The Tribune Tower is a 463 ft tall,, 36 floor neo-Gothic skyscraper. The early 1920s international design competition for the tower became a historic event in 20th-century architecture. It was built & named for the f Chicago Tribune owner, The Tribune Tower Is a residential & office building. Almost 150 fragments from famous structures & historic sites around the world are embedded in Tribune Tower's first story walls. Chunks of the Great Wall of China, the Great Pyramid of Cheops and the Berlin Wall are visible here. read more

Tribune Tower - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Chicago Tribune Building---Slices of History, Both Inside and Out Spend some time exploring this neo-Gothic landmark on Michigan Avenue. It was built based on a contest that awarded architects prize money totaling $100,000, including a $50,000 first place award which was substantial considering some workers at the time made $1 per day. On the outer walls of the building, there are slices of places from around the world-such as the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Parthenon, Hagia Sophia, the Palace of Westminster, petrified wood from the Redwood National and State Parks, the Great Pyramid, The Alamo, Notre Dame de Paris, Abraham Lincoln's Tomb, Independence Hall, and the Berlin Wall. More recently a piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center was added to the wall. So much fun exploring and discovering new landmarks on each visit. On the inside in entrance lobby, the walls have famous quotes related to freedom of speech and the press. More restricted access due to the Tribune Tower being converted into multimillion-dollar luxury apartments. Still a great place to see slices of history. read more

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The Chicago Tribune Tower is gorgeous. I admired it from outside and passed by a few times as I explored the building. On the last day of my trip I got braver and I actually went into their lobby to satisfy my curiosity. I'm not that knowledgeable on architecture speak but I just know when I like something and find joy in admiring it. Fun facts by Wikipedia: *This Tribute Tower is a 36 floor neo Gothic skyscraper. Back in 1922 the Chicago Tribune hosted an international interior and exterior design competition to mark it 75th anniversary* Now we know why it looks so good. So anyways, I went inside their lobby and not only was it beautiful, they had quotes from famous thought leaders engraved on their walls. It was a touching moment for me as an overall opinionated writer and strong advocate for freedom of speech. My parents came from a country where there is not freedom of speech and you can be imprisoned, tortured and killed for your beliefs. We are so blessed in America we should really remember our blessings. Here are some of the inspirational quotes from the walls -- "This is true liberty when free-born men having to advise the public may speak free which he who can and will deserve high praise who neither can nor will may hold his peace what can be juster in a state than this" - Euripides "The struggle for freedom of speech has marched hand in hand in the advance of civilization with the struggle for other great human liberties. History teaches that human liberty cannot be secured unless there is freedom to express grievances" - Chief Justice Floyd E. Thompson "I want the tribune to continue to be after I am gone as it has been under my direction an advocate of political and moral progress and in all things to follow the line of common sense" - Joseph Medill "The liberty of opinion keeps government themselves in due subjection to their duties" - Erskine Anyways, see it for yourself and don't be shy to peak into the lobby. read more

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Any building made from a piece of the Alamo is five stars in my book. It seems to me that they got their hands on a piece of the Shrine to Texas Independence in San Antonio, and built a fancy Gothic building around it. I gotta wonder how that phone call went- "Howdy?" "Yes, I'm from Chicago" "Uh huh..." "I'd like to a piece of Alamo, please!" "..." The base of this Gothic tower has pieces of all these other architecturally significant buildings from around the world in the base. You can also find parts of the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids in Egypt, the Eiffel Tower, etc. I've heard there's even a piece of the moon in here. This Gothic design on the building has served as inspiration for the NBC tower down the way, with the flying buttresses. It almost looks like a church and a skyscraper did it, and made this Tribune Tower, with pieces of each. A secular church, or a religious skyscraper. I didn't go inside the building. read more

Tribune Tower - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Beautiful architecture and a neat tourist stop to check out the wall of artifacts. I pictured just a few here but there are many more and I think very worth seeing. read more

