20 Best Architectural Buildings in Illinois: A Guide to Iconic Structures

Illinois boasts some of the most remarkable architectural marvels in the United States. From towering skyscrapers in Chicago to historical landmarks spread across the state, these structures are a testament to innovative design and engineering genius.

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or a casual observer, exploring these architectural gems will offer a unique insight into the state’s rich history and cultural heritage.

By visiting these iconic buildings, you not only appreciate their aesthetic appeal but also understand the stories and visions of the architects who designed them.

Each structure contributes to the vibrant tapestry of Illinois’ architectural legacy, making the state a fascinating destination for any traveler.

1. Willis Tower

Willis Tower, originally known as the Sears Tower, stands as an iconic structure in Chicago. It features 110 stories and rises to a height of 1,451 feet.

Designed by architect Bruce Graham and engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it opened in 1973.

In 2009, the building’s name was changed to Willis Tower when Willis Group Holdings leased office space and acquired naming rights.

The tower remains a significant landmark with its black aluminum and bronze-tinted glass curtain wall. You can learn more about it here.

2. Tribune Tower

The Tribune Tower, located at 435 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, is a neo-Gothic skyscraper standing 463 feet tall. This 36-floor building was designed after an international competition in the early 1920s and is considered a historic event in modern architecture.

Its crown resembles the Butter Tower of the 13th-century Rouen Cathedral in France.

Inside the lobby, visitors will find a Hall of Inscriptions featuring famous quotes from notable figures like Benjamin Franklin and Voltaire, celebrating freedom of the press.

In recent years, the building has been converted into luxury residences.

The impressive façade, with its sculptural details and stone carvings, continues to capture the craftsmanship of Gothic architecture. Its elegant design and historical significance have made the Tribune Tower one of Chicago’s architectural gems.

3. Marina City

Marina City is one of Chicago’s most iconic structures.

Designed by architect Bertrand Goldberg, the complex was completed between 1963 and 1967.

The twin towers are renowned for their unique corncob-like appearance.

Located on State Street along the Chicago River, the buildings feature residential units, commercial spaces, and a 19-floor parking garage.

Residents enjoy amenities like a theater, gym, swimming pool, and more.

The distinctive round building design offers panoramic views of the city.

4. Aqua Tower

Aqua Tower is a striking addition to Chicago’s skyline. This 82-story mixed-use skyscraper is located in Lakeshore East. It was completed in 2009.

Designed by Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects, Aqua is known for its wavy, concrete balconies. These unique features give the building its fluid appearance.

Aqua includes residential units, hotel rooms, offices, and retail spaces.

At 819 feet tall, the tower has become a Chicago icon.

5. Robie House

The Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a historic landmark in Chicago. Built between 1908 and 1910, it exemplifies the Prairie Style.

Located near the University of Chicago, the house features cantilevered eaves, hidden entryways, and stained glass.

Its design marks the end of Wright’s Oak Park years. The Robie family moved in during 1910.

Spanning over 9,000 square feet, the house cost $58,000 at the time, which would be $1.5 million today.

6. Baháʼí House of Worship

The Baháʼí House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois is a notable architectural landmark. Completed in 1953, it is the oldest Baháʼí temple still standing.

Designed by French-Canadian architect Louis Bourgeois, the temple features a unique nine-sided structure.

The intricate design and elaborate ornamentation showcase a blend of various cultural influences, reflecting the Baháʼí belief in the unity of all religions.

Its location on Chicago’s North Shore offers serene surroundings, adding to its appeal as a place for quiet reflection and worship.

7. John Hancock Center

The John Hancock Center, now known as 875 North Michigan Avenue, is an iconic 100-story skyscraper in Chicago.

Completed in 1969, it stands at 1,128 feet tall.

Designed by Bruce Graham and Fazlur Khan of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it was a groundbreaking project due to its innovative engineering.

The building features a mix of offices, restaurants, and residential spaces, making it a prime example of mixed-use architecture.

8. Wrigley Building

The Wrigley Building, located at 400-410 North Michigan Avenue, is one of Chicago’s most recognizable structures. It was built between 1920 and 1924 as the headquarters for the Wrigley Company.

The building stands out with its bright white terra cotta façade, which is especially striking at night when it’s illuminated. Its design includes two towers connected by walkways.

