333
North Michigan Avenue
Architects: Holabird & Root (1928)
Based on Eliel Saarinen's influential entry in the 1922 competition for the
design of Tribune Tower (he came second), this was one of the distinctive skyscrapers
built in Chicago during the late 20s and early 30s. These buildings are marked by
their forceful verticality--achieved through successive setbacks, strongly articulated
vertical piers, and long, vertical bands of windows.Building planes are
flat, and smoothly finished materials are used extensively. The polished marble
base and stylized bands of ornament are the only embellishments on this elegant limestone
tower.
| This long, narrow, slablike building rises 24 stories
and has a tower that rises to 35 stories at the northern end. Framing the windows of
the fiftieth floor is incised ornament portraying scenes from early Chicago
history. Low reliefs by Fred M. Torrey depict pioneers, traders, hunters, and Native
Americans at Fort Dearborn. Cornices are never used. Vertical bands of windows
appear on the three sides of the northern tower |
(Enlarge) |
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The building is superbly sited. By orienting the facade toward the north,
the architects provided a handsome termination to the vista down Michigan Avenue from Oak
Street.
 The elevator
doors of 333 North Michigan Ave are finely detailed and surrounded by marble
stone. The building's most outright commitment to the Art Deco is the Tavern
Club on the 25th floor. This space, including its wall decoration and furniture, was
designed by Winold Reis.
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