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Definitely worth spending at least a few moments checking out this beautiful building at the South end of the Magnificent Mile! I admit that I tend to walk around with my eyes glued to or constantly checking my phone (possibly playing Pokémon Go... hey, there's a ton of Pokémon Go activity in the city! Gotta take advantage of it while I can.) Chicago has so much amazing and gorgeous architecture though, and I couldn't help staring up all the buildings and sky throughout my trip here. The Tribune Tower was no exception - and I was even more enthralled when my friend noticed and pointed out the different rocks and engravings on the side of the building. We ended up walking around the entire building looking at all of the rocks from all over the world and from so many different historical events and time points - it was so cool!! Maybe I'm just a nerd for this stuff, but it really is incredible to reflect on those places & times - imagine what those rocks could tell us about what they'd seen if they were alive... We also popped into the lobby briefly to check out the architectural draft of the building's intricate designs (so pretty) and read the quotes on the walls. Don't miss this Chicago gem! read more

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The Tribune Tower is definitely one of the most beautiful and Historic buildings in Chicago. The architecture is extraordinary, the Gothic skyscraper details absolutely fascinate me. It looks like a towering cathedral with the mysterious and beautiful carvings and high jaw dropping impressive entrance. The original design was completed in 1925, so along with the stunning architecture, this building holds lots of valuable history and amazing memorabilia. (According to Wikipedia) The tower features carved images of Robin Hood and a howling dog (Howells) near the main entrance. The top of the tower is designed after the Tour de beurre (″butter tower″) of the Rouen Cathedral in France, which is characteristic of the Late-Gothic style, that is to say, without a spire but with a crown-shaped top. Also, among the gargoyles on the Tribune Tower is one of a frog. That piece was created by Rene Chambellan to represent himself jokingly as he is of French ancestry. On the outside street level of the building are pieces of stones taken from other famous buildings from all around the world such as, The Great Wall of China, The Coliseum, The Pyramids of Egypt, The Berlin Wall, NYC Twin Towers, The Alamo, White House, Notre Dame Cathedral and even the Moon (just to name a few). As you enter the lobby, you will see a huge map (which was created out of Millions of USA shredded money) and quotes from the 1st Amendment Freedom of Speech engraved on the walls (very similar to the writing of Gettysburg Address that is located in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC) In the courtyard, you will find the statue of the American Revolutionary, Nathan Hale. If you want to take a look at some of the most stunning views from the Chicago River Walk, you can do so from the 22nd floor if you can get in. It only holds 83 people at a time and is only there for tenants that lease within the building. read more

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One of the coolest things I saw on my visit to Chicago! If you're a history geek like me, you'll appreciate how cool this building is. There are small pieces of buildings from all over the world. It is a gothic style building with famous pieces from places such as the World Trade Center, Bridge of the Forbidden City in Peking, Japanese Shrine in Tokyo, St.Stephen's Cathedral (Vienna, Austria), the Tomb of Abraham Lincoln, The Great Wall of China, The Berlin Wall, The Alamo (Texas), David's Tower (Jerusalem), Stabian Baths of Pompeii, Holy Door St. Peter's Rome, Banteay Srei Hindu Temple in Cambodia, The Pyramid of Giza (Egypt), House of Parliament (London, England), Fort Ticonderoga (NY), Bloody Nose Ridge (Peleliu-Caroline Islands). There are plenty others that I haven't named, but this is definitely a really cool site with pieces gathered from all over the world so it's almost as if you're traveling the world and touching pieces of different time periods and major events through this building! It's pretty incredible. There is also a candy store and tea shop for people to go to (if you're traveling in a group and not everyone likes this type of thing). read more

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As far as architecture goes, this one has it all. Literally, all of it. There are pieces of architecture from various famous sites all over the world embedded into the walls of the tower. I walked around the outside taking pictures of each one and admiring where it came from and how it made its way here to Chicago. I also went inside to admire the lobby, but you can't get much further without a purpose. Definitely a stop for anyone making a walking tour down the main strip of Chicago who appreciates good architecture and anything cool / historic. read more

