Metropolitan Tower, Residential skyscraper in Historic Michigan Boulevard District, Chicago, United States
The Metropolitan Tower is a residential skyscraper on Michigan Avenue topped by a distinctive pyramid structure crowned with an illuminated glass ornament. Inside are 242 condominium units ranging in size and layout, making it both a landmark and a living residential building.
Built in 1924 as the Straus Building by architects Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, it was Chicago's first structure to reach 30 floors. This achievement marked a major milestone in the city's expanding skyline during the 1920s.
The crown and beehive motifs adorning the tower express values of stability and hard work that were central to early business ideals. These symbols remain visible reminders of how financial institutions once conveyed their principles through architectural details.
The tower's exterior and illuminated crown are best viewed from Michigan Avenue at street level, particularly striking after dark. The location puts it within walking distance of other nearby attractions and cultural institutions along the boulevard.
Four carillon bells sit beneath the illuminated glass crown and were restored in 1979 when Pope John Paul II visited Chicago. These bells ring during special occasions, adding an unexpected musical dimension to this architectural landmark.
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