The Tribune Tower
Chicago, USA
This is one of my favorite buildings in Chicago: The Tribune Tower. It is the home to the Chicago Tribune newspaper, one of the most largely circulated papers in the United States, the Tribune Company, WGN Radio (WGN=World’s Greatest Newspaper), and me. I am now working in this iconic Gothic treasure a few days a week as a freelance television producer for WGN-TV’s new show, Chicago’s Best.
Tribune Tower Architecture
In 1922, the Chicago Tribune organized an international design competition for its new headquarters, and offered a $50,000 prize for the ‘most beautiful and eye-catching building in the world’. Raymond Hood – who would later build the Rockefeller Center in New York – and John Howell won the first place due to their familiar gothic design and because the building fulfilled the needs of the newspaper best.
Interesting Trivia on Tribune Tower:
The base of the Tribune Tower is embedded with approximately 120 stones from important locations all around the world, including the Parthenon, in Greece; the pyramids, in Egypt; the Taj Mahal, in India; the Alamo, in San Antonio; the Great Wall of China; and the Roman Colosseum. A steel fragment from the World Trade Center in New York has also been added. One of the most famous ‘stones’ is a moon rock which is not incorporated into the building, but on display behind a glass window.
The 24th floor, renowned for its dark wood paneling, limestone fireplace and vaulted ceiling, used to be the office of legendary Tribune publisher Colonel Robert R. McCormick. He had a hidden staircase installed that would allow him to escape to a secret hideaway in the event the building was stormed. And, supposedly, offices up there are linked by secret passageways. Today it is a conference room used by Tribune. I just have to get up there. But how…
Kevin Fitzpatrick
Hey Lisa, Just follow the guys with ear pieces who always seem to be looking the other way.
Vala
Congrats! Looks like a fun show to be producing (although I have zero idea what entails). Your city looks really fun. My friend do an anual U.S. trip this year it is between Chi, Bos or Washington.
Mar
Hey congrats on joining the newest show being produced about our wonderful city. I think you're just what they need!
Randy Michaels
Let me know when you are going to be in Chicago, and I will arrange a tour.
llworldtour
Randy-
Thanks for reading my post and writing. You know I will take you up on your offer.
I am in Chicago every day…and in the Trib Tower 3 days a week. I would love a tour of the 24th floor! How about next Wed, Thurs, or Fri?