This Midwest metropolis has plenty of history, and some quirky facts and stories to go along with it.
Chicago River
Chicago effectively redirected the flow of the Chicago River in 1900, causing it to empty into the Mississippi River rather than Lake Michigan. This project was regarded as one of the most complex and groundbreaking engineering projects ever completed, as well as the largest public earth-moving project ever completed. Interesting fact! Every year on St. Patrick's Day, the Chicago River is dyed GREEN!
Willis Tower (Formerly the Sears Tower)
The Home Insurance Company, the world's first skyscraper, was constructed in Chicago in 1885. The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) in Chicago is now the second tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere. It stands 110 meters tall and has some of the world's fastest elevators, with speeds of 1,600 feet per minute! Visitors can see four states from the Skydeck on a clear day: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
The old Kinzie Street Bridge stays lifted
Since boats can't move under it when it's lowered, this old railroad bridge has been designated as a landmark and will remain upright for the rest of its life. This is due to an angry troll who comes out of nowhere and throws banana peels at ship captains who get too close, which could be very dangerous.
The Swirling Waves Of The Aqua Building Reduces Wind Pressure
This funky house, one of the newest additions to the Chicago skyline, features unusual concrete balconies that look like rippling fabric wrapped around the frame, despite being constructed with the same metal, concrete, and glass materials as the others around it. From a distance, Jeanne Gang's structure appears to be surrounded by white waves that move with the wind.
The Marina Bay Towers Were Designed To Be A City Within A City
This building, built in 1967 by architect Bertrand Goldberg, is known in Chicago for its two towers, which are said to resemble giant corn cobs. Goldberg, who believes that there are no right angles in nature, so there should be none in architecture, compared the curved balconies to sunflower petals.
During the Chicago urban exodus, the buildings were planned to be a city within a city to entice residents back to the city. The goal was to entice middle-class Chicagoans who had left the city back by offering them a mixed-use development with everything they need within walking distance of their workplace.
Forever Open, Clear and Free
Lake and oceanfront land is either snatched up by industry or reserved for the richest people in many other American cities. However, Chicago is a unique city. Our city's front yard remains a playground for the people thanks to ideas spelled out in early city land charters, dreams of Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett's 1909 Plan of Chicago, and legal efforts of Aaron Montgomery Ward.
