FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

Most people travel to Chicago in search of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces and sometimes forget that this city birthed several famous architects’ careers. With the exception of Bruce Graham who designed the two most iconic Chicago buildings, the Hancock building and the Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower), several other famous architects sometimes go unknown.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

Most people travel to Chicago in search of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces and sometimes forget that this city birthed several famous architects’ careers. With the exception of Bruce Graham who designed the two most iconic Chicago buildings, the Hancock building and the Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower), several other famous architects sometimes go unknown.

Since Chicago has influenced American architecture throughout history and is home to the world’s first skyscraper there have been several famous architects that have designed landmarks throughout the city. William Holabird, who is most renown for creating the Chicago School of Architecture and was the draftsman for the father of American architecture, William Le Baron Jenney. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe helped create the beautiful skyline on Lake Shore Drive with the Residences on Lake Shore. Louis Henri Sullivan practically coined modernism in American architecture and several of his buildings continue to bring crowds to awe.

If you are unfamiliar with any of these architects, take 90 minutes out of your day and learn about the founding fathers of Chicago architecture.