People’s Choice Elite Eight, (12) Sears Tower vs. (13) Carbide and Carbon Building

Known for its world-renowned architecture, Chicago has more than its fair share of stellar buildings and towers. From the Sears Tower downtown, to the Frederick C. Robie House out in the neighborhoods, famous architects keep coming back to put their mark on our skyline. We have dozens of iconic buildings around our city, but there can only be one that is the best!

In the spirit of March Madness, it’s time to figure out exactly which building is the favorite. With the bracket filled by all of you readers, it’s time to start voting!

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(12) Sears Tower

Stats:

233 S. Wacker Drive

Height: 1,451 feet

Constructed: 1970-1974

Architect: Skidmore, Owings, Merrill (SOM)

Currently the tallest building in Chicago, the Sears Tower is an engineering marvel from SOM, using a bundled tube system of nine squares that allow the tower to achieve a 6.45:1 height-to-width ratio. Costing $160 million when completed, the construction used 76,000 tons of steel, 72,000 cubic yards of concrete, 17,500 tons of mechanical equipment. After years of ownership changes, Sears lost the naming rights to new tenants Willis Group Holdings who gained the naming rights in 2009. The building is currently owned by Blackstone Group, who bought the skyscraper for $1.3 billion in 2015.

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(13) Carbide and Carbon Building

Stats:

230 N. Michigan Ave

Height: 503 feet

Constructed: 1929

Architect: Burnham Brothers

The Carbide and Carbon Company, which developed the first dry cell battery, needed a regional headquarters to house its rapidly expanding business. The facade of the lavish Art Deco skyscraper is composed of luxurious polished black granite, green and gold terra cotta and gold leaf with bronze trim. The building’s cap is ornamented with genuine 24 karat gold, though it is only one five-thousandths of an inch thick. 

Cast your vote below!