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The Rookery

209 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60604
312 553 6150
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Ranked #42 of 332 attractions in Chicago
Type: Architectural Buildings
Owner description: Set in the heart of Chicago’s financial district, at 209 South LaSalle Street, Daniel Burnham and John Root’s Rookery Building is a Chicago landmark,... more » Owner description: Set in the heart of Chicago’s financial district, at 209 South LaSalle Street, Daniel Burnham and John Root’s Rookery Building is a Chicago landmark, containing a luminous and brilliantly articulated central light court remodeling by Frank Lloyd Wright.When completed in 1888, The Rookery was one of the most expensive and largest commercial buildings in Chicago, housing more than 600 offices. The building’s name was carried over from a nickname given to the structures that occupied The Rookery site prior to its design. These buildings, Chicago’s temporary city hall and a water tank, were known popularly as “the rookery” because of the many birds that nested there and the likelihood of being “rooked” by the politicians in residence.In 1898, when Frank Lloyd Wright opened his studio in Oak Park, he rented space in The Rookery Building to serve as his downtown Chicago office. In 1905, Wright was commissioned to update the interior design and plan of the light court and lobbies. He realized a stunning balance between Burnham & Root’s ornamental ironwork and his own vision to create a spectacular environment – one of his most dramatic interior compositions.Learn about the building’s fascinating history and the unique contribution of one of America’s greatest architects on the Preservation Trust’s guided tours Monday through Friday at noon. « less
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78 reviews from our community

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Elkhorn, Nebraska
Top Contributor
89 reviews 89 reviews
69 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

The outside of this building is a gorgeous red-brown stone; inside boasts even more incredible architecture. The lobby is very unique and an attraction of itself; an elaborate marble staircase and winding, suspended iron staircase grace this naturally-lit area. If you go to LaSalle St, you need to swing in here!

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See 19 more reviews by DJ B for Chicago
Indianapolis, Indiana
Top Contributor
70 reviews 70 reviews
51 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

If you love architecture, the Rookery is a worthwhile stop. Daniel Burnham favorite architect designed the building and 2nd favorite Frank Lloyd Wright did some remodelling to the lobby so for me it was a great place.

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See 18 more reviews by jacobtraveler11 for Chicago
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

We were impressed by the space and the architectural influence of Frank Lloyd Wright - however the space was being prepared for a Wedding, so much of it was blocked from public access. If interested in visiting, allow 15-20 minutes. No fee, just walk in.

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See 7 more reviews by Ann W for Chicago
Buckeye in da Windy City
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 March 2013

Prepared to be be astonished as you enter this incrediable ebvironment! Do your homework and understand what you are viewing. I often drop in here just for inspiration.

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Des Moines, Iowa
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 March 2013

Well worth a quick stop. Gorgeous entry and stair case (both of them). First level is free and has a frank Lloyd wright store inside.

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See 5 more reviews by RunningReader for Chicago
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 February 2013 via mobile

One must consider the time in which this was constructed. The space inside to tour is limited. I was smitten with the exterior. Very organic approach the large architecture.

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See 9 more reviews by Tim D for Chicago
Springfield, IL
Top Contributor
77 reviews 77 reviews
41 attraction reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 December 2012

We visited on a Wednesday which is the day they give a tour of Daniel Burnham's office as well as the lower two floors of the building itself. Since it is a working office building, not a historic site, you are restricted even on the tour as to where you can go. Can see more on the tour than on... More

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See 6 more reviews by FrontierLake for Chicago
San Jose, California
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 November 2012

I know that the Rookery is a well established attraction in Chicago and had heard rave reviews. I arrived on a Friday around lunch time. The building is still in use with businesses located in the lobby and upper levels. I did not take a tour. It was nice to see the beautiful design and open feeling of the building,... More

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Skokie, Illinois
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 October 2012

Architecture is remarkable. This is an historic treasure. Make sure you get the full frontal view from across the street before you enter. Really amazing front entrance.

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See 6 more reviews by sea b for Chicago
chicago, il
Top Contributor
81 reviews 81 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
49 helpful votes 49 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 October 2012

Wanted to get some wedding pictures here but totally not acclimating in any way whatsoever...The person I spoke to want nice or helpful.

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See 55 more reviews by hailes for Chicago

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