Situated on the Magnificent Mile, the Wrigley Building serves as a gateway to one of Chicago’s most famous commercial districts.

The building’s grand clock tower is a city landmark and a favorite for photographers.

For more details, visit the Wrigley Building.

9. Aon Center

The Aon Center, standing at 200 East Randolph Street in Chicago, is a notable skyscraper in Illinois. Designed by Edward Durell Stone and The Perkins and Will partnership, it was completed in 1973.

This building, previously known as the Amoco Building, features 83 floors and rises to a height of 1,136 feet. It remains one of Chicago’s leading architectural landmarks.

Learn more about the Aon Center’s history and structure on the Chicago Architecture Center website.

10. Sullivan Center

The Sullivan Center, originally known as the Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Building, is located in Chicago, Illinois. Designed by architect Louis Sullivan, it was constructed between 1899 and 1903.

This building is notable for its steel-frame construction, which allowed for large, wide windows, enhancing natural light. It revolutionized department store architecture.

In 2006, the building was renamed Sullivan Center.

Interior modifications have repurposed the space for offices, retail, and educational uses.

Explore more about the Sullivan Center.

11. Rookery Building

The Rookery Building, located at 209 South LaSalle Street in Chicago, is an architectural icon. Completed in 1888, it was designed by John Wellborn Root and Daniel Burnham.

The building features a remarkable interior light court that maximizes light and air. It also has a glass-covered lobby that adds to its unique charm.

The Rookery is known for its structural ingenuity.

Root’s foundation design, which disperses column weight horizontally, addresses Chicago’s challenging soil conditions. The building remains a celebrated example of innovative architecture in Illinois.

To learn more, visit the Chicago Architecture Center.

12. Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center is a stunning landmark in downtown Chicago. Opened in 1897, it initially served as the city’s first public library.

The building is famous for its magnificent architecture. It houses the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome.

Visitors can explore its beautiful halls and intricate design, which reflect the grandeur of a bygone era.

Learn more about the Chicago Cultural Center.

13. Holy Name Cathedral

Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago is a remarkable example of Gothic revival architecture. The church, home to the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, showcases both historical and modern elements.

The cathedral features a nave that is 233 feet long and 126 feet wide, accommodating 1,110 people. Its towering spire reaches 210 feet into the sky.

Visitors are often captivated by its bronze doors, which weigh nearly 1,200 pounds each, and depict the “Tree of Life” theme.

Take a guided tour to explore this beautiful and historic structure further.

14. Crain Communications Building

The Crain Communications Building, designed by Sheldon Schlegman, stands tall in Chicago’s skyline. Completed in 1983, this 41-story skyscraper reaches a height of 582 feet.

Its unique diamond-shaped top makes it easily recognizable.

Located in Chicago, this building is an architectural marvel, symbolizing modern design and innovation.

This structure significantly contributes to the city’s rich architectural heritage.

15. The Clarke House Museum

The Clarke House Museum, located at 1827 South Indiana Avenue, is a notable example of Greek Revival architecture in Chicago. Built in 1836, it stands as the oldest house within the original city limits of Chicago.

Henry Brown Clarke, a hardware merchant, built the house after moving from Utica, New York, with his family. The house was remodeled in the early 1850s for his widow.

The Clarke House Museum is also known as the Clarke-Ford House, highlighting the pivotal role of Bishop Louis Henry and Margaret Ford in preserving its historical significance. More details are available here.

16. 875 North Michigan Avenue

875 North Michigan Avenue, formerly known as the John Hancock Center, is a landmark building in Chicago. Completed in 1969, this skyscraper reaches 1,128 feet high.

It was designed by Bruce Graham and structural engineer Fazlur Khan, both from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

The building is recognized for its distinctive X-bracing on the exterior, which provides structural stability and reduces the need for internal support columns.

Located in the Magnificent Mile district, the building has a mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces, making it a vibrant part of the city’s skyline.

Learn more about its history here.

17. Chicago Union Station

Chicago Union Station, a cornerstone of the city’s architectural history, was constructed in the 1920s. It was named a Chicago landmark in 2002.

Designed in the Classical Revival and Beaux Arts styles, it is an essential part of the West Loop. The station plays a crucial role in the city’s development and transportation network.

18. InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile is located at 505 North Michigan Ave, Chicago. The hotel comprises two towers: the Historic Tower and the North Tower.

The Historic Tower, completed in 1929, was originally the Medinah Athletic Club. It stands 471 feet tall and has 42 stories.

The North Tower, added in 1961, is 295 feet tall with 26 stories.

It reopened as the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile in 1990, blending contemporary tastes with historical elegance. Guests enjoy modern amenities while appreciating the building’s rich history. For more information, visit the hotel’s official site.

19. The Railway Exchange Building

The Railway Exchange Building, also known as the Santa Fe Building, is a 17-story office building located in the Historic Michigan Boulevard District of Chicago.

Designed by Daniel Burnham, the building showcases Classical architectural styles with its glazed white terra cotta, echoing the famed White City.

This iconic structure features a heavy base, a repeating shaft, and an ornate capital, resembling a classical column. It stands as a testament to Chicago’s architectural heritage. For more information, visit Railway Exchange Building – Wikipedia.

20. Illinois State Capitol

The Illinois State Capitol, located in Springfield, is an architectural gem built in the French Renaissance and Italianate styles. Construction began in 1868 and took nearly two decades to complete.

Designed by Cochrane and Garnsey, this structure serves as the seat for Illinois’ legislative and executive branches.

Its interior features stunning artistry, including the grand dome, making it a must-see landmark in the state.

Visitors are drawn to its historical significance and visually captivating design, showcasing the architectural heritage of Illinois.

Historical Significance of Illinois Architecture

Illinois boasts a rich architectural heritage, marked by significant evolution and the influence of renowned architects. This section explores how Illinois architecture has evolved over the decades and highlights the contributions of prominent architects.

Evolution Over the Decades

Illinois architecture has seen dramatic changes over time.

In the early 1900s, the state was influenced heavily by the Prairie School movement, which emphasized horizontal lines, flat roofs, and open interior spaces.

After World War II, modernism took hold, with buildings like the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Center showcasing sleek designs and innovative engineering.

The late 20th century saw a push towards postmodernism, combining traditional and contemporary styles.

Buildings from this era include the Harold Washington Library Center with its eclectic design.

In more recent years, the rise of sustainable architecture has brought about an emphasis on eco-friendly designs, such as the LEED-certified Aqua Tower.

Influence of Prominent Architects

Several architects have left an indelible mark on Illinois architecture.

Frank Lloyd Wright, a key figure in the Prairie School movement, designed numerous homes and buildings, including the Robie House, which is celebrated for its pioneering use of cantilever roofs.

Meanwhile, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe introduced the International Style to Illinois with buildings like the Crown Hall at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

His minimalist “less is more” philosophy reshaped modern architecture in the state.

Eero Saarinen, another influential architect, designed the iconic Gateway Arch, emphasizing sleek, modern lines and innovative use of materials.

These architects not only shaped the skyline of Illinois but also influenced global architectural trends.

Architectural Styles in Illinois

Illinois features diverse architectural styles, from the horizontal lines of Prairie Style structures to the geometrically intricate Art Deco buildings. Many of these styles emerged in response to the rapid growth and development of cities like Chicago.

Prairie Style

Prairie Style architecture is closely linked to Frank Lloyd Wright, a renowned architect from Illinois.

This style focuses on horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs, and broad eaves. It aims to blend buildings with the flat, expansive landscape of the Midwest.

Materials like stone and wood are commonly used, giving it a natural and organic feel.

Notable examples include the Robie House in Chicago, which showcases extended eaves, horizontal emphasis, and open interior spaces.

This style also incorporates large windows, allowing natural light to fill the interiors. The integration with nature and emphasis on craftsmanship make Prairie Style a significant part of Illinois’ architectural heritage.

Art Deco

Art Deco architecture arrived in Illinois during the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by its bold geometric shapes, rich colors, and lavish ornamentation. This style is easily recognizable by its use of materials like glass, steel, and concrete.

A prime example is the Chicago Board of Trade Building, which features a tiered structure and detailed facade. Art Deco buildings often have decorative elements such as zigzags, chevrons, and stylized floral patterns.

The interiors of Art Deco buildings are just as striking, with luxurious materials and innovative lighting designs. This style reflects the era’s optimism and fascination with modernity, contributing to Illinois’ rich architectural legacy.