Tribune Tower - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's nice to have a Trib Editor pal who with 20 years of experience also has the pull to give me and my crew a full tour of this Chicago Landmark. This neo-Gothic gem was criticized in the architectural community when in 1922 Col. McCormick chose it from several hundred entries he had received in a competition he ran when he decided to build a testament. Architect Raymond Hood's creation was not considered modern in this pre-Modernist time. But I'm glad McCormick chose it, because it is such first class work, especially in its distinct lack of Modernist minimalism. Inside out, this is a building of detail and view. The elevator doors are rich in detail and craftsmanship. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=TtwhWwNSqDv64M2EnYZE8g&select=yabG9k9Ci7g5iHkY73MVHQ&start=0 The views of Chicago from the 22nd floor terrace are refreshing and grand. The Terrace: http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=TtwhWwNSqDv64M2EnYZE8g&select=Vs6nwmIW_BCpxKNZe4mxeA&start=0 Looking South on Michigan and Wacker and the river: http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=TtwhWwNSqDv64M2EnYZE8g&select=px1tzQEVLXVof1J5clwoXw&start=0 Trump trumps Wrigley: http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=TtwhWwNSqDv64M2EnYZE8g&select=SOdcOvRba0vL1GJfmQTLIA&start=0 The Editorial Board Conference Room in its modest size and beauty is a real tribute to the non-garish class McCormick apparently had. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=TtwhWwNSqDv64M2EnYZE8g&select=KQAwb99nu6Pg8i0I0asLKA&start=0 Here is Col. McCormick's stand-up writing desk, his perch in and view from the Editorial Board Conference Room. This is where it is said McCormick would lay out the paper for its final preparation. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=TtwhWwNSqDv64M2EnYZE8g&select=d4f_xW219-a_T0YGFhU2YQ&start=0 And here is an uncommon view of Trib Tower's ornate beauty; it's the rear of the Tower shot from the Terrace, too. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=TtwhWwNSqDv64M2EnYZE8g&select=obIPhHuaE4SMfgpca5qKvQ&start=0 All this plus a tour of the 4th floor newsroom, CLTV and WGN remote studios, and more. If you can somehow swing it, in addition to the building features and views, the main conference room in the news room itself has scores of front pages and photographs of Chicago events that make it one of the most unique de facto mini-museums in town. Hey Heyood, THANKS!! read more

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Architectural beauty at its best! The Tribune Tower in Chicago is magnificent! It is home to the Chicago Tribune. I walked into the lobby of this iconic landmark, Suffice it to say that it is quite impressive! I could tell you a bit about the history of this incredible building, but I think that you would be better off reading about it elsewhere. Do yourself a favor, and stop by the Tribune Tower yourself. read more

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At first I didn't give the Tribune Tower much thought because in passing the Gothic design didn't really appeal to me compared to all the other buildings in the area. However, after going on a sightseeing tour I learned a few things about the building that made me want to stop by to check it out up close. The design of the building was the result of a Chicago Daily Tribune contest for the "most beautiful and eye-catching building in the world". An interesting fact about the building is that it has famous stones and other pieces incorporated into it's wall. There are signs underneath the pieces showing their origins. Be sure to check it out! read more

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Landmark Review: Ever since I moved to Chicago, I always enjoy walking past this building with the unique gothic architecture in the form of a towering catherdral. Equally impressive is the stones/rock (not sure of the authenticity) embedded into the wall from historic buildings and locations which pulls you into the architecture of the building. You can spend a good 1/2 hour exploring the outside. I have never been in the building, however the terrace is said to have a spectacular view of the city. Luckily one of the other reviewers Michael S. has pictures from up there. I am sure the rest of the building is equally mysterious as it is beautiful. Unfortunately there are no walking tours for the building. **hint hint: tribune towers should have walking tours available Hidden gem: if you can get inside, the terrance has a spectacular view of the city. who knows what other awesome things await .... read more

