Thank you to everyone who participated in our second week of Arch Madness voting! Over 150 of you voted to determine our final 8 buildings.
Click here to see the updated bracket with the winners.
Click here to participate in the next round of voting! Voting for this round will close at 5 pm on Monday, April 20.
Below is a breakdown of the winners of the second round.
Matchup #1: Crown Hall vs. The Rookery
Winner: The Rookery
With The Rookery winning nearly 72% of the vote, Crown Hall is officially dethroned.
Why The Rookery? Voters said…
“Whereas the single-story Crown Hall exhibits that ‘less is more’ ideology of Mies, the eleven-story Rookery harkens back to the time when ‘more was more’, a time when ‘tall’ buildings hadn’t yet been defined, considered, or constrained by neoclassicism or trending tastes.”
“Rookery has “…magic to stir men’s blood” with its complex exterior, its history and the fabulous lobby which has both Root and Wright.”
Matchup #2: Robie House vs. Chicago Athletic Association
Winner: Robie House
Robie House gained almost 3/4 of the votes for this matchup.
Why Robie House? Voters said…
“In our city, justly renowned for its verticality, here is the ultimate statement in horizontal!”
“Archetypal new style for our time and our place, not the recreation of the style for another time and place.”
And one that really made me laugh: “Robie House is a World Heritage Site and I would give my first born to call it home.”
Matchup #3: Monadnock vs. Millennium Park
Winner: Monadnock
This one was a close call! Monadnock won out with just 10 more votes. It’s “bean” a good run, Millennium Park.
Why Monadnock? Voters said…
“MP has the razzle dazzle, but Monadnock regally displays historic and revolutionary technology”
“Represents everything exciting about the development of Chicago’s skyscrapers: A new style for a new type of building in a new country, The experiments in engineering, structure, and appearance The fabulous restoration of not only looks, but use.”
Matchup #4: 875 N. Michigan vs. Inland Steel Building
Winner: Inland Steel Building
Upset alert! A nail biter all week, Inland Steel ended up coming out on top with the slimmest margin yet: 5 votes!
Why Inland Steel? Voters said…
“Pioneering example of modernism in the Loop. Knocked my socks off when I saw it as a teenager.”
“Awareness of the wonderful qualities of the Inland Steel Building has certainly increased, but it’s still an underappreciated gem. It’s Miesian with pizazz!”
Matchup #5: Marina City vs. Tribune Tower
Winner: Marina City
Marina City won nearly 62% of the votes in this round.
Why Marina City? Voters said…
“Love the way it was designed with the modern city dweller’s wants/wish list in mind: great views, short commutes, and convenience!”
“There’s a reason Marina makes an appearance in almost every movie filmed in Chicago.”
Matchup #6: Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church vs. Sullivan Center
Winner: Sullivan Center
Sullivan Center won a definitive victory over Holy Trinity, with almost 84% of the vote.
Why Sullivan Center? Voters said…
“Are there two more varied examples of Sullivan’s unique genius? The nod here goes to the Sullivan Center, an ageless and powerful statement of Chicago’s entrepreneurial power at its epicenter, State and Madison.”
“I’ll always remember that this was Carsons! Brilliant design details including the vestibule.”
Matchup #7: Carbide and Carbon Building vs. Water Tower
Winner: Carbide and Carbon Building
With over twice as many votes as Water Tower, Carbide and Carbon struck gold.
Why Carbide and Carbon? Voters said…
“Great Art Deco, adaptive reuse, wonderful corporate sponsorship of meaningful architecture”
“Tough choice; a visitor favorite. The Art Deco design is striking and breath taking. Who doesn’t like something that is designed after a bottle of champagne.”
Matchup #8: Reliance Building vs. Wrigley Building
Winner: Reliance Building
Reliance knocks out the Wrigley Building with just over 58% of votes.
Why Reliance? Voters said…
“130 years old?? Hard to believe! You can see its influence on the International Style, yet its beautiful ornate decoration speaks to an earlier era. Even Karoll’s Red Hanger Shop couldn’t hide its importance. We’re so fortunate that it’s still here!”
“Groundbreaking curtain wall and design sets the tone for the future.”
Wonderful comments — thanks for sharing.