Have you ever noticed the elegant white granite frames on the 77 West Wacker building? Its gleaming glass surface appears almost luminous, especially in the afternoon sun. This skyscraper, a stunning example of postmodern architecture, is more than just a glass tower with a striking design. 77 West Wacker is steeped in Chicago’s business history, a towering symbol of the city’s ambition and innovation.
It was completed in 1992, standing tall at 668 feet, with 49 floors housing numerous offices and headquarters. You might recognize 77 West Wacker as the former corporate headquarters of both United Airlines and Continental Airlines.
Take a moment to admire the building’s classic proportions, a tribute to the American tradition of skyscraper construction. Its design is reminiscent of Giotto’s campanile in Florence cathedral, but with a distinctly modern twist. The building’s facade is divided into different levels linked together by columns, echoing a sense of grandeur and structure.
77 West Wacker was actually completed in 1992, and its architectural team, led by Ricardo Bofill, wanted to create a dialogue between the classicism of stone and the high-tech brilliance of glass. It is a testament to Chicago’s ability to blend history and modernity, with its impressive height and classical design reflecting the city’s spirit of progression.
Within the building itself, you will find a grand atrium, a 59-foot-high space adorned with gray and white marble. The building’s design is also reflected in its interior. You can see the classical Greek style in the Thassos marble walls and the coffered ceiling made of white oak wood. The design echoes the grandiosity of the exterior, making it feel like a temple within a modern monument.
77 West Wacker has a few secret treasures that might not immediately catch your eye. Take a look for sculptures created by Xavier Corberó, Antoni Tapies, and Ricardo Bofill. The sculpture called Three Lawyers and a Judge sits prominently on the building’s facade, a quirky piece that reflects the building’s history as a hub for legal and business giants.
While 77 West Wacker is a dazzling example of architecture, the building is also a reminder of the changing face of Chicago’s skyline. As corporations evolve and relocate, the building’s identity and purpose continue to shift. Regardless of what the future holds, 77 West Wacker will continue to stand as a monument to the city’s ambitions and the enduring power of design.