
Top Contributor
The outside of this building is a gorgeous red-brown stone; inside boasts even more incredible architecture. The lobby is very unique and an attraction of itself; an elaborate marble staircase and winding, suspended iron staircase grace this naturally-lit area. If you go to LaSalle St, you need to swing in here!
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See 19 more reviews by DJ B for Chicago
Indianapolis, Indiana
Senior Contributor
If you love architecture, the Rookery is a worthwhile stop. Daniel Burnham favorite architect designed the building and 2nd favorite Frank Lloyd Wright did some remodelling to the lobby so for me it was a great place.
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See 18 more reviews by jacobtraveler11 for Chicago
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Top Contributor
We were impressed by the space and the architectural influence of Frank Lloyd Wright - however the space was being prepared for a Wedding, so much of it was blocked from public access. If interested in visiting, allow 15-20 minutes. No fee, just walk in.
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See 7 more reviews by Ann W for Chicago
Buckeye in da Windy City
2 reviews
Prepared to be be astonished as you enter this incrediable ebvironment! Do your homework and understand what you are viewing. I often drop in here just for inspiration.
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Des Moines, Iowa
Contributor
Well worth a quick stop. Gorgeous entry and stair case (both of them). First level is free and has a frank Lloyd wright store inside.
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See 5 more reviews by RunningReader for Chicago
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Senior Contributor
One must consider the time in which this was constructed. The space inside to tour is limited. I was smitten with the exterior. Very organic approach the large architecture.
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Springfield, IL
Top Contributor
We visited on a Wednesday which is the day they give a tour of Daniel Burnham's office as well as the lower two floors of the building itself. Since it is a working office building, not a historic site, you are restricted even on the tour as to where you can go. Can see more on the tour than on...
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San Jose, California
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I know that the Rookery is a well established attraction in Chicago and had heard rave reviews. I arrived on a Friday around lunch time. The building is still in use with businesses located in the lobby and upper levels. I did not take a tour. It was nice to see the beautiful design and open feeling of the building,...
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4.5 out of 5, 138 reviewsLast reviewed 19 Jun 2013
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