Chicago - Architecture & Cityscape

Vacation: Feb 2012 [California: Los Angeles: Disneyland Park]

2012-02-17T06:56:00.000-08:00

Disneyland Park,
Anaheim, California.
It is the only theme park to be designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney
Owned and operated by the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts division of the Walt Disney Company. In 1998, the theme park was re-branded "Disneyland Park" to distinguish it from the larger Disneyland Resort complex.

Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.

Dec 5, 2001..
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth, the statue, "partners" is rededicated as a tribute to the Dreams, Creativity and Vision of Walt Disney, whose legacy reaches into a new century around the world and here, "Where the Magib Began".

Vacation: Feb 2012 [Nevada & Arizona: Hoover Dam]

2012-02-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

Hoover Dam and Mike O'Callagham-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge..
on the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the US states of Arizona and Nevada.

O'Callagham-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge..
1,500 ft. downstream from the Hoover Dam.

A Modern Civil Engineering Wonder of United States
One of the seven selected by American Society of Civil Engineers, 1955.
NOTE: Nevada on one side and Arizona on another side, both in different time-zones, an hour apart

Arizona time: 1.30 pm.. when Nevada time is 12. 30 pm..

Lake Mead - A view upstream from Hoover Dam..
The largest reservoir in the United States, located on Colarado River.. in the states of Nevada and Arizona..

Lake Mead

Winged Figures of the Republic.. by Oskar Hansen
in state of Nevada..For more, click here..

Vacation: Feb 2012 [California: Majave Desert: Zzyzx Rd.]

2012-02-15T09:11:00.000-08:00

4.5 miles long road, in Mojave Desert, California..

Vacation: Feb 2012 [Nevada: Las Vegas: Hotel Bellagio - Musical Fountain]

2012-02-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

Feb 13, 2012..
Las Vegas..

Bellagio Musical Fountain..

Vacation: Feb 2012 [Arizona: Grand Canyon]

2012-02-12T21:00:00.000-08:00

Feb. 13, 2012..

Vacation: Feb. 2012 [Los Angeles: Rodeo Drive - Walk of Style]

2012-02-12T05:21:00.000-08:00

Feb 12, 2012

Good Evening Chicago!

2012-01-30T04:04:00.000-08:00

Michigan Avenue Bridge - Facing north..

Michigan Avenue Bridge - Facing South..
Michigan Avenue Bridge, and the Roaring Twenties..

Chicago River..

Wrigley Bldg., with Forever Marilyn..

S. Michigan Ave..

Union Station: Great Hall..

Union Station: Great Hall..

RELATED LINKS..
Michigan Avenue Bridge, and the Roaring Twenties..
Michigan Avenue bridge turns 90 [May 14, 2010]..

Sign of the Season: CAUTION: FALLING in love is nICE!

2012-01-30T03:12:00.000-08:00

Street Art..
CAUTION: FALLING in love is nICE!!!
Location:
Just outside the Art Institute of Chicago..
If the artist ever sees this, plase contact me..

There were other variations..
FALLING mICE, FALLING twICE, FALLING lICE, FALLING rICE...

CAUTION: FALLING twICE!

CAUTION: FALLING mICE!

Cityscape: Winter

2012-01-18T07:12:00.000-08:00

Image taken: Feb 7, 2011..
Location: Museum Campus..

Image taken: Feb 2, 2011..
Blizzard 2011! My neighborhood - Hassell Road..

Image taken: Jan 12, 2009..
Location: Museum Campus - Adler Planetarium Plaza..

Image taken: Feb 6, 2008..
Location: Ice Rink, Millennium Park..

Image taken: Feb 15, 2007..
Location: Museum Campus - Adler Planetarium Plaza..

Image taken: Feb 15, 2007..
Location: Museum Campus - Field Museum..

Image taken: Dec 3, 2006...
Location: My neighborhood...

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

2011-12-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

City Hall - Cook County Bldg.

City Hall - Cook County Bldg.

Wish you A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year..

Caroling at Art Institute of Chicago..

Art Institute Lions decked with Christmas wreaths..

Macy's at State Street..

Chicago Union Station..

Old Town Triangle District

2011-11-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

Old Town Triangle District..
Address: Bounded by Lincoln Ave., North Ave., Wells Street, and the former Ogden right-of-way..
Year Built: 1871-1900
Architects: Various
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: September 28, 1977..

The Chicago Landmarks website informs.. click here..
This area was settled in the 1850s by German immigrants, whose community life centered around St. Michael's Church. Fire of 1871, however, destroyed all of the houses and most of the church. Small frame Worker's-style Cottages were built again, until a city ordinance was enacted that prohibited further wood construction. Brick and stone were then used to construct larger houses; the district's eastern portion was developed with rowhouses and apartment buildings. In the 1940s, a renewal of community concern brought about one of the nation's earliest neighborhood revitalization efforts, which helped preserve this area's narrow tree-lined streets and distinctive architectural character.

The marker reads..
Old Town's Early Settlers..
In the 1830s, the marshland of what is today known as Old Town was settled by a group of Roman Catholic immigrants from Southern Germany. As farmers and labourers, the settlers converted mainland into meadows and gardens, growing cabbage, celery and potatoes. The area became known as Cabbage Patch. The German heritage of the sttlers was celebrated with building of churches, concert halls, saloons, brewries and other businesses. After the Great Chicago Fire, the area was renamed North Town. In the 1950s, the neighborhood was designated as Old Town by the City of Chicago..

St. Michael's Church..
Completed: 1869
Architect: August Wallbaum..
Address: 1633 N Cleveland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614..
St. Michael's Church is a Roman Catholic church.. The parish was founded to minister to the German Catholic immigrants in 1850's.. The church is one of 7 buildings to 'survive' the path of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, although it was heavily damaged. While most of Old Chicago's infrastructure was made of wood, the church was made of brick which helped it survive the fire.. However, only portions of the building survived, like the stone. The church was quickly rebuilt within about two years..
# For more on St. Michael's Church.. click here..

The Second City..
Address: 1616 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614..
The facade features portraits of famous Germans. It is the salvaged piece from the Garrick Theater [originally Schiller Theater at 64 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601] which was torn down in 1960. There was a huge outcry to save the historic Garrick/Schiller theater built by Adler & Sullivan in 1891. A large portion of the facade, with portraits of famous Germans, was saved and was later incorporated into the entranceway of the Second City Theater.

In 1959, the first Second City show premiered at 1842 North Wells Street and moved to 1616 North Wells in 1967. It is famous for improvisational comedy, which originated here and later expanded to several other cities, including Toronto and Los Angeles.. In the mid-1970s, Second City became a source of cast members for Saturday Night Live and SCTV, which borrowed many of the writing and performing techniques pioneered by the Second City.

Piper's Alley Mall ..
Piper's Alley Mall holds many shops and theaters like, Piper's Alley movie theater, Loews Cineplex theater, Second City Theatre, as well as a smaller Second City stage, called Second City, Etc. Other places of interest in the mall are..Black Orchid Supper Club, Sony Multiplex as well as restaurants and a Starbucks. Piper's Alley Theater is known for playing some "indie" flicks and fare that other Loews Theatres don't show..

Up Down Cigar..
Opened: 1963
Address: 1550 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
Between Burton Pl & North Ave..
A brief outline of it's origins can be traced from the marker outside the shop, shown below..

Old Town's Enterprenurial Spirit..
[Marker outside Up Down Tobacco reads..]
From 1870 through the 1800's, Henry Piper, one of Old Town's earliest entreprenuers, operated a successful bakery in a narrow alley. RToday the building, at Wells and North, is known as Piper's Alley. The existing house located at 1546 North Wells was built in 1874 an was the site of coal yard. Farmers returning house from doing business downtown would stop and water their horses at the trough provided in the yard. In the 1920's German carpenter Louis Seipp, operated his woodworking business from the site and raised his family in the house. The contemporary entreprenuer spirit of Old Town is represented by Up Down Tobacco Shop, which opened in 1963. Located at 1550 North Wells, the Up Down Tobacco Shop is an Old Town institution specializing in fine tobaccos.

Old Town Aquarium..
Address: 1538 N Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60610..
Founded in 1975, Chicago’s Old Town Aquarium is famous for it's variety of fresh and salt water fish and aquariums..

Yondorf Block and Hall..
Architect: Frederick Ahlschlager
Year Built: 1887
Address: 758 W. North Ave.
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: July 25, 2001..
The Yondorf Block and Hall is an important example of a "public hall" building, in 19th-century Chicago that typically contained meeting rooms used by civic and fraternal organizations. The building is unusual in that it contains a rare surviving second-story theater that is virtually intact. The theater is used by Steppenwolf Theater.

Old Town Ale House..
Address: 219 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60610..
Opened: 1958..

Mizu Yakitori and Sushi Lounge..
315 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60610
Old Town sushi bar specializes in yakitori dishes, or chicken, beef and vegetables grilled on skewers.

Old Town Gates..
Although I've seen several photographs of these gates, I could never find out any information on it.. When was they installed? Any significance? Any information is always welcome!

It is interesting to note that unlike most of Chicago's streets and alleys, those in Old Town do not adhere to a grid pattern. That's because these streets and alleys predate the Great Chicago Fire.

