Rookery staircase

Construction of the Rookery Building took place between 1886 and 1888, and at the time, the twelve-story building was the tallest in the world. The Rookery Building was named for the temporary City Hall that was built on the site after the Great Chicago Fire. It was dubbed the rookery, referring to the birds that would roost on the exterior ledges, and for the dubious politicians who would congregate at the building. Root was also playing with the term rook, also called a castle in chess, as the buildings façade recalls a medieval fortress.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• staircase
• Rookery
• Interior Stairs

[elainebmack]

Thanks for this view. As a student at Roosevelt University back in the 70's I wrote a paper comparing and contrasting 3 buildings by John Root, and later Burnham and Root; The Monadnock, Building, The Rookery, and the Railway Exchange Building. The Rookery is a marvel. Since that time, the paint was removed from the skylight, letting natural light flood the lobby. Wonderful! I never got a view of the staircase because peopleweren't allowed up there, so I appreciate these views. Great job!