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Old Republic Building

@ Chicago, Illinois. USA

 

The Old Republic Building is a high-rise building in Chicago. This was the first high-rise in the area east of Michigan Avenue between the river and Grant Park, and when it was built it enjoyed high visibility.

 

Its construction finished on 1925 and was designed by Vitzhum and Burns. When it was constructed, at just 24 stories, it was considered a classic skyscraper in every sense of the word. Its height, style, and location demonstrated all of the attributes that when put together make a great skyscraper at the time.

 

Located on the northeast corner of North Michigan Avenue and East South Water Street, the Old Republic Building was one of the first tall buildings, along with the London Guarantee Building, to be constructed south of the Chicago River on North Michigan Avenue after its widening in the early 1920s. The building exemplifies the city’s efforts to encourage commercial development on the avenue as a result of major improvements brought about by Burnham and Bennett’s 1909 Plan of Chicago. The construction of the Michigan Avenue Bridge, the widening of the avenue and the construction of the bi-level roadway at South Water Street and Wacker Drive in the 20th century changed the face of Michigan Avenue in particular, and the downtown in general.

 

One thing that caughts ones attentions is the "Betsy Ross" 13-star US Flag outside the building, which was one of the biggest symbols of the American Revolution.

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Uploaded on September 3, 2012
Taken on September 3, 2012