Lake View neighborhood [Terra Cotta Row District]

2011-11-19T06:10:00.000-08:00

1048 W Oakdale Avenue.. in Terra Cotta Row District, designated as Chicago Landmark..

In early 1900s, many Chicago residential buildings had ornate terra cotta ornamentation on building facades. One of the prominent names in making terra cotta trimmings was Northwestern Terra Cotta Co. Prominent Chicago architects like Louis Sullivan and Frank llyod Wright had extensive contracts with the company. It has the distinction of providing decorative moldings from many Chicago Landmarks like Civic Opera House, Chicago Theater, Wrigley Building, and Randolph Tower. In a charming Lake View neighborhood, there are four residential buildings forming "Terra Cotta Row District", with ornamentation by Northwestern Terra Cotta Company - designated a Chicago Landmark in 2005...

Terra Cotta Row District..
Includes four houses..
1048, 1054, 1057 and 1059 W. Oakdale Ave... and ...
Terra-cotta wall at 1040-1042, 1048 and 1059 W. Oakdale Ave.
Year Built: 1887 - 1901
Architect: Various
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: September 14, 2005..

The Chicago Landmarks website describes..
This small district of four residential buildings and an ornamental wall is noteworthy for its association with the Northwestern Terra Cotta Company and its shared use of ornate terra-cotta ornamentation. The buildings and unusual terra-cotta walls were built by Northwestern Terra Cotta Company executives and exemplify changing taste in architectural styles, from Queen Anne to Viennese Modern. Northwestern Terra Cotta was one of three major terra-cotta manufacturing companies located in Chicago in the heyday of architectural terra-cotta manufacture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The district also exemplifies the company's importance to the Lake View neighborhood, from which were drawn many of the company's employees..

1057 W Oakdale Avenue..

1059 W Oakdale Avenue..

1048 W Oakdale Avenue..

1054 W Oakdale Avenue..

From the encyclopedia of Chicago..
Northwestern Terra Cotta Co.
Founded in Chicago in 1878 by a group of investors including John R. True, this company became a major producer of terra cotta trimmings used by the construction industry. By the early 1890s, when Northwestern Terra Cotta employed approximately 500 men, annual sales approached $600,000. By 1910, its large plant at Clybourn and Wrightwood Avenues had about 1,000 workers. The popularity of placing terra cotta moldings on building facades peaked in the 1920s, and Northwestern Terra Cotta led the way, in Chicago and around the country. Around this time, the company opened plants in St. Louis and Denver. Beginning with Louis Sullivan earlier in the century, prominent Chicago architects like Frank Lloyd Wright had extensive contracts with the company. Included among the many landmark Chicago buildings for which Northwestern supplied extensive decorative moldings were the Civic Opera House, the Chicago Theater, the Wrigley Building, and the Randolph Tower. Northwestern's operations in Chicago declined alongside the construction industry during Great Depression and never returned to their 1920s levels. In 1965, Northwestern Terra Cotta Co.'s only remaining plant, in Denver, closed.

Some of the terra cotta ornamentation of these houses..

1057 W Oakdale Avenue..

1059 W Oakdale Avenue..

1048 W Oakdale Avenue..

1054 W Oakdale Avenue..

Boundrywall at 1048 W Oakdale Avenue..
Interestingly, two of these four houses [that make for the Chicago landmark Terra Cotta Row District], have similar boundrywalls.. These are 1059 W Oakdale Ave. and 1048 W Oakdale Avenue..

1059 W Oakdale Avenue..

1048 W Oakdale Avenue..

Lake View Neighborhood [Terra Cotta Row District : 1059 W Oakdale Avenue]

2011-11-18T06:21:00.000-08:00

Continued from above post, "Terra Cotta Row District", designated a Chicago Landmark..
1059 W Oakdale Avenue..
Terra Cotta District..
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: September 14, 2005..

Sculptural Ornamentation: Fragments from Garrick Theatre

2011-11-14T13:05:00.000-08:00

Portrait bust on 827-831 N Dearborn Street..

Portrait busts on 827-831 N Dearborn Street..

Salvaged portrait busts from the demolished Garrick Theater..
Garrick Theater, or originally the Schiller Theatre was designed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler of the Adler & Sullivan firm. At the time of construction it was one of the tallest buildings in Chicago, with a magnificient 1,300 seat theater. In 1903, it was named Garrick Theater. In 1960, the Schiller/Garrick Theater was razed to ground and replaced by parking garage. The demolition instigated large outcry and is said to be the first wide spread preservation efforts in Chicago!

Some parts of the sculptural ornamentation, mainly the salvaged portrait busts, can be seen on some buildings in the city. These portrait busts are attributed to Richard Bock.

827-831 N Dearborn Street..
2421 N. Geneva Terrace..
1945 N Lincoln Ave...
The Second City Theater

2421 N. Geneva Terrace..

Portrait busts on 2421 N. Geneva Terrace..

Portrait bust on 2421 N. Geneva Terrace..

Portrait busts on 2421 N. Geneva Terrace..

Portrait busts on 2421 N. Geneva Terrace..

1945 N Lincoln Ave..

Portrait busts on 1945 N Lincoln Ave..

Portrait bust on 1945 N Lincoln Ave..

Portrait bust on 1945 N Lincoln Ave..
When I took these photographs of portrait busts on 1945 N Lincoln Ave., I had no idea that these were fragments from the Garrick Theater. Much later I found out these are salvaged fragments from the now demolished Garrick Theater.

Portrait busts on 1945 N Lincoln Ave..

Second City Theater..

Portrait busts on Second City Theater..

Portrait busts on Second City Theater..

The Second City Theater..
Address: 1616 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614..
The facade features portraits of famous Germans. These are the salvaged piece from the Garrick Theater. Although noone knows for sure, who these portrait busts represnt, but Bob Burton has convincingly identified at least four busts found on the Second City theater..
Read the article, Who are the Overseers of The Second City Comedy Theater in Chicago? by R. M. “Bob” Burton, click here..

Giacomo Meyerbeer..

Fritz Reuter..

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart..

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing...

The Special Exhibit at Chicago Cultural Center, on Louis Sullivan's works..
"Louis Sullivan's Idea".. had some fragments from the Garrick Theater..

Lincoln Park [Reebie Storage Warehouse]

2011-11-07T04:42:00.000-08:00

Address: 2325-33 N.Clark St.
Year Built: 1921 - 1922
Architect: George S. Kingsley
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: September 1, 1999..

Chicago Landmark..
Reebie Storage Warehouse
George Kinsley, architect
1920-21..
Noted for its highly accurate use of ancient Egyptian imagery and hieroglyphics, this building represents one of the nation's best examples of pure academic-style Egyptian Revival commercial architecture. It was built by a storage and moving company founded by John and William Reebie, who are represented by the twin statues of Pharaoh Ramses II. The terra cotta ornament was crafted by sculptor Fritz Albert.
Designated on Sep 1, 1999.
Richard M. Daley, Mayor
Commission on Chicago Landmarks..

The building was built by a storage and moving company, founded by John and William Reebie. They are represented by the twin statues of Pharaoh Ramses II flanking the main entrance.

Below are some of the details of the thecolorful, terra cotta ornament on the exterior. It was crafted by sculptor Fritz Albert.

I am not sure if anyone can enter into the lobby. I certainly did not go inside the building. However, The Chicago Landmarks website informs..
The interior lobby includes art glass windows, decorative metalwork, lotus-leaf column capitals, and plaster reliefs depicting ancient Egyptians moving grain on barges..

Alta Vista Terrace District [Part - I]

2011-11-03T04:56:00.000-07:00

Address: One block long street, running north-south, located 3800 north, 1050 west Chicago. Runs between W Grace Street on the south and W Byron Street on the north.
Year Built: 1900 - 1904
Architect: Various
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: September 15, 1971..

The Chicago Landmark website descibes..
This street represents one of the last real estate developments of Samuel Eberly Gross, a highly colorful realtor responsible for the construction of thousands of houses in the Chicago area. Sometimes called "A Street of Forty Doors", Alta Vista Terrace displays a lively variety of architectural styles and detail, yet every townhouse on one side is duplicated with only minor variations at the diagonally opposite end of the block.

Chicago Landmark
Alta Vista Terrace District
1900-1904..
Alta Vista Terrace displays a lively variety of architectural styles and detail, yet every townhouse on one side is duplicated with only minor variations at the diagonally opposite end of the block. The distinctly human scale creates a unity and harmony rarely found elsewhere in the city.
Designated a Chicago Landmark on September 15, 1971
By the City Council of Chicago
Richard J. Daley, Mayor
Commission on Chicago Historical and Architectural Landmarks..

W Grace Street and Alta Vista Terrace..

W Byron Street and Alta Vista Terrace..

There are twenty pair of diagonally opposite matching houses. I have organized them in two parts..
NOTE: The west side of the street has even address numbers [3800 to 3846] and the east side of the street has odd address numbers [3801 to 3847] ..

Alta Vista Terrace District: Part I..
Alta Vista Terrace District: Part II..

