You’re in the Wright Place!
You’re in the Wright Place!
While the surrounding Illinois suburbs are famous for their sprawling residential neighborhoods, the heart of the city itself holds a completely unique place in Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy. The streets of Chicago are where a young Wright launched his career as an apprentice under Louis Sullivan, where he experimented with early urban residential designs, and where he later returned to completely transform the interior of soaring downtown commercial landmarks. From the affluent historic streets of the Gold Coast down to the academic hubs of Hyde Park, the city’s urban grid is packed with architectural evolution.
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Beyond the brick-and-mortar homes, Chicago serves as the ultimate anchor for Wright’s deep historical ties to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition—the singular event that forever shifted the trajectory of modern American design. Explore our collection of historic downtown properties, structural masterworks, and urban walking tour itineraries located right within the Chicago city limits.
The Loop and Financial District Landmarks For a cohesive look at Chicago’s soaring architectural history, the financial district along LaSalle Street is unmatched. A central highlight is The Rookery, a soaring historic skyscraper where Frank Lloyd Wright was hired in 1905 to completely redesign the interior light court, transforming it into a bright, white-and-gold marble masterpiece.
Walking through the financial district also allows visitors to appreciate the massive, towering scale of the classic Chicago School of architecture that defined the era when a young Wright was launching his career in the city.
To uncover the spectacular design hidden just behind the facades of these historic skyscrapers, Viator’s Chicago’s Secret Interiors Architectural Walking Tour offers an exceptional guided experience through the Loop, taking visitors inside LaSalle Street treasures like the Art Deco Field Building, the Marquette Building, and the stunning atrium of The Rookery itself.
The Art Institute of Chicago Located right on Michigan Avenue, the Art Institute is a mandatory stop for design lovers. Beyond its world-renowned fine art galleries, the museum preserves the city’s building history through incredible architectural installations.
In my opinion, the crown jewel for historic preservation enthusiasts is the museum’s meticulous, full-scale reconstruction of the 1893 Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room designed by Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan. Visitors can also explore the museum’s permanent collections featuring original architectural fragments, intricate art glass, and custom Prairie School furniture.
Exploring the City with Go City Passes For travelers planning a comprehensive tour of the area’s cultural and architectural landmarks, the Go City Chicago multi-attraction pass offers excellent convenience. The pass bundles several premier regional destinations together, including admission to the city’s iconic architecture river cruises that explore the history of the skyline. It also covers major institutions like the Field Museum on the lakefront, as well as historic suburban treasures just outside the city lines, such as Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace home in nearby Oak Park.
The Palmer House Hilton Located in the heart of the Loop and one block from the Art Institute, this historic hotel is a legendary destination in its own right. Boasting a breathtaking, frescoed grand lobby that epitomizes Gilded Age elegance, it offers a luxurious, vintage ambiance.
The Kimpton Gray Hotel Housed inside the historic 1894 New York Life Insurance Building, this sophisticated financial district property beautifully balances historic preservation with contemporary, upscale style. It features a sleek, tailored design aesthetic, highly personalized service, and a premier rooftop lounge that sits right among the architectural cornices of downtown LaSalle Street.
The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection For a more modern, sophisticated touch right in the financial district, this upscale boutique hotel sits high above LaSalle Street. It offers a refined, tailored luxury experience tailored perfectly for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the city’s business and architectural core.
Architecture and home design have always fascinated me. As a young girl I enjoyed drawing floor plans, rearranging my parent’s furniture and playing with Lincoln Logs and Legos. My passion has always been the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Since I have been old enough to drive a car, I have visited Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the Chicagoland area and attended the Wright Plus house walks. Now, as co-owners of Northern Sky Designs, my husband & I are able to combine our website design skills and FLW travels to bring you this website! Enjoy!