I'd been to Chicago multiple times and had seen the Tribune Tower lots of times. Its an interesting building. I mean, how often do you see a Gothic skyscraper like this? However, only recently did I discover what makes this building truly special. On the outside of the building at street level, it has pieces of stone taken from famous buildings and other places all over the world. You name it, it's there - The Pyramids, the Great Wall of China, Notre Dame, the Colosseum, even the World Trade Center. Seeing that was like taking a trip around the world. Very cool. Make sure you walk on the east side of Michigan Avenue as you pass the Tribune Tower; crossing the street has never been more worth it. read more

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What a wonderfully rich history surrounding this building. I'm not commenting on the paper itself. I walked around the grounds and saw that dozen's of artifacts were built into the walls! How novel! It was a fun way to spend 25 minutes - thanks, Tribune! Your lobby is neat as well! read more

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The Tribune Tower is a popular building thanks to its neo-Gothic design, although most architectural critics consider this winning design the second-best in quality from the famous design competition that spawned this result. The bases of the exterior walls have an intriguing collection of famous building fragments from around the world embedded in them. You can see remnants from the Alamo, the Great Wall of China, and the former World Trade Center of New York. The courtyard has a statue of American revolutionary Nathan Hale. There is a broadcast booth with occasional live broadcasts on the street level, along with a shop with Cubs souvenirs. read more

Tribune Tower - Tribune Tower - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I can not tell you how many times I have walked past Tribune Tower. I've been in the lobby, the gift shop and not once have I noticed the "special" blocks that were used in the construction of the tower. This last visit to Chicago my coworker who had lived in Chicago, showed me the amazing secret. I was in total amazement, looking at these historical stones that were blended into the architecture. How creative and innovative. At times I think modern day structures have nothing on our historical jewels. As I was searching the stones, it was snowing and the flakes were falling heavier and faster. My friend kept urging me to stop searching and ogling, he wanted to take shelter in a bar for liquid refreshment. I gave in to his wishes, but next visit I am spending time finding all the unique blocks in this gem of a building. * My 100th Review - 2/11/11 read more

One of the coolest architectural buildings I have ever seen in my travels. The building itself is fairly nice, with interesting arches, and sides, but what sets this building apart is that there are dozens of pieces of other well known famous buildings attached to this building. The Great Wall is there. The Pyramids of Egypt. Yep. Even a little Berlin wall action. Pretty neat. read more

Je me souviens (I remember) Tribute Tower knows and understands me and my unusual penchant for taking rocks, brick fragments, asphalt and concrete from the places I've traveled. A t-shirt, a keychain or a something-or-other with my name on it does nothing for me. While Marilyn Monroe's diamonds last forever, famous fragments from recognizable monuments are my best friends. I want a tangible souvenir from my journey and that's exactly what the Tribune Tower is all about. I'm the Indiana Jones of architecture; it belongs in a museum- er...it should be made available to the public for tour when it is of historical significance. Well, Indy didn't win them all and neither can the general public in this case. But, the security guard was very pleasant and knowledgable at the front desk. (Much nicer than the bloke at the Water Tower) She provided insight and gave me a brochure about the history of this Neo-Gothic goodness and for that I'm thankful. The Tribune Tower adds character and depth to the famous Chicago skyline. The unique façade beckons the tactile inclined passerby to experience the world at their fingertips. Go on...feel the world, absorb the history, appreciate this marvelous architecture and every delectable collectible that makes up this building. read more

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Quite an interesting building if you happen to observe it close up. In-bedded into the concrete exterior walls are artifacts from around the world and even from outer space. relics from the Pyramids, the Berlin Wall, and moon rock are view-able. Many people just happen to pass up this Gothic style influences without even looking up at the wall. Its an iconic Chicago building, showcasing classic Chicago style architecture. Its a real gem that most tourists forget about as they trounce around about their shopping along Michigan Ave. At the corner by the plaza - you could watch a live radio broadcast. read more