[1] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3800 and 3847..
3800: First house from Grace Street
and it's diagonally opposite..
3847: First house from Byron Street

[2] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3802 and 3845..

[3] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3806 and 3843..

[4] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3808 and 3839..

[5] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3810 and 3837..

[6] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3812 and 3835..
Also notice the matching rectangular stained glass fanlight decorations, as shown in image below....

[7] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3814 and 3833..

[8] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3818 and 3831..

[9] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3820 and 3827..

[10 and 11] In the center are matching houses across the street..
3822 and 3824 on one side.. and
3823 and 3825 on the other side..
3822 and 3825 match diagonally..
3823 and 2834 match diagonally..

One of the most amusing Chicago Landmarks!

Related Links..
Alta Vista Terrace District: Part I..
Alta Vista Terrace District: Part II..

Alta Vista Terrace District [Part - II]

2011-11-03T04:36:00.000-07:00

This post is a continuation from the earlier post..Alta Vista Terrace District: Part I.. click here..

[12] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3826 and 3821..

[13] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3830 and 3819..

[14] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3832 and 3817..

[15] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3834 and 3813..

[16] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3836 and 3811..

[17] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3838 and 3809..

[18] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3842 and 3807..

[19] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3844 and 3805..

[20] Diagonally opposite matching houses.. 3846 and 3801..

Old Town [St. Michael's Church]

2011-10-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

St. Michael's Church..
Completed: 1869.. Most of the building was destroyed in the 1871 Chicago Fire, but the walls and tower survived and the rest was rebuilt within about two years.
Architect: August Wallbaum
Location: Old Town neighborhood of Chicago..
Address: 1633 N Cleveland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614..
St. Michael's Church is a Roman Catholic church.. The parish was founded to minister to the German Catholic immigrants in 1850's..

St Michael's Anchangel..
Assist us in our battles against evils of the day..

It's website informs..
St. Michael in Old Town was started by the Diocese of Chicago to serve the many German immigrants who had come to Chicago. As these immigrants settled in Chicago, they moved into the area north of the Chicago River known today as “Old Town.” The Archdiocese authorized the founding of St. Michael Parish in 1852, and a committee was established to organize the new parish, which was to be located near North Avenue and Larrabee Street. Michael Diversey, a prosperous immigrant brewer donated a small plot of land at North Avenue and Church Street (later to become Hudson Street) for the newly founded St. Michael’s parish. With property in hand, the committee set about to build a modest house of worship. With the bishop’s consent, the new parish was named for St. Michael, under the patronage of the archangel and in gratitude for Michael Diversey’s land donation...

The church was one of 7 buildings to 'survive' the path of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, although it was heavily damaged. While most of Old Chicago's infrastructure was made of wood, the church was made of brick which helped it survive the fire.. However, only portions of the building survived, like the stone. The church was quickly rebuilt.

It's website informs.. ..
The task of rebuilding began within a week, and a wooden combination church and school was erected. The roof was complete in October 1872, and on October 12, 1873, the rebuilt St. Michael’s church was consecrated and rededicated. St. Michael’s was one of the first Chicago churches to rise again from the ashes of the Great Fire. On January 30, 1876, the five bells in the as-yet unfinished church tower rang out officially for the first time. The original tower bells had melted into a bronze mass and collapsed into the church building as the roof blazed. The new bells were blessed and dedicated and were named: St. Michael, St. Mary, St. Joseph, St. Alphonsus, and St. Theresa...
As the 20th century began, work began on redecorating the church’s interior...

Pilsen Murals [Hector Duarte's House]

2011-10-06T04:31:00.000-07:00

Hector Duarte's House..
Address: 1900 West Cullerton Street, Chicago, IL 60608.

Hector Duarte was born in 1952 in Caurio, Michoacan, Mexico and lives and works in Chicago and Mexico. A prominent name in Mexican's muralist tradition, his paintings and prints have been exhibited at numerous venues such as, the School of the Art Institute, the State of Illinois Gallery, the Chicago Historical Society, and the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, and Casa Estudio Museo Diego Rivera in Mexico. Duarte has received numerous awards, including a 1995 Chicago Bar Association Award for best work of public art and a 1994 National Endowment for the Arts Regional Artists’ Project Grant.

Duarte's house is really is a piece of Public Art. The mural represents the struggles of a Mexican immigrant. He tends to use bright colors in the Mexican tradition.

In Duarte's work, one can often see the use of symbols and images that characterize the life to Latinos in the U.S, like images of corn, images from the Day of the Dead, and the Loteria game..

Cathedral District, Chicago [Holy Name Cathedral]

2011-10-03T04:49:00.000-07:00

Holy Name Cathedral
Address: 735 N. State St, Chicago..
Seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago..
Completed: 1874
Architects: Patrick Charles Keely, HJ Schlacks, Charles Murphy, Joseph McCarthy ...
Architectural Style: Gothic revival
The cathedral features motifs meant to instill an ambience of physically dwelling in the biblical "Tree of Life."

The massive bronze doors has the "Tree of Life" theme with intricate details. The doors possess a hydraulic system that allows them to be opened with the push of a finger.

The bronze and the glass screen which separates the foyer from the main church. It was designed by Albert J. Friscia.

Suspended Resurrection Crucifix..
Sculpted by Ivo Demetz.

The lectern.. It features a bronze sculpture by Eugenio de Courten depicting allegories of Matthew [angel], Mark [lion], Luke [ox], and John [eagle].

The five bas reliefs behind the altar were executed in 1969 by Atilo Selva. They depict Simeon contemplating the baby Jesus at his presentation to the Temple, the mystery of the Trinity, the resurrection of Jesus, the naming and circumcision of Jesus, and Jesus dressed as a priest for mass.

Adorning the walls of the nave are the Stations of the Cross by artist Goffredo Verginelli depicting the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ. The stations are cast in bronze and framed in red Rocco Alicante marble.

The abstract stained glass windows were made in Milan, Italy. The stained glass windows are dark red and blue near the main entrance and gradually turn gold and white as they approach the altar.

The Organ...
I found some interesting information from it's official website on the musical instruments ...
The entire instrument for the Cathedral was handmade at the workshops of Flentrop Orgelbouw in Zaandam, Holland, including the hand carved decorations, pipe shades and gilded facade pipes. The organ case is made entirely of solid French oak, quarter-sawn. Both the playing action and the stop action are mechanical. The wind system consists of three wedge-bellows, supplying a wind pressure of 78mm for the manuals, and 80mm for the pedal. The temperament is equal at A-440.The instrument comprises 71 stops, 117 ranks, 5,558 pipes, distributed over four manuals and pedal.

Ceiling details..

REFERENCES..
Chicago Architecture Info.: Holy Name Cathedral..

Chicago's West Side [St. Ignatius College Prep Building..]

2011-09-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

St. Ignatius College Prep Building..
Year Built: 1869; West addition, 1874
Architect: Toussaint Menard , John P. Huber..
Address: 1076 W. Roosevelt Road
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: March 18, 1987..

Excerpt from Chicago Landmarks website...
The culmination of Father Arnold J. Damen, S.J.'s work in Chicago, this building was opened in 1870 as St. Ignatius College. Loyola University originated from this institution but, since 1922, St. Ignatius has operated solely as a college preparatory school. The Second Empire-style edifice is among the oldest in the city, a rare and distinctive example of institutional designs pre-dating the Chicago Fire of 1871.

Where..
AMDG stands for Ad majorem Dei gloriam
[For the Greater Glory of God]
IHS stands for inque hominum salutem
[Salvation of Humanity]
For the Greater Glory of God and Salvation of Humanity..

The school was founded in Chicago in 1870 by Fr. Arnold Damen, S.J., a Belgian missionary to the United States. The school is coeducational, Catholic, college preparatory and sponsored by the Society of Jesus [the Jesuits].

The building is a rare example of Second Empire Style building in Chicago. What's equally interesting is the sculptural fragments in the campus..
Notable are..

Giant flowerpot, which is made of fragment from Chicago Stock Exchange Building..
Bas-Relief, which is remains from the Chicago Stadium..

The 10-foot tall flowerpot, is made up of the portion of cornice from [now demolished] Stock Exchange Building [by Adler and Sullivan]..

Details on the flowerpot.. Definitely Louis Sullivan sculptural ornamentation..

Bas-relief is from the Chicago Stadium.. It's not sure who made these sculptural work..

St. Ignatius Prep School is next to Holy Family Church..

City Hall-County Building: Interiors

2011-09-08T04:27:00.000-07:00

City Hall entrance..

Cook County entrance..

City Hall-County Building..
Address: 121 N. LaSalle St./118 N. Clark St.
Year Built: 1905-08 and 1909-11
Architect: Holabird & Roche
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: January 21, 1982..
City Hall and Cook County, share the same building. Here are some images highlighting the interiors of the building..
Let the images speak for themselves..

Doors..

Door details..

Walls..

Wall details..

Water fountain..

Water fountain details..

Corridors..

Ceiling details..

COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES:
The building has many beautiful bronze commemorative tablets..

The iroquois Memorial Tablet..
In Memoriam..
The American Creed..

The Iroquois Memorial Tablet, by Lorado Taft.. For more, click here..

"In Memoriam" plaque.. For more, click here..

