THE GREATEST OUTDOOR MUSEUM OF

M O D E R N

A R C H I T E C T U R E

The Sears Tower set against a brilliant Summer sky

The unique architectural landscape we see in the city today grew out of the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire.

Ignited by the city's polluted and rancid river water, fires spread throughout the city like quicksilver. Everything in the downtown core virtually disappeared.

Major sections of Chicago were now gone, and it was up to engineers and architects to rebuild. These visionaries were given complete control over the development and design of buildings, bridges and streets.

The first building constructed in the downtown core after the fire (above) stands on the site of the original Fort Dearborn.

Brass plaques indicate the location of the original foundation markers.

Water tanks started to appear on the top of apartments, stores and restaurants. These remenants of a shattered past now dominate the visual landscape in older sections of Chicago.

Massive construction projects that got underway following the fire's devastation influenced the world's adoption of modern building techniques and styles.

Perched on the water's edge.

Chicago's School of Architecture soon developed as the place to be for young, ambitious architects, city planners & designers.

A city strives to find its way in the new world order...

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