Founded on the shores of Lake Michigan in 1833, Chicago is the industrial and commercial hub of America’s Midwest. The construction of railroads and a canal connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River rapidly inflated the business taking place in Chicago and the city grew quickly. With the growth of commerce came a need for dramatically increased office space. Builders and architects responded to this need by creating enormous structures, many of which still stand today, as long-term solutions to the real estate needs of a busy city. Reflecting its strength as a business center as well as a place where design and function come together, Chicago’s landmark buildings and historic skyscrapers: (more…)