The American's Creed.. For more, click here..

The City of Chicago Seal..

Cook County Seal..
- The outline in the center of the Seal is a map of Cook County.
- The scroll bearing the legend January 1831 represents the time the County was created by the State Legislature.
- The ship sailing on Lake Michigan is symbolic of the County's geographical location as a shipping port and a center for all transportation.
- The group of diversified buildings are symbolic of the Government, schools, churches, fine arts, dwellings, business and industry which comprise the County.
- The entire design is encircled by a border with the printed words "Seal of Cook County."

RELATED LINKS..
# City Hall-County Building ..

City Hall-County Bldg. [The Iroquois Memorial Plaque - by Lorado Taft]

2011-09-07T23:45:00.000-07:00

Lorado Taft
The Iroquois Memorial Tablet [1912]
The bronze bas-relief plaque was created by Lorado Taft, a renowned Chicago sculptor, to commemorate the Iroquois Theater Fire of 1903. The fire, which broke out during the performance of Mr. BlueBeard, calimed more than 600 lives. The tablet originaly adorned the waiting room of the Iroquois Memorial Hospital and was recovered in the basement of the City hall decades after the hospital had closed.
Mr. Taft selected Sympathy, personified as a woman, as the central figure of the tablet to introduce a procession of humanity, some of the Takers, some of them Givers, but all of them deeply impressed by the significance of the dominating figure [of Sympathy].
The commemorative inscription was commissioned by The Union League Club of Chicago.

RELATED LINKS..
# City Hall-County Building ..

City Hall-County Bldg. [ "In Memoriam" plaque]

2011-09-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

A bronze plaque honors those who lost their lives in World War I and World War II. The plaque reads..
In Memoriam. Erected by the City of Chicago in honor and in grateful recognition of the gallant and meritorious services of the Soldiers, Sailors, & Marines. Citizens of Chicago who sacrificed their lives in World Wars I - II. 1917-1918. 1941-1945..

The base of the plaque depicts soldiers marching with the flag on either side of a battle scene while an angel rests on top.

RELATED LINKS..
# City Hall-County Building ..

City Hall-County Bldg. [The American's Creed plaque]

2011-09-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

The American's Creed..
I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.
- William Tyler Page..

RELATED LINKS..
# City Hall-County Building ..

City Hall-County Building..

2011-09-06T22:58:00.000-07:00

City Hall-County Building..
Address: 121 N. LaSalle St./118 N. Clark St.
Year Built: 1905-08 and 1909-11
Architect: Holabird & Roche
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: January 21, 1982..

City Hall and County Building is actually one building which serves two purposes and has two addresses. The City Hall occupies the west half of the building with entrance at 121 N LaSalle Street. The County Building occupies the east half is the building with entrance at 118 N Clark Street. This beautiful Classical Revival-style building has beautiful exterior as well as interior..

In 2001 the roof gardens were completed, designed by noted "green" architect William McDonough. However the green roof is not open to the public.

One of the most beautiful interiors that I've seen. Beautiful corridors with elaborate marble stairways and bronze tablets honoring the past city halls of Chicago from 1837 to the present..
For more on City Hall-County Bldg. Interiors, click here..

The American's Cred..

COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES:
The building has many beautiful bronze commemorative tablets..

The iroquois Memorial Tablet..
In Memoriam..
The American Creed..

Sculptural Reliefs..

City Hall entrance features four relief panels sculpted in granite by John Flanagan. Each of the panels represents one of four principal concerns of city government: playgrounds, schools, parks, and water supply..
For more.. click here..

County Building entrance also has four relief panels.. Two by Carl Beil and Leon Hermant.. and two by Hermon Atkins MacNeil..
For more.. click here..

Fasces, symbolizing, power and jurisdiction and "strength through unity"..
For more, click here..

Y-symbol [rather inverted Y-symbol]
at the City-Hall-County Building..
One of many sculptural ornamentation on the City Hall-County Building is the seal of Chicago by Hermon Atkins MacNeil.. It's on the east entrance or the County Building entrance, and it features the inverted Y-symbol.. Although the actual seal of Cook County does not have Y-symbol.
# For more.. click here..

RELATED LINKS..
# City Hall-County Building ..
# City Hall - Sculptural reliefs..
# County Building - Sculptural Reliefs..
# City Hall-County Building - interiors..
# Y-symbol in City Hall-County Building..

County Building - Sculptural reliefs

2011-09-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

City Hall-County Building is actually one building which serves two purposes. The City Hall occupies the west half of the building with and County Building occupies the east half is the building. Correspondingly there are two entrances..

East entrance or County Building Entrance..
This post is about the relief sculptures on the County Building entrance.. There are four relief panels..Of these two are by Carl Beil and Leon Hermant.. and.. two are seals of Cook County by Hermon Atkins MacNeil..

Sculptural ornamention by Carl Beil and Leon Hermant..

The seal of Cook County by Hermon Atkins MacNeil..

Wonder why the seal on the facade differs from the real cook county seal as shown on the carpet inside.. For details.. click here..

RELATED LINKS..
# City Hall-County Building ..

City Hall - Sculptural Reliefs..

2011-09-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

City Hall-County Bldg.
City Hall-County Building is actually one building which serves two purposes. The City Hall occupies the west half of the building and the County Building occupies the east half is the building. Correspondingly there are two entrances..

West Entrance or City Hall Entrance..
This post is about the relief sculptures on the City Hall entrance. There are four relief panels sculpted in granite by John Flanagan.. Each of the panels represents one of four principal concerns of city government: city playgrounds, public schools, the park system, and water supply system...

City Hall-County Bldg. [Sculptural reliefs: Fasces]

2011-09-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

City Hall-County Building: Fasces..

Fasces on City hall entrance..

Fasces on Cook County entrance..

RELATED LINKS..
# City Hall-County Building ..

Y-symbol at City Hall-County Building

2011-09-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

Y-symbol or rather Inverted Y-symbol..
City Hall-County Building..
Sculptural ornamentation on the east entrance or the County Building entrance..
Seal of Cook County..
By Hermon Atkins MacNeil..

However, the actual seal of Cook County does not have the Y-symbol, as seen on the carpet at the entrance of the building.. I have no idea as to why the sculptural seal on the Cook County building facade is different from the actual seal of the Cook County.. Artistic license? Maybe!

RELATED LINKS..
# City Hall-County Building ..
# Y-symbol....

River North: Medinah Temple

2011-08-31T01:28:00.000-07:00

NOTE.. Originally posted: March, 2009..
Reposted: August 31, 2011, with all new images...

Medinah Temple..
Address: 600 N. Wabash Ave.
Year Built: 1912
Architect: Huehl & Schmid ..
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: June 27, 2001..
Bloomingdale has taken over this building since 2003..

One of the most distinctive buildings on the Near North Side of Chicago, Medinah Temple is considered one of the nation's finest examples of a Middle Eastern-style Shirine temple. The plethora of Islamic and Middle Eastern ornament on the temple's exterior gives it a sense of exotic fantasy well-suited to the Shrine rituals for which the building was constructed.
Some details..

To REITERATE: NOTE..
This article was originally posted: March, 2009..
Reposted: August 31, 2011, with all new images...

River North: Tree Studios, Annexes, and Courtyard

2011-08-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

Tree Studio, State Street and Ohio Street..

Tree Studio, State Street and Ontario Street..

Tree Studios, Annexes, and Courtyard..
Address: 601-623 N. State St./4-10 E. Ohio St./3-7 E. Ontario St.

Year Built..
State Street building, 1894..
Ohio Street annex, 1912..
Ontario Street annex, 1913 ..
Architects..
State Street building, Parfitt Brothers, with Bauer & Hill..
Ohio Street and Ontario Street annexes, Hill & Woltersdorf..
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark..
State Street building, February 26, 1997,
Ohio Street and Ontario Street annexes and courtyard, June 27, 2001..

Intended as a home for artists at the turn of the century, the Tree Studios was constructed by philanthropists Judge and Mrs. Lambert Tree using the finest craftsmanship and details of the period.

The original 1894 building facing State Street was designed in a Queen Anne style and is lined with retail storefronts that provided rental income that subsidized the rents for the artists' studios. The 1912 and 1913 annexes built on Ohio and Ontario Streets were designed in the English Arts & Crafts style.

The building's large windows, picturesque details, and distinctive interior courtyard instantly made it a unique cultural oasis and home to many significant artists, including sculptors Albin Polasek and John Storrs; illustrator J. Allen St. John; muralist John Warner Norton; painters Ruth Van Sickle Ford, James Murray Haddow, and Pauline Palmer; and actors Peter Falk and Burgess Meredith. The nation's oldest-known artist studios, the building complex is one of the most distinctive features of the River North neighborhood..

At the entrances of the original studio building, a pair of heads, one male and one female are carved into stone ornamentation. The heads are of
- [image above] Judge Lambert Tree
- [image below] His wife Anna Field Tree [daughter of Marshall Field]

Tree Studio, State Street..

Ohio Street Annex..

Ontario Street Annex, now the home of Metropolitan Capital..
Over each window, is the curved pediment, at the center of which is a tree on a shield and two lines from poem..
Art is long, Time is fleeting
So be up and doing, still achieving, still pursuing..
- A Psalm of Life, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow..

