An Architectural Mecca

Chicago is really a great city for architecture.  There are countless styles of design here, and often the most innovative, cutting edge architecture has been implemented here.  It's been that way since the late 1800s.  Here a couple of modern highrises on the Magnificent Mile frame the Water Tower, constructed in 1869 and the most important building to survive the great fire of 1871.

Here's Big John...the John Hancock building, about 40 years old and still a fine landmark.

This skyscraper captivates me.  It changes looks with the weather, looking mystical in cloudy conditions, majestic when the sun comes out. 

And the Lizards made the trip...they're representin' in Chitown!

Look at the variety in this shot.  The dominant building is the Willis (nee Sears) tower, Chicago's tallest.  Fronting the other modern buildings of varying design is the city's older skyline on Michigan Avenue, which dates from before World War II.

A mundane shot here for native Chicagoans, but somewhat legendary for a first time visitor...The El.  The trains clatter above the downtown streets as others rumble through the subways below.

I went up to the top of the Sears Tower...or almost to the top.  This is a view of Chicago from 103 stories up, looking southeast.  If you blow the pic up you can see all the way around the southern shore of Lake Michigan.

Looking northeast from the Sears Tower with the John Hancock building prominent.