This building is very historic. Sadly, you can only walk into the lobby without a reason. However, you can learn a lot about the building just from the outside. This is one of the most historic architecture buildings in the city, yet most people walk right past it each day not even thinking about it. read more

The Tribune Store, located in the Tribune Tower is a terrific place to pick up Chicago memorabelia. The Tower and the Tribune Store are 'must do's' for all visitors and Chicagoans alike. read more

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I always adored tribune tower. Never got bored of seeing this marvelous architecture piece daily since I stayed just a block away from it. There is plenty to observe inside and outside the building too. Make sure to spend some time outside looking at the stones engraved on the wall. Thanks to all the people who maintain and take care of this building. read more

Neat little historic building for the history buffs or architecture buffs. I came across this building by accident while I was just walking and noticed a lot of people taking pictures in front of this building. I stopped and joined the people to see what was so cool. In the front of the building, on both sides of the entrance, there are chunks of materials from famous monuments from all over the world (like a stone from the Berlin Wall, or a piece of the Great Wall of China) and these pieces of history are embedded within the building. I thought it was pretty neat. I did not get a chance to go inside but I would want to come back to check out more neat things this place has to offer. read more

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A spot you definitely need to check out if you are around the area. The intricacy was breathtaking! read more

Tribune Tower - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Note to Terrorists: Please dont' blow this place up. It's super beautiful outside, especially if you're looking at it from south of the river. The inside is cool too, but really easy to sneak in to. Just say you're here for "the conference." Again, please use this information for good and not for destruction. read more

First off, the Tribune Tower is gorg! I couldn't help but be blown away by all of the beautiful architecture inside. Although I've walked by the Trib Tower on multiple occasions, I'd never been inside until last week when I took a TribU class on SEO (Search Engine Optimization.) I was very impressed that this only cost me (well, my employer who paid for it) about $30. It was taught by their Social Media Manager during the evening after all the media crowd had vanished. I'd arrived only moments before it started, but next time I'll come early to network and check out more of the scenery. The class itself was very helpful. This was really just a broad and beginner's look at search engines and how to make yourself or business more relevant as far as Google and Bing are concerned. There were quite a few small business owners present and they seemed to get a lot out of it, then there were the rest of us that represented other companies and brands. I really appreciated the trainer because she was extremely personable and kept me very entertained for the two hour course. Normally I have ADD and can't help but get bored fast, but her printed out Powerpoint, as well as her mannerisms kept me focused. Totally unrelated but equally as important, they provided cheese and crackers as well as soda and water bottles. I thought this was a great bargain for the money spent and plan on taking another TribU class as soon as the topic piques my interest again. read more

Learned about the tower on our Architecture Tour down the Chicago River, and OMG it was so undersold! This place was amazing! My group of some nerds, some cool people, and lots of mixes of cultures spent about 45 minutes walking around the entire building to look at where all the different stones came from... where else in the world can you touch a piece of the Roman Colloseum, right before a statue head from the House of Lords in London, before a piece of the Great Pyramid in Gyoza, and then a petrified tree from the CA redwood forest?!??! SO AWESOME to see all that and relive middle school world history class, just by walking around a building! read more