Bas Relief, Ontario Street Annex..

River North [Bas Relief on Tree Studios, Annexes and Courtyard..]

2011-08-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

I am very curious..
What's the story behind this?
It's part of the bas relief on Ontario Street Annex of the Tree Studios, Annexes, and Courtyard, click here..

Who are these people?

One of the most annoying pay-for-parking sign, just in front of this beautiful relief work..

Tree Studio, Ontario Street Annex

RELATED LINKS..
# River North: Tree Studios, Annexes, and Courtyard..
# River North: Medinah Temple...
# River North..

Old St. Patrick's Church

2011-08-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Old St. Patrick's Church..
Completed: 1856
Architects: Two of Chicago’s earliest practicing architects Augustus Bauer and Asher Carter..
Location: 700 West Adams Street..
Chicago, IL 60661..

Founded by Irish immigrants in 1846, Old St. Patrck's is the first English-speaking parish in the city. It is one of the few buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Its survival makes it the oldest public building in the City of Chicago.
Today, Old St. Patrick's is known for hosting an annual summer block party, which it said to be the "world's largest" [very controversial claim]..

Stained Glass Windows..
It's website informs [click here]..
Inspired by the Celtic art exhibit at the Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the Book of Kells in Ireland, Thomas A. O’Shaughnessy designed, constructed, and personally installed the 15 beautiful stained-glass windows of Old St. Patrick’s between 1912 and 1922. The 12 side windows were inspired by the Celtic designs of Ireland's Book of Kells. The final triptych windows, done in an art nouveau style and installed in the eastern facade of the church, are the “Faith, Hope & Charity” windows, also known as the Terrence MacSwiney Memorial Triptych. In 1977, Old St. Patrick's was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Terrence MacSwiney Memorial Triptych..
“Faith, Hope & Charity” windows - by Thomas A. O’Shaughnessy..

"Hope" stained glass window, by Thomas A. O’Shaughnessy.. Below are some details of this beautiful art nouveau style window..

Old St. Patrick's Church..

Just across the road from the church is the Heritage Green Park. It has this sculpture "Grainne", by Maurice Harron..

"Grainne", by Maurice Harron..
A Gift from the City of Galway, Ireland; to the Sister City of Chicago..

New York City: Brooklyn Bridge

2011-08-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Brooklyn Bridge plaque..

Brooklyn Bridge "National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark" plaque..

The Brooklyn Bridge, 1867 - 1883..
Inscription...
The Brooklyn Bridge, the largest suspension bridge in the world at the time it was built, was the first to span the East River. Designed and constructed by John A. Roebling and his son, Washington A. Roebling, the bridge spans 3,461 feet and rises 133 feet from the river below. The steel cablework, strung across two monumental stone towers, is fixed at both ends in stone anchorages. The Brooklyn Bridge, a structure of beauty, was a milestone in the history of American Engineering.
Erected 1991 by New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation..

1977 The Career Wheels..
Inscribed..
For the cable spinning, wire was looped around a carrier wheel hung from the traveler and pulled across the river from Brooklyn to New York. The system, driven by steam engines, worked like a conveyor belt. Over 14, 000 miles of wire were used in cables.

Inscribed..
Section of cable 15 3/4 inches thick. 19 strands per cable.
Each anchor plate weighs 28 tons. Eighteen eyebars radiate up from it's base.

Finis Coronat Opus..
Latin for "The Finish Crowns the Work"..
[commemorates the opening of the bridge linking the cities of New York and Brooklyn in 1883]

Inscribed..
May 24, 1883..
A Union of Hearts and a Union of Hands..
Finis Coronat Opus, "The Finish Crows the work", commemorates the opening of the bridge linking the cities of New York and Brooklyn in 1883. After thirteen years of innovative and courageous effort the exeultation was appropiate. In the years following the Civil War this image of success must have been especially poignant and expressive of both spiritual recovery and technological growth. The two cities clasping hands suggests the final consolidation of New York and Brooklyn with the other boroughs in 1898.

Yes reached the other side, with "Welcome to Brooklyn" sign..

The bridge is apparently a "No Salt Zone"..

Crossing Brooklyn Bridge was one of the high points of my New York trip.
It was June 26, 2011..
Took approx 30 minutes..
stopping at various points, to enjoy the view!

Above image..
First image taken on Brooklyn Bridge [Time: 1:04:03]
Below image..
Reached the "Welcome to Brooklyn" sign [Time: 1:37:16]

Good Bye Brooklyn Bridge..

Enter historic Dumbo, borough of Brooklyn,
neighborhood of New York City, New York..
Dumbo, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass..

REFERENCES:
# The Brooklyn Bridge..
# Brooklyn Bridge: Historic Overview ...

RELATED LINKS..

Two Weeks Summer Vacation [Trip to New York City, Washington DC, New Jersey and Philadelphia]..

New York City: Ground Zero

2011-08-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

RELATED LINKS..

Two Weeks Summer Vacation [Trip to New York City, Washington DC, New Jersey and Philadelphia]..

New York City: Grand Central Terminal

2011-07-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

Grand Central Terminal, 42nd Street..
Opened: 1871
Rebuilt: 1913, 1994-2000..
Grand Central Terminal was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

Main Concourse, Grand Central Terminal..

The four-faced clock on top of the information booth is perhaps the most recognizable icon of Grand Central. Each of the four clock faces are made from opal. Both Sotheby's and Christie's have estimated the value to be between US $10 million and US $20 million..

Astronomical Ceiling details..
The original ceiling, painted in 1912 by French artist Paul César Helleu. It was renovated in the late 1930s ..

Details..

The large American flag was hung in Grand Central Terminal a few days after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center..

Vanderbilt Hall..

Ramp to Lower Concourse..

Group of statues and clock on the facade.
Bad Image of one significant sculpture..
I regret whatever prevented me from crossing the road and take the photo. But maybe this calls for another trip..
Outside the station, the clock in front of the Grand Central facade is the world's largest example of Tiffany glass and is surrounded by sculptures carved by the John Donnelly Company of Minerva, Hermes and Mercury.

RELATED LINKS..

Two Weeks Summer Vacation [Trip to New York City, Washington DC, New Jersey and Philadelphia]..

New York City: Federal Hall National Memorial [Birthplace of American Government]

2011-07-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

The Federal Hall National Memorial..
26 Wall Street..

Original Structure..
[City Hall, later named Federal Hall]
The original structure at this site was built in 1700 to house the New York City Hall. When the Constitution was ratified in 1788, New York remained the national capital. Pierre L'Enfant was commissioned to remodel City Hall for the new Federal Hall. The first Congress met in the new Federal Hall, and wrote the Bill of Rights. George Washington was inaugurated here as President on April 30, 1789. In 1790, the United States capital was moved to Philadelphia and what had been Federal Hall once again housed the New York City government until 1812, when the building was razed.

Existing structure at the same site..
[NY Custom Hall, now renamed Federal Hall National Memorial]
Federal Hall National Memorial, [the bldg. that now exists] was built in 1842 as the New York Customs House. It is on the site of the old Federal Hall. It later served as a sub-Treasury building and is now operated by the National Park Service as a museum commemorating the historic events that happened there.

Two prominent American ideals are reflected in the building's architecture..

The Doric columns of the facade, designed by Ithiel Town and Alexander Jackson Davis, resemble those of the Parthenon and serve as a tribute to Greek democracy;
The domed ceiling inside [image below], designed by John Frazee, echoes the Pantheon and the economic might of the Romans.

Rotunda and Main Hall..

Main Hall.. Neoclassical columns around rotunda..

Statue of George Washington in front of Federal Hall National Memorial. This marks the approximate site where George Washington was inaugurated as the First President of the United States of America, in the former structure. Crowds watched from below as Washington stood on a balcony to repeat the solemn oath of office.
Sculptor: John Quincy Adams Ward
Bronze statue / 1882..

Inscribed are the words..
On this site in the Federal Hall April 30 1789, George Washington took the oath as the First President of The United States of America..

The Solemn Oath.. April 30, 1789..
I solemly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
So help me God..

The Bill of Rights..
While the new Constitution established government by the people, many feared it did not do enough to protect individual liberty. Congress adopted the Bill of Rights in Federal Hall on Sept. 25, 1789. This permanently established the freedoms that the Stamp Act Congress had requested from the same spot 24 years earlier.

The Vault [United States Sub-Treasury]..
In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln converted the building from a US Custom House into a branch of the United States Independent Treasury System. The NY Sub-Treasury issued and received bonds, gold-certificates and the first "greenbacks". This small vault and identical one on the other side of the Rotunda, were used to store large sums of money. When nbusiness boomed in the late 1870's, the Treasury Department built strong vaults in the basement to hold gold and silver coins worth hundreds and millions of dollars..

The New York Stock Exchange Building, is just across from the Federal Hall National Memorial..

