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Rookery Review

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Rookery

Address: 209 S. LaSalle St., Loop, Chicago, IL | Map It

Category: Architectural Sites
Location: The Loop

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Fodor's Review:

Called the Rookery for the crowlike birds that used to nest here, as well as for politicians who had a reputation of "rooking" or swindling, this building was designed by Burnham and Root in 1885 using both masonry and the more modern steel-frame construction. The bird motif is incorporated into the building's exterior, with rooks carved into the front arched entrance. Frank Lloyd Wright renovated the two-story lobby and light court in 1905, redoing the mezzanine stairway in white marble with intricate incising and gold-leaf gild, as well as adding custom light fixtures. In 1931, the skylight was tarred over, along with other detrimental alterations, but it has since been restored and recovered its resplendent grandeur. A cantilevered cast-iron staircase partially hangs over the west side of the lobby. The second-floor mezzanine has a charming walkway made out of glass block from an ashtray manufacturer.

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