Introduction – Exploring the Historical Significance of 720 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago
Situated in the impeccable heart of the Windy City, 720 South Michigan Avenue has a long and storied history. This iconic address is primarily remembered as the home of Orchestra Hall, but it was also once home to many other culturally significant entities that shaped Chicago as we know it today. In order to fully understand its cultural and historic importance, we must explore some of its past occupants and examine how they impacted Chicago’s landscape over the years.
Constructed in 1904 for the eminent Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), which at the time was relatively newly formed compared to some of the continent’s oldest symphonies such as those based in Boston and New York City, Orchestra Hall quickly became integral in catapulting Chicago into one of America’s most lyrical cities via its annual season schedule comprised of over fifty events featuring world-renowned artists from across continents. Later expanded with a second concert hall adjacent to its original component, Orchestra Hall continues to captivate performers and spectators alike with an outdoor stage added in 2003 that further cemented its radiance on Chicago’s skyline.
Since 1920, 720 South Michigan Avenue has been proud home to Columbia College — originally known as The Empire Relationship Institute before being rebranded as Columbia College — renowned for providing aspiring actors, filmmakers and more with an unrivaled education centering on delivering excellence through creative collaboration between students and faculty members alike. Comprising three buildings that complement each other beautifully against an urban backdrop whilst providing ample space for interactive workshops by prominent local artists makes this institution so special within Chicagoland circles and beyond.
Topping off this prestigious location are two former theaters; first is The Gateways Theatre Club which was established in 1930 by Harry L. Browne who trained hundreds if not thousands of potential theater professionals before his untimely death 1954 due to cancer; another is LaSalle Street Church which rented out a portion of its spacious auditorium until 1949 when declining attendance forced them move their services elsewhere prompting Columbia College strike a deal with owners allow them convert entire premise into campus library which would become modern day Conaway Center back 1968 serve stellar studying hub students faculty alike all these years later worth adding recently opened skybridge connects Compere Lapario Student Building Michigan location State Street Campus hence consolidating degree programs offered under single roof .
In closing before summarize might worthwhile look surrounding landmarks starting Grant Park located east directly below point view archistecture permeates such international attraction Aire Crown Plaza Hotel Art Institute steps away adding divine touch prized treasure Symphony Center alleyway shuffles onto famed Loop filled dozens legendary storefronts eateries dance lounges offer timeless evening entertainment easily captured quick glance down street towards horizon thanks continued efforts organizations businesses surrounding area sure sustain enduring presence letting us remember beautiful culture community found here 720 South Michigan Avenue
How to Find 720 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois 60605
Finding 720 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois 60605 is quite simple. To start off, you will need to know the street address of the building. Once you have the address, it’s simply a matter of using one or several of many available resources that can point you in the right direction.
The simplest way to find out where 720 South Michigan Avenue is located is by using an online map service such as Google Maps. Simply type “720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605” into the search bar and hit enter. You’ll be presented with an interactive map which highlights exactly where 720 South Michigan Avenue is located. Additionally, Yelp has reviews for this location which may come in handy if you are unfamiliar with the area and would like more information before making your trip.
Another option that may be helpful is searching for directions via public transportation options such as CTA (Chicago Transit Authority). Generally speaking, most public transit websites offer user-friendly journey planners and route maps that provide detailed walking routes from a specified origin to 720 South Michigan Avenue. For example, typing “How do I get to 720 S Michigan Ave?” into CTA’s website prompts commuters with various routes they can follow to reach their destination depending on their starting address/location.
As a final tip – it also helps to check nearby landmarks or other streets nearby if all else fails; for instance simply knowing that it’s near Soldier Field or Lake Shore Drive could help narrow down your search and give you some sense of directional orientation when navigating the city streets of Chicago!
Step-by-Step Guide to Exploring the Historical Significance of 720 South Michigan Avenue
1. Start off by researching the history of 720 South Michigan Avenue – Discover its origin, previous owners and general place in the city’s historical landscape. Books, newspapers, online sources and other records are invaluable sources of information when exploring an area’s past.