Integrity protecting the Workers of Man..
The figural sculpture on the NYSE bldg. facade, completed 1903, were also made by sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward. Actually, the models for the marble pediment sculptures were made by him, but the pediment was carved by Piccirilli Brothers. It is titled “Integrity Protecting the Works of Man". These classical sculptures figuratively represent the sources of American prosperity, depicting Integrity in the center, Agriculture and Mining to her left, Science, Industry, and Invention to her right, and the waves on either edge as the ocean-to-ocean influence of the Exchange.

RELATED LINKS..

Two Weeks Summer Vacation [Trip to New York City, Washington DC, New Jersey and Philadelphia]..

New York City: Art Deco Artwork in-&-around Rockefeller Center & more..

2011-07-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

Entrance to 30 Rockefeller Plaza..
"Wisdom" [is flanked by Sound and Light..]
By Lee Lawrie..
For more, click here..

30 Rockefeller Center, arguably the centerpiece of the 14-building complex of Rockefeller Center. It is a 70-story, 850-ft.-high slab skyscraper, fully clad in gray Indiana limestone, as are the similarly styled though smaller 13 other buildings in the original complex..

The plaque reads..
Designated Landmark: New York City
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is one of the foremost architectural projects undertaken in America in terms of scope, urban planning and integration of architecture, art and landscape. It was developed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The Center's original architects were Reinhard & Hofmeister; Hood, Godley & Fouilhoux; and Corbett, Harrison & MacMurry. The original complex of fourteen buildings were constructed between 1931 and 1939, and provided jobs for thousands of labourers in the building industries throughout the depression.
New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation, 1989..

Artwork at Rockefeller Center..
In the post I bring the artwork I saw in the Rockefeller Center, which includes works of Lee Lawrie, Paul Manship, Alfred Janniot, Attilio Piccirilli, Rene Paul Chambellan, Carl Paul Jennewein, Isamu Noguchi, Leo Friedlander, Robert Garrison [& possibly more, that I'm missing]..
Mostly Art Deco!!!

Rainbow Room entrance of 30 Rockefeller Plaza..
Relief panels and canopy..
by Leo Friedlander..

Sunken Plaza of Rockfeller Center..
Statue of Prometheus,
by Paul Manship..

Rockefeller Center Plaza..
First human Maiden made from clay by Prometheus,
sculpted by Paul Manship..
For more, click here..

British Empire Bldg., 620 Fifth Ave, Rockefeller Center..
"Winged Mercury"..
By Lee Lawrie..

La Maison Francaise, 610 Fifth Ave, Rockefeller Center..
Seeds of Good Citizenship / The Sower..
By Lee Lawrie..

Channel Garden sculptures, Rockefeller Center..
by Rene Paul Chambellan..

Entrance to International Bldg., Rockefeller Center..
Statue of Atlas
By Lee Lawrie..

Doors of British Empire Bldg., 620 Fifth Ave, Rockefeller Center..
"Industries of the British Commonwealth"
By Carl Paul Jennewein..

Entrance of La Maison Francaise, 610 Fifth Ave, Rockefeller Center...
"Friendship of France and United States" [gilded gold bas-relief]..
By Alfred Janniot..

1250 Avenue of the Americas, Rockefeller Center..
Mosaic Mural "Intelligence Awakening Mankind"..
by Barry Faulkner
The central figure is 'Thought'. The other two figures are messengers. The male figure represents writing, and the female represents the spoken word. All the figures are bound together by a scarf. Red and gold radio waves surround them and disseminate their message.

1270 Avenue of the Americas, Rockefeller Center..
"Morning Present and Evening"..
By Robert Garrison..

[??] - Any information is welcome..

Some artworks that I missed to photograph [too tired!! Now I regret!]..
- “Spirits of Song, Drama and Dance” - by Hildreth Meiere [50th Street facade of the Radio City Music Hall Bldg.]..
- "News" - by Isamu Noguchi [Associated press Bldg.]
- “Youth Leading Industry” - by Attilia Piccirilli [glass block bas-relief at Fifth Avenue entrance to the north wing of the International Bldg.]
- “The Italian Immigrant” and “Italia” - by Giacomo Manzu [bronze sculpture at the entrance to the Palazzo d'Italia in the south wing of the International Building at 626 Fifth Avenue]

Rockerfeller Center is a 14-bldgs complex, which includes..
The GE (aka RCA) Building (1933) (69 floors), 1270 Avenue of the Americas (1931), GE Building (1933), International Building (1935), Time-Life Building (1937), Associated Press Building (1938), Simon & Schuster Building (1939), Eastern Airlines Building (1940), & Manufacturers Hanover Building (1952), Radio City hall..

RELATED LINKS..

Two Weeks Summer Vacation [Trip to New York City, Washington DC, New Jersey and Philadelphia]..

New York City: Rockefeller Center [Wisdom, Sound and Light, by Lee Lawrie..]

2011-07-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Wisdom & Knowledge Shall Be The Stability Of Thy Times..

Wisdom is flanked by Sound and Light..
By Lee Lawrie..
Entrance of 30 Rockefeller Plaza..

Sound..

Light..

In the forground is statue of Prometheus, by Paul Manship.. and in the background is relief Wisdom, Sound and Light by Lee Laurie..

RELATED LINKS..

Two Weeks Summer Vacation [Trip to New York City, Washington DC, New Jersey and Philadelphia]..

New York City: Rockefeller Center [Prometheus & more - by Paul Manship]

2011-07-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

Statue of Prometheus..
By Paul Manship..
Sunken Plaza, Rockerfeller Center..

First human Youth made from clay by Prometheus..
sculpted by Paul Manship..

First human Maiden made from clay by Prometheus..
sculpted by Paul Manship

RELATED LINKS..

Two Weeks Summer Vacation [Trip to New York City, Washington DC, New Jersey and Philadelphia]..

Washington DC [Union Station]

2011-07-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Washington DC..
Only two days, [July 4 & 5, 2011] of which..
Day One, was exclusively for the 4th of July parade and fire-works..
Day Two, was a bus-tour [Washington DC Hop-On-Hop-Off Open-Top Double-Decker Bus Tour].. and a whole lot of time was spent in trip to the
US Capitol Bldg., click here.. However, I did stop at the Union Station, knowing it was by "make-no-little-plan" Daniel Burnham, so was a must-see.. [He made the "Plan of Chicago" and also designed Chicago Union Station click here..] Washington DC Union Station is designated a National Historic Landmark [NHL].

Washington DC Union Station..
Opened: 1907
Architect: Daniel Burnham, assisted by Pierce Anderson..
Outstanding features include..

Massive scale..
Great vaulted loggia..
Main Hall or Waiting Room with gilded coffered ceiling, marble, gold leaf, and white granite
26 centurions sculptures by Louis St. Gaudens, in the main hall..
Facade with The Triumphal Arch [The Central Section of the Station]
6 sculptures, titled, "The Progess of Railraoding" by Louis St. Gaudens, atop the cornice of the central section of the facade..

Louis St. Gaudens was the brother of renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Louis changed the spelling of his name to St. Gaudens to differentiate himself from his well-known brother.

Christopher Columbus Memorial Fountain, by Lorado Taft....

The vaulted loggia..

Union Station: Main Hall, or waiting space..

Few of the 26 centurions for the station's main hall.

The East Hall..

The Progress of Railroading.. by Louis St. Gaudens. Just above the main cornice of the central block, are six colossal statues, representing Fire, Electricity, Freedom, Imagination, Agriculture and Mechanics. The statues are of Prometheus (for Fire), Thales (for Electricity), Themis (for Freedom and Justice), Apollo (for Imagination and Inspiration), Ceres (for Agriculture) and Archimedes (for Mechanics). St. Gaudens also created the 26 centurions for the station's main hall.

Thales [Electricity] and Themis [Freedom or Justice] The stone inscription reads.. Fire. The greatest os discoverie. Enabling man to live in all climates. Use many foods. And compel the forces of nature to do his work.. Electricity: Carrier of light and power. Devourer of time and space. Bearer of human speech over land and sea. Greatest servant of man. Itself unknown.

The Christopher Columbus Memorial Fountain by Lorado Taft..

RELATED LINKS..

A Long Absence..

2011-07-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

June 26 - to - July 9, 2011..
A two-weeks vacation.. to..
New York City, Washington DC, New Jersey and Philadelphia..
Images from the trip to follow..

Chicago Riverwalk: Fish Hotel

2011-06-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

Fish Hotel..
Chicago Riverwalk just east of the Dearborn Street bridge.
The Fish Hotel opened in 2005, at the southwest corner of Michigan Avenue bridge [now DuSable bridge]. With the construction of Michigan Avenue underbridge, it was moved to the Dearborn Street Bridge, in 2008. It was started as a pilot project by Friends of Chicago River, a non-profit organization.

The hotel is a combination of floating and submerged islands anchored to the steel walls lining the river. Islands are planted with wetland vegetation that will provide shelter and attract insects and other food for a variety of fish species..
- Monifa Thomas, staff reporter of Chicago Sun Times..
READ MORE..
Hotel hopes to lure fish back to downtown, click here..
Friends of Chicago River website, click here..

There are floating islands, submerged islands, submerged fish-cribs, floating water logs, poultry netting to prevent plant predation by water-fowl.. Click on the image below to see enlarged version of what lies beneath..

What lies beneath.. click to enlarge..

