| Chicago Transit Authority 2108 near Randolph and Wabash in Chicago, Illinois on an unknown day in March 1980, Kodachrome by Chuck Zeiler. The prominent building on the right was known as the Jeweler's Building, also known as 35 East Wacker Drive. It was originally designed and built in the 1920's as a high tech office tower for jewelers. The lower 23 floors were serviced by automobile elevators that, for security reasons, transported the tenant, their jewels, and their car directly up to the office floor. Changing times reduced the utility of this machinery and the elevator shafts were subsequently filled in. At the time of its construction, 35 East Wacker Drive was the tallest building west of New York City. It is easily distinguished on the Chicago skyline by its "wedding cake" shape and the water towers visible at the four corners of the first set back (part of the original fire suppression system - now decommissioned). The top of the Building is a large dome which was originally a restaurant (currently the showroom of architect Helmut Jahn) and it is said to have been frequented by Al Capone during Prohibition. The Building is designated a Chicago landmark. |