Very cool and timeless piece of Chicago architecture. I've done two long term consulting gigs in this building so I was lucky enough to see it from both inside and out. During the course of my time working there, I was able to stroll through the lobby (an attraction in its own right) every morning and enjoy the view of the Magnificent Mile from the 17th floor. The view of the Wrigley Building right across the street was really cool, too. There was a pretty decent cafeteria on the premises, although given the location it was always preferable to go out for a walk at lunchtime, especially if the weather was nice. You used to be able to just walk into the building and take the elevators to whatever floor you wanted to visit. I was working in the Tribune Tower when September 11th happened and within a week or two a keycard was then required to access any part of the building other than the lobby (or the gift shop, which carried all kinds of Tribune-related stuff ranging from refrigerator magnets and pens to books and Cubs jerseys). Speaking of the Cubs, the Tribune Company still owned the team when I was there and I'll never forget the day when a crew came to our floor and proceeded to strategically place blue film over certain south-facing windows -- this was when the team was in the playoffs back in 2003 (the year of the Steve Bartman fiasco) and the effect was that GO CUBS was vertically spelled out when the tower was viewed at night. Pretty cool! As you can probably guess, the maintenance of this building was very meticulous. Interesting and very historical building -- a must visit if you're ever in town. read more

One of the all-time coolest buildings in Chicago, the Tribune Tower sets itself apart from the downtown skyline. Located on the Chicago River, it houses the Chicago Daily Tribune offices, in addition to great shops, fine food, and live sports radio (you can even join in!). And the best part? The Tribune Tower contains many famous stones, including fragments from the Alamo, the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum, and even the moon! read more

Tribune Tower - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The offices for the Chicago Tribune and the studios of WGN Radio are housed within the building. The front of the building has rocks cemented into the front from historic places all over the earth including the Great Wall of China. There is even a moon rock cemented in. Gothic style architecture and the history of this building make this another Chicago landmark. read more

Tribune Tower - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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It's got such intricate Gothic details, beautiful flying buttresses, it's like a European cathedral in the middle of America. My favorite building in Chicago. Inside, the "Freedom Museum" has a cool staircase/atrium with shiny metallic flat thingies. Ranked 38th in AIA's Favorite Architecture list http://favoritearchitecture.org/afa150.php read more

This is a very famous place, they are now re-modeling the inside to make an apartment. One of the cool things about this is that there are pieces of famous places around the world on the tribune building. You can touch them, they come from places like Ohio,Tokyo,Texas,Egypt but there are more than just that! The sculpting is outstanding, the front entrance is beautiful! read more

I was very lucky because the stepfather of a girl at my school owns the Tribune, so we got a full tour when we went to Chicago on a school trip. It was amazing. Apart from the building's intriguing exterior, there is much to look at inside. The newsroom is very expansive, and we even got to see the underground boiler room. Then we ate lunch on the beautiful 22nd floor balcony. There is a great view from up there. If you can get in, see it! read more

Tribune Tower - top of the tower - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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You're cute Tribune Tower. While I think it's weird we glorify a building that stole parts of other buildings, I still like it. I think its a great looking building and I love places with lots of history. And their little store is cute too. You can find all the random Tribune and Chicago style gifts you need here. Who knew you needed a Tribune shot glass*? Well now you can have one. *I actually don't know if they sell shot glasses...I made that up. But they do sell hats. And newspaper cover t-shirts. read more

This is a beautiful building...it attracts visitors and Chicago-city residents alike for pictures and browsing. The intricate designs are beautiful and this building definitely is a landmark in the city. One of my favorite things about this building is the great little Tribune Shop. It has lots of cool items! read more

Tribune Tower - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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WOW! I saw the building by mistake as it was not part of my things to see in Chicago. The building is stunning! The architect has designed the building very thoughtfully. The building stands out as it looks from gothic era, you would feel like looking at a historical Cathedral. read more

Tribune Tower - building - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The design is so much more interesting than that of the old Suntimes building. I feel regal just gazing at the gothic architecture. Internships abound. read more

Tribune Tower - Local Flavor Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sorry, no tours here. You have to have an inside connect to get into the building. From outside it is one of the many great famous views in the city. Located right off of the river it is a can't miss. Depending on the time you are visiting there may be a large interesting piece of artwork in the southern courtyard area. read more

I definitely think Tribune Tower is one of the cooler buildings in Chicagao so i always take my out of town visitors by it. It's right on the Chicago River and the design of the building is beautiful. Both the chicago trib offices and wgn radio can found in this amazing building. read more