Lincoln Park Zoo [Nature Broadwalk: An Urban Oasis]

2011-06-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

Nature Boardwalk around the South Pond, of Lincooln Park Zoo, was opened to the public on June 24, 2010. It's home to native fish, birds, dragonflies, turtles and more. The shoreline features wetland grasses and prairie vegetation.

Originally, the 14-acre South Pond was built in 1876 for recreational purposes. It was too shallow for wildlife to survive in winter months. Over the years, many non-native species of fish made pond their home. This was endangering the native species. In 2003, the Park District decided to turn the pond into an outdoor wilderness classroom. The Park District asked the nonprofit Lincoln Park Zoological Society to raise $12 million and the district pitched in $2.5 million. After a long renovation, the Nature Broadwalk opened in June, 2010. The formerly shallow pond is now 20-foot deep ensuring the survival of wildlife in winter season and is home to many native species of wildlife.
Check out the website..
Nature Broadwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo..

The Old South Pond Boardwalk [Image taken August, 2007]
Gone is the concrete and steel boardwalk around the Zoo's South Pond. It was too shallow to house wildlife. The old wooden paddleboat shaped like swans are gone too..

The New Nature Boardwalk [Image taken, June 7, 2011]
The South Pond is now 20-foot deep and house to many native species like Black Crowned Heron, Blanding Turtle, Painted Turtle, Bluegill, Large Mouth Bass and more..

Which heron is this?
The Nature Boardwalk website talks about increasing population of black-crowned night herons, click here..

As a part of the renovation, the Lester E. Fisher bridge has also been renovated. It provides a beautiful view of the cityscape, as seen in the image below.

A marker on the bridge reads..
A Green Oasis in the Heart of the City..
Skyscraper Towers in the background. Buses arrive bearing tourists from the Loop. The cars on the Lake Shore Drive zoom or sit [depending on the traffic]. And in the center of it all sits a beautiful green oasis with walkway, native plant and wildlife offering a refuge in the heart of the city.
Like the zoo itself, Nature Broadwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo is intimately linked to the great city that surrounds it. Both zoo and broadwalk provides a welcome break from business and bustle, giving visitors a chance to pause, relax and connect with wildlife.

Peoples Gas Education Pavilion..
A wooden structure on the east of the pond..

Chicago: Summer in the city!

2011-06-02T19:51:00.001-07:00

Summer in the city!

Chicago Cultural Center [Sidney R. Yates Gallery]

2011-05-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

Sidney R Yates Gallery..
Chicago Cultural Center..
Originally the library's main reading room. This gallery is named for Illinois Congressman Sidney R. Yates [1909-2000], tireless advocate for the arts.
The hall was "likely" designed by Robert Spencer of the lead architects of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge.

The interior surfaces were created by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. The deeply recessed coffered ceiling and rich Renaissance ornamentation encrusting the tall pilasters were originally finished in layers of translucent paint that reflected light from a shimmering plaster skin, while the walls were rubbed with layers of pigment. The bold saturated red of the walls, possibly a reference to the late 19th century excavations at Pompeii where the red interior walls characterized the ancient site, alarmed and excited the original Victorian visitors
[Reference: Tour guide leaflet at the Chicago Cultural Center]

Latin words "Lux et Veritas" are repeated on green and silver pilasters, meaning, "light and Truth".

Coffered Ceiling details..

Details..

RELATED LINKS:
# Chicago Cultural Center..

Chicago Cultural Centern [Coffered Ceiling]

2011-05-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

Preston Bradley Hall..

Randolph Lobby..

GAR Hall..

Sidney R. Yates Hall..

3rd Floor ceiling [Washington Street]

5th Floor ceilking [Washington Street]

5th Floor ceiling [Randolph Street]

Grand Interiors [Ornamental Glass Ceiling / Domes]

2011-05-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

The Franke Reading Room of Ryerson & Burnham Libraries of the Art Institue of Chicago..
The skylight was designed by Louis J. Millet. In 1994, the Reading Room went through extensive restoration by the John Vinci.

The Tiffany Dome at Marshall Field's [Now Macy's]...
Installed: 1907
Designed by Louis C. Tiffany
This Tiffany dome was built in 1907, which makes it more than a 100 years old. It is both the first dome to be built in favrile iridescent glass and is the largest glass mosaic of it's kind. It contains over 1.6 million pieces. The late Louis C. Tiffany designed this glass mosaic dome...

Tiffany glass dome of Preston Bradley Hall, at the Chicago Cultural Center..
This 38-foot Tiffany glass dome designed by J. A. Holtzer. The Cultural Center states this to be the largest Tiffany dome in the world, with an estimated value of $35 million..

GAR Rotunda at Chicago Cultural Center..
This 40-foot diameter leaded glass dome, was designed by noted Chicago firm Healy and Millet. The dome's botanical motifs in warm earth tones glow with light of jewel cut glass, a technique offering maximum refraction and color range. Opalescent glass, ripple glass and chipped jewels create texture and color. [Excerpt from visitors guide]..

Lobby of Chicago Theater..

Fullerton Hall at the Art Institute of Chicago...
Stained glass dome is designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany..
Completed: 1901.

RELATED LINKS..
# The Franke Reading Room of Art Institue of Chicago
# Tiffany Dome at Marshall Field's [Now Macy's].
# Tiffany glass dome of Preston Bradley Hall, at the Chicago Cultural Center..
# GAR Rotunda at Chicago Cultural Center..
# Lobby of Chicago Theater..
# Fullerton Hall at the Art Institute of Chicago...

18th Street Railroad Bridge..

2011-05-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

18th Street Railroad bridge..
Over the South branch Chicago River..
I have very little information on this bridge. Any information is welcome!

The above two images taken from Roosevelt Road Bridge..

In the above image, on the right hand side, we can see the South Canal Street Railroad Bridge..

South Canal Street Railroad Bridge

2011-05-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

South Canal Railroad Bridge..
Type: Vertical lift Railroad Bridge..
Completed: 1915..
Built by Waddell and Harrington..
It's the only such example of vertical lift bridge on the Chicago River..
The bridge was originally owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Now it is owned by Amtrak.

Especially like is the bridgehouse on the top on the bridge..

Also like when the bridge looks like one tall building..

Museum of Science and Industry

2011-05-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

Museum of Science and Industry..
Address: 57th St. at Lake Shore Drive
Year Built: 1891-1893
Reconstructed 1929-30
Interior renovation 1930-41..
Architects: Charles Atwood, Graham, Anderson, Probst & White,
Shaw, Naess & Murphy
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: November 1, 1995..

Main entrance [North entrance]..

The plaque reads..
Chicago Landmark...
Museum of Science & Industry
Charles B Atwood, architect
1891-93..
Originally built as the Palace for Fine Arts for the World's Columbian Exposition, this plaster-clad structure later became the first home of the Field Museum of Natural History. After the museum left in the 1920's, the decayed building was reconstructed of stone for the Museum of Science and Industry. The exterior is an exact cop of the original Beaux-Arts style design, but it's interiors was remodeled in 1929-33 in the Art Moderne style, under the direction of architect Alfred Shaw.
Designated on November 1, 1995..
Richard M Daley, Mayor
Commission on Chicago Landmarks..

This post is only on the architecural sculptural details on the facade, and not on the exhibits in the museum..

The North entrance [main entrance] has amazing bronze doors..

The large bronze door at the museum North entrance, represent fourteen important subjects in science, including mathematics, engineering, medicine, transportation and architecture..

Bronze door details..
For more images of the bronze doors, click here..

Rear view of the museum..

West entrance of the museum..

West wall details, by Philip Martiny..
For more, click here..
Also for more on Philip Martiny, read Gregory H. Jenkins incredible blog, click here..

South entrance of the museum..

South entrance details..

Caryatids columns on a porch..
For more, click here..

West wall details..

South Entrance..
Perhaps the best view of the museum is from the Osaka Japanese Garden, in the south..

RELATED LINKS:
Museum of S&I: II [Caryatids]..
Museum of S&I: III [Wall details]..
Museum of S&I: IV [Bronze Doors]..

Also in Jackson Park..

Osaka Japanese Garden..

Statue of The Republic - by Daniel Chester French..

Animal Bridge..

Museum of Science & Industry -II - Caryatids

2011-05-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

Caryatids at Museum of Science and Industry..

What are Caryatids?
Wikipedia informs..
A caryatid is a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support taking the place of a column or a pillar supporting an entablature on her head.

Museum of Science and Industry..
Address: 57th St. at Lake Shore Drive
Year Built: 1891-1893, Reconstructed 1929-30, Interior renovation 1930-41..
Architects: Charles Atwood, Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, Shaw, Naess & Murphy
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: November 1, 1995..

RELATED LINKS:
Museum of Science and Industry...

Museum of Science and Industry- III [Wall details - by Philip Martiny]

2011-05-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

West side of the museum..

Some very interesting wall details..

West wall details..

Museum of Science and Industry - IV [Bronze Doors - North entrance]

2011-05-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

The large bronze door at the museum North entrance, represent fourteen important subjects in science, including mathematics, engineering, medicine, transportation and architecture..

