Reliance Building (Hotel Burnham)
In 1999, one of Chicago’s most architecturally significant buildings was restored to its former glory. The original 1894 design was unique: it was the first skyscraper to use white glazed terra cotta for the façade and, while clearly in the classic Chicago School tripartite design, its glass curtain wall foreshadowed the International Style that developed nearly 30 years later. It was designated a National Historic Landmark (1970), a city landmark (1975) and a state landmark (1979). A state-of-the-art award-winning restoration, led by T. Gunny Harboe (McClier Corporation, Chicago), was completed in 1999. The tour includes the exterior, the lobbies, and two upper floors where much of the original marble, mahogany doors and woodwork, and decorative wrought iron work is still in evidence.
First and third Wednesday of every month at 12:15 pm.
Upcoming Dates:   Wednesday, February 17, 2010 12:15 PM Wednesday, March 03, 2010 12:15 PM Wednesday, March 17, 2010 12:15 PM
Meet: Main Lobby, 1 W. Washington Street Entrance Cost: Non-member $ 5.00 CAF member FREE Duration: 45 minutes Reservation: None Needed Reservation Notes: Groups of 10 or more cannot join public tours without 4 weeks advance notice. Contact the CAF Tour Dept. to make arrangements for your group: 312.922.3432 x226 or grouptours@architecture.org