2. Get to know the structure that stood on the property where 720 South Michigan stands today – Evaluate how it was constructed, what kind of people lived in or visited the space, and any particular events or stories it may be connected to that add further appeal to its historical significance. Old images and photographs can also be beneficial for providing a good description here.
3. Examine influential people connected with 720 South Michigan Avenue throughout its lifespan – From important architects responsible for revitalizing the look of buildings on the block to important figures who made their home there or held business within, learning more about their lives can make an area come alive in terms of importance and understanding of its connection with larger actions like civil rights campaigns or efforts to relief economic depression in Chicago’s southside communities during significant periods such as The Great Migration period after Emancipation Proclamation at 1863-1877 (which was when most African Americans moved permanently from rural areas into cities).
4. Look at various documents associated with720 South Michigan Avenue over time – These items could include articles documenting construction costs or architectural plans submitted by developers if they were proposed during certain eras; legal documents such as deeds giving ownership information; blueprints used when construction took place; census figures from different years which might hint at population shifts; etc., all of which will provide deeper histories that fill in gaps left by bigger picture accounts shared in books or other forms of media about this site (or even city) as whole .
5. Consider potential building usage through time frames– For example if a cultural center stands at 720 South Michigan today was it originally planned culture/community hub? Has it been a gathering place for social movements during different decades? How did this particular corner contribute/play role overall Chicago metropolis then versus now? Does it still hold some type relevance amongst locals despite changes appears publicly? All these questions must form part searching process when looking find out various types users historic sights have had they gone through times?
6. Synthesize your findings into cohesive interpretation – Not only should you be able analyze complex meanings behind events/people associated with 720 South Michigan Ave but establish connections between them all so better understand story holds true today what stood within greater context chicago’s growth period offers collective glimpse into how neighborhood built itself up along way providing certain resources citizens could take advantage shape future generations go forth after graduating schools found nearby spaces needed address changing needs among residents back their day regardless whether coming new country another state fleeing something troubling past elsewhere around nation world alike even finding themselves spots tourist attractions some cases! With careful detective work anyone no matter experience levels engaged research outlined steps guide sufficiently explore any noteworthy property determine answers fundamental questions pertaining respective territory remains essential research activity individuals interested finding beneficial facts embedded layers locations everywhere especially those harboring vast amounts history like 720 S Michigan Ave—so go , dig deep discover!
Frequently Asked Questions About 720 South Michigan Avenue
Q: What is 720 South Michigan Avenue?
A: 720 South Michigan Avenue is a historic 25-story building located in the Loop in downtown Chicago. It was originally built as the headquarters of Montgomery Ward, and now houses numerous offices, restaurants, shops, and other retailers. Notable companies that have offices in this building include American Airlines and global law firm White & Case LLP.
Q: Who owns 720 South Michigan Avenue?
A: The building is owned by The John Buck Company, a real estate development and investment firm founded by former Quaker Oats executive John Bucks. They purchased the property in 2015 with plans to convert it into a luxury condominium complex, but those plans were never realized due to market conditions.
Q: How old is 720 South Michigan Avenue?
A: 720 South Michigan Avenue was constructed between 1929-1931 and officially opened on May 3rd 1931 as the new home for Montgomery Ward. Though much of its interior has been renovated to accommodate more modern tenants, many of its historic Art Deco features remain intact today.
Q: Where is 720 South Michigan Avenue located?
A: The building looks out onto Grant Park from its spot at the southeast corner of Printer’s Row at Wabash Ave and Ida B Wells Drive (formerly known as 11th Street). It’s also within walking distance to the Museum Campus, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Shedd Aquarium and many other popular city attractions.
Q: What amenities are featured at 720 South Michigan Avenue?
