Patricia J.
Yelp
The Tribune Tower is definitely one of the most beautiful and Historic buildings in Chicago. The architecture is extraordinary, the Gothic skyscraper details absolutely fascinate me. It looks like a towering cathedral with the mysterious and beautiful carvings and high jaw dropping impressive entrance. The original design was completed in 1925, so along with the stunning architecture, this building holds lots of valuable history and amazing memorabilia.
(According to Wikipedia) The tower features carved images of Robin Hood and a howling dog (Howells) near the main entrance. The top of the tower is designed after the Tour de beurre (″butter tower″) of the Rouen Cathedral in France, which is characteristic of the Late-Gothic style, that is to say, without a spire but with a crown-shaped top. Also, among the gargoyles on the Tribune Tower is one of a frog. That piece was created by Rene Chambellan to represent himself jokingly as he is of French ancestry.
On the outside street level of the building are pieces of stones taken from other famous buildings from all around the world such as, The Great Wall of China, The Coliseum, The Pyramids of Egypt, The Berlin Wall, NYC Twin Towers, The Alamo, White House, Notre Dame Cathedral and even the Moon (just to name a few).
As you enter the lobby, you will see a huge map (which was created out of Millions of USA shredded money) and quotes from the 1st Amendment Freedom of Speech engraved on the walls (very similar to the writing of Gettysburg Address that is located in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC)
In the courtyard, you will find the statue of the American Revolutionary, Nathan Hale. If you want to take a look at some of the most stunning views from the Chicago River Walk, you can do so from the 22nd floor if you can get in. It only holds 83 people at a time and is only there for tenants that lease within the building.