When talking about Chicago, the images of a city skyline full of skyscrapers and other incredible buildings immediately appear in your head. Indeed, the beautiful architectural structures of this city are its invariable sign. In addition, Chicago is home to one of the tallest skyscrapers in the United States and the cradle of unique architecture.

If you like beautiful and unique buildings, then Chicago will be a great starting point to enjoy them. You can rent a car to explore this beauty at your own pace. Payless car rental at ORD Airport is ready to provide cars of different classes, including compact, economy, full-size vehicles, minivans and luxury cars. Also, you can add Sat-Nav option to quickly find the desired place in the city.

So, with Payless car rental ORD the following Chicago’s architectural sights are fully at your disposal…

The Farnsworth House

Just an hour’s drive from the center of Chicago is the glass house, which is the best example of the “international style” created by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The house was built in the middle of the twentieth century. Inside there’s a single room, surrounded by a glass frame, towering on several piles. The feeling of visiting the territory of the house-museum and the house itself is incredible. The schedule of the museum should be clarified in advance, as it operates seasonally.

Address: 14520 River Road Gate 1, Plano, IL

 

John Hancock Center

When the building was completed, it immediately became the tallest skyscraper in the world, except of New York’s constructions. There’s an observatory in the skyscraper, which offers a crazy view on 3 sides: the endless lake, and the northern/southern part of Chicago. If you are lucky with the weather, you can see a few kilometers ahead.

It’s generally accepted that the higher the better. That’s why most of the tourists go to the skyscraper Willis Tower. But it’s a serious mistake, since the view is blocked by numerous skyscrapers around. Go to John Hancock Center to enjoy a stunning panorama without any obstacles.

Address: 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL

 

Marina City

Reinforced concrete towers built in the early 60s of the last century are an excellent personification of that era. Under the houses there’s a marina for boats, a concert hall, a swimming pool, a hotel and two 19-storey residential buildings with parking garage. It’s worth noting that thanks to this project in the USA and around the world it became popular to place parking floors in the lower floors of the building.

Address: Marina City, Chicago, IL

 

The Roookery

This is one of the most famous buildings in Chicago, erected in the late 19th century. The Roookery is unique both in terms of architecture and interior. Firstly, it’s considered to be the oldest multi-story building in the city, and secondly, it still functions as an office building.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright redid the lobby of the building, adding more space, light and air to the existing atrium. It’s worth spending time studying small details and stands with the history of the building.

Address: 209 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL

 

The Robie House

The house is located in the amazing Hyde Park area in southern Chicago, near the University of Chicago. The house is a cultural heritage of the USA and belongs to the first truly American style of organic architecture. The architect developed the design of the house, as well as interior decoration, lighting and furniture.

In 2010, a partial restoration was completed. While walking through the halls, you can’t imagine that it was possible to live in such beauty.

Address: 5757 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL

 

Unity Temple Restoration Foundation

The building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and was built at the beginning of the last century. For many people, this reinforced concrete building is the first truly modern construction.

The gray monumental design contrasts with surprisingly subtle and laconic interiors. Wright was responsible not only for the walls, but also for the furniture and stained-glass windows of the building. Unity Temple Restoration Foundation is recognized as one of the ten most significant architectural structures in the United States. Any time spent to reach this place will be worth it.

Address: 875 Lake St, Oak Park, IL

 

Baha’i House

The oldest surviving Baha’i House of Worship is located in Wilmette, north of Chicago. The lovely landscape of the park and the lake is abruptly replaced by a dome that seems to be looking from behind a turn. The whole panorama looks just breathtaking.

It was decided to build the House in 1903, but the project itself was completed in 1953. It took the community 50 years to collect the necessary donations for the construction of the Baha’i House. In sunny weather, this amazing building seems to soar in the air.

Address: 100 Linden Ave, Wilmette, IL