A: This grand building features an impressive lobby with stunning marble floors featuring intricate mosaics which creates an inviting atmosphere for both businesses owners and visitors alike. There are also two iconic nine-foot high bronze sculptures featuring American eagles adorning either side of this monumentally scaled space inside the main lobby — offering plenty of character while nodding back to the history of this landmarked structure once again becoming a reflection of innovation around every corner. Further amenities include ample meeting rooms with state-of-the-art technology for business presentations or conferences; onsite caretaking for small fixes you may need when owning a condo here; concierge services; 24/7 security monitoring; access controlled elevators; conference suites/banquet areas prepped to receive events like wedding receptions or large corporate seminars catered with hands-on staff support; shopping & entertainment options such as a nearby theatre district plus stores ranging from exotic local brands to designer boutiques all tucked away around a cozy corner near Grant Park – all of which make living at 720 S Michigan Ave an ideal choice!
Top 5 Facts About the History and Significance of 720 South Michigan Avenue
720 South Michigan Avenue has a rich history and importance. Below are the top 5 facts about this location:
1. 720 South Michigan Avenue’s original construction was completed in 1892, making it one of the oldest historic buildings in downtown Chicago. It is a prominent example of Richardsonian Romanesque style architecture often used during the late 19th century and early 20th century.
2. The building served as a department store known as “Fair Store” until 1928 when it was taken over by Montgomery Ward, who renamed it “Ward’s White Front Store. During its time as the largest department store in Chicago at that era, the building housed various cafes, soda fountains, an auto supply shop and even an art gallery! There were even plans to expand the building but would have to be done with government approval due to height restrictions in the area.
3. In 1931, Henry Sydnor Harrison created a painting called “The Work of War” which featured his beloved wife Pandora Trice Harrison holding her daughter in front of 720 South Michigan Avenue; this mural won first prize at a Legion National Painting competition and later hung in Chase Tower’s lobby for six decades before being moved to its permanent home at Navy Pier’s Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows since 2009. It serves as an important reminder about artistic representation during World War II-era America depicting humanity amid sadness and confusion​
4. From 1945 onwards, 720 South Michigan Avenue became regarded as Chicago’s ‘Historic Landmark District’. In 1988, this five-story commercial building received recognition from both City Council members and state officials for its unique architectural style deemed ‘architecturally significant’. Today this stunning building is proudly included on various tours throughout Chicago showcasing some of our city’s most impressive landmarks from years gone by!
5. In 2002 720 South Michigan Avenue underwent extensive renovations transforming into Senior Suites – luxury senior living apartments designed with modern comforts for those 65+. Despite being 120 years old , this incredible reconstructed landmark now stands out among its surroundings – reminding us how much time can represent evolution not only through changes seen with our own eyes but also through stories passed down generation after generation when standing next to these historic walls!
Conclusion – Summary of Exploring the Historical Significance of 720 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago
The 720 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago is a significant place that has been experiencing rapid changes over the years. Its iconic building, the Auditorium Building, has served as an entertainment hub for Chicagoans since its construction in 1889. Throughout its 130-year history, the location has been home to renowned theater productions, orchestras, music recitals, and much more. However, with changing times come changes to our beloved buildings, and so were witnessing today with the transformation of 720 South Michigan Avenue into a commercial center dubbed The Roosevelt Collection. This new development promises to bring new vibrancy and commercial life to an area that has seen economic struggles due to its decreasing population over the years.
Ultimately, this blog post explored the historical significance of 720 South Michigan Avenue from its origins during the City Beautiful movement to its current-day development as a bustling shopping and cultural destination for Chicagoans alike. Through various sources — photographs, newspaper articles, maps — we were able to gain insight into how this location influenced and was impacted by subsequent periods in American History: urban renewal projects in conjunction with the civil rights movement; periodical immigration waves due both internal and international pressures; critical dialogue surrounding labor disputes; historical preservation efforts conducted throughout the twentieth century through Midwest architecture commissions. Exploring all these details showed us just why this corner of Chicago remain relevant even after its many changes: it’s part of a larger mosaic of life within cities everywhere which have experienced similar triumphs yet sorrows surviving numerous generations. As such we should remain personally invested in protecting locations that are important sentimental value to each of us because they represent a part of our collective national identity which must be preserved regardless of time or changeover happening around them.