Museum of Science and Industry..
Address: 57th St. at Lake Shore Drive
Year Built: 1891-1893, Reconstructed 1929-30, Interior renovation 1930-41..
Architects: Charles Atwood, Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, Shaw, Naess & Murphy
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: November 1, 1995..

RELATED LINKS:
Museum of Science and Industry...

Osaka Japanese Garden

2011-05-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

Osaka Japanese Garden..
Location: Wooded Island [Paul H. Douglas Nature Sanctuary] in Jackson Park.
South of Museum of Science and Industry..

HISTORY..
1893 Ho-O Den
Originally created during the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, with a garden and a Japanese Ho-O Den [Phoenix Temple] for the government of Japan, as a pavilion for the exposition. The "phoenix" emblem, apparently, was a reference Chicago rising like the mythical firebird from the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It was designed by Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. After the Fair, even as most of the Fair was burned or torn down, the garden and the Ho-O Den Pavilion remained intact.

1933 Century of Progress..
The government of Japan, constructed a traditional Nippon Tea House at the Century of Progress World's Fair and also created a garden on Wooded Island's northeast side and refurbished the Ho-O Den.

World War II..
Shortly after the break of WW-II, the buildings were destroyed by fire and the garden was virtually abandoned.

1973, City of Osaka became Chicago's Sister City..
One of the goals of the Sister Cities program became to revive the Japanese Garden in Jackson Park.

The Entrance..
Plaque at the entrance reads..
The original Japanese Garden and Ho-O Den Palace were built on this site for the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. After the Exposition the garden was expanded, a tea-house added, many other improvements made and the garden well-maintained and cared for. Shortly after the break of World War II, however the buildings were destroyed by fiire and the garden was virtually abandoned. In 1981, a new garden with a pavilion, waterfall and an arched moon bridge was built.

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Chicago and Osaka [Japan] Sister City Relationship, Mayor Richard M. Daley of Chicago renamed the Japanese Garden in 1993 as the "Osaka Garden".

Mayor Nishio of Osaka City was impressed with the act and responded by donating improvements to the garden in 1994. This included a formal wood garden entry gate and fence and other essential landscape restoration to the Garden.

The present improvements were made possible through the cooperation of the city of Osaka through the Flower and Greenery Promotion Headquarters and the city of Chicago through the Chicago park District Landscaping Design Division..

The plaque reads..
October 18, 2008..
To commemorate our 35th Anniversary, the Osaka/Chicago Sister City Partnership plant this tree to replace an ancient bur oak destroyed by a storm in the spring of 2008.

Now coming to the main features of the garden..

Zigzag Stepping Stones..
Legend has it that they are laid in a zigzag because evil spirits can only move in a straight line. So if you cross the stones, any evil spirits will just fall into the water.

Zigzag Stepping Stones..

Moon Bridge..
A symbolic link between this world and paradise..

Moon Bridge..

The Pavilion..

The Kasuga Lantern.
One of the lamps that survived from 1893. It takes its name from the Kasuga Shrine in Nara, Japan. The deer panel is one of the four traditional symbols, the others were a stag, the sun, and the moon, most of which are damaged.

The Yukimi Lantern..

The Rankei Lantern..

The marker reads..
Japanese Garden..
A Japanese Garden is a symbolic representation of natural scenery at small scale. Mountains, lakes and islands are all represented here. The major elements in the garden [in order of importance] are rocks, water, hills, plant materials and man made objects as cut-stone lanterns and basins, bridges and shelters. These elements are asymmetrically composed and balanced to achieve harmony. In this Finished Hill Style Stroll Garden the meandering path guides the viewer to main vistas at changes in the path's direction, and at fixed viewing stones. The garden is intended to provide tranquility for meditation.

The First Japanese Garden and the Ho-O-Den Palace were built on this site for the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. In 1934, the Palace was rehabilitated, the garden expanded and the tea-house from the Century of Progress Exposition placed were the new pavilion now stands.

Three styles of traditional granite lanters were imported and displayed. Kasuga [upright], Rankei [overhanging] and Yukimi [four-legged snow lanterns]. In addition, a water basin in the form of an opening flower is provided near the pavilion. The Kasuga lantern near the entrance is from the original garden lacated at this site.

The moon bridge is a traditional design and is best viewed when reflected upon itself in the water.

The garden pavilion with an Irimoya style roof and raised platform will be used for demonstrations of Japanese culture and martial arts.

The present reconstruction was made possible, through the cooperation of Chicago park District, the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the City of Chicago.

Chicago Theater - III [Auditorium - Murals]

2011-05-15T05:45:00.000-07:00

Sun God Apollo in his chariot..

Chicago Theater: Auditorium..
The auditorium has 3,550 seats..

The above image gives a good perspective of the theater.. The Sun God Apollo's mural, can be seen [to the right] on the proscenium arch.

I wish I knew what these murals represent.. That gives me a topic for research..

Chicago Theater: II [Auditorium]

2011-05-15T05:02:00.000-07:00

Chicago Theater: Auditorium..
The auditorium has 3,550 seats, and it's opulent.
For the sake of some sort of organization in imge-postings, I'm diving them as
- Proscenium Arch details
- Wall details
- Ceiling details
AND..
- Murals [covered in a seperate post, click here..

PROSCENIUM ARCH deatils..
What is procenium arch?
Dictionary.com expalins..
In theatrical design, the arch that frames a stage, separating it from the auditorium.

Apollo, the Sun God on his chariot..
For more murals, click here..

WALL details
Since all the photographs were taken sitting oon one seat, there was not much scope of manuvering. Here are some images of one corner of the wall..

CEILING Details..

All these images were taken, sitting on one seat, as on stage the graduation ceremony of my niece was in progress...

Chicago Theater: I [Lobby]

2011-05-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS Chandini!!!
My niece Chandini Prakash, graduated from Northwestern University Law School and yesterday was the Graduation Ceremony at the Chicago Theater, and so I get the perfect opportunity to take photographs of one of the most gorgeous interiors of Chicago..

Chicago Cityscape from Cityscape Bar, Holiday Inn..

2011-05-08T05:33:00.000-07:00

Chicago River - main branch..

Chicago River - south branch..

333 Wacker Drive..

Merchandise Mart..

Cityscape Bar, Holiday Inn..

Cityscape Bar, Holiday Inn..

RELATED LINKS..
Chicago Cityscape Series..

Chicago Cityscape from Cliff Dwellers - I [Random Images]

2011-05-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain.. click here..

Crown Fountain - by Jaume Plensa.. click here..

Jay Pritzker Pavilion - by Frank Gehry.. click here..

BP Pedestrian Bridge - by Frank Gehry.. click here..

Cloud Gate / The Bean - by Anish Kapoor.. click here..

Chicago Cultural Center [Random Images]

2011-05-07T05:24:00.000-07:00

The Gilded Staircase, at the Fifth Floor, Washington Street..

Chicago Public Library/ Chicago Cultural Center..
Address: 78 E. Washington St.
Year Built: 1897
Architect: Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: November 15, 1976..
For more on Chicago Cultural Center, click here..

RELATED LINKS..
Chicago Cultural Center..

Chicago Cultural Center [Random Images]

2011-04-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

Sidney R Yates Gallery..

Exhibit Hall 4th Floor..

Guilded Staircase : 5th floor.. I have got to take many more images here... soon..

I love the Chicago Cultural Center.. Despite photographing umpteen times, I always find something new I want to click... here are some random images.. of two light-fixtures, one at Sidney R Yates Gallery and another at the Exhibit Hall... AND a Guilded Staircase on the 5th floor..
For more on Chicago Cultural Center, click here..

Riverside Plaza [Bronze work at the entrance]

2011-04-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

The meticulously detailed bronze work at Riverside Plaza entrance..
RELATED LINKS....
# Riverside Plaza..
# Riverside Plaza [Relief - by Alvin Meyer]..
# Riverside Plaza - bronze work...

Riverside Plaza - Reliefs

2011-04-07T05:56:00.000-07:00

Riverside Plaza..
Completed: 1929
Architects: Holabird & Root..
Sculptural Reliefs: Alvin Meyer..
Style: Art Deco

Continued from the post, Riverside Plaza..
This post is about the relief works..
The east facade of the building, facing the Chicago River, has some very interesting relief work, tracing the history of printing.

The First Writing..

An Ancient Scribe.

Art, Drama, Comedy, Epic..

South side [East facade]

Above two images
- Pultizer & Bowles
- Medill & Franklin

Above four images..
- Center [East facade]

Above two images..
- Bennett and C.A.Dana
- Lawson and Greeley

Above four images..
- The First Press
- The Linotype Man
- Art, Drama, Comedy, Epic..
- North side [East facade]

Apparently..
Pulitzer - Joseph Pulitzer [1847-1911]
Bowles -
Medill - Joseph Medill [1823-1899]
Franklin - Benjamin Franklin [1706-1790]
Bennett - Henry Hamilton Bennett [1843-1908]
C.A.Dana - Charles Anderson Dana [1819-1897]
Lawson - Louisa Albury Lawson [1848-1920]
Greeley - Horace Greeley [1811-1872]

RELATED LINKS....
# Riverside Plaza..
# Riverside Plaza [Relief - by Alvin Meyer]..
# Riverside Plaza - bronze work...