School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MacLean Center
Official name: 112 South Michigan Also known as: Illinois Athletic Club Building Built: 1907-1908 Designed by: Barnett, Hayes, and Barnett Renovated: 1984-1985 by Swann and Weiskopf at a cost of $25,000,000. Type: Skyscraper Stories: 18 Location: 112 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, United States
Building Rating 80% of readers like the School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MacLean Center.
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W hile not as tall as its neighbors, 112 South Michigan has a respected place among its peers. The building combines a number of architectural elements in a mannet that is both traditional and pleasing to the eye.
It starts with a sturdy base and portals topped with large stone arches, conveying a sense of strength. As the building rises, three tall arched windows mark the second story ballroom. The addition of flags outside each of the windows is, perhaps, a bit too much ornamentation. They obscure views from the inside, and prevent a detailed study of the windows from the outside.
Next is the classic skyscraper shaft. In this case, two single solumns of windows flank three columns of wider windows in the center.
The whole affair is topped by a pediment, which mixes a classical theme with the modern elements, and traditional style. While this building does demonstrate the use of several architectural styles (conveniently weapped up in the title "Beaux-Artes"), the union of harmonious.
At the top of the Michigan Avenue facade is a frieze depicting the ancient god Zeus presiding over athletic games. It is the work of Leon Harmant.
1984 - The building is renovated, and six stories are added.
1992 - The Art Institute of Chicago buys this building.
2010 - The name is changed from The Art Institute of Chicago - Wolberg Hall to School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MacLean Center
