At 209 S LaSalle St in Chicago’s Loop, the Rookery Building pairs an 1888 office building by Daniel Burnham and John Root with a light-filled interior remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright. Step into the public lobby to see the glass-roofed Light Court, decorative ironwork and marble stairs. The ground-floor visit is free, while a guided tour gives access to more of the building, including the upper staircase. It’s a compact stop for architecture fans, with plenty to look up at before you continue through the Financial District.
Burnham and Root’s early Chicago high-rise
Daniel Burnham and John Root completed the Rookery Building in 1888, during a period when Chicago architects were exploring new ways to build commercial structures. Its construction combines a skeletal frame with load-bearing masonry, an approach associated with the Chicago School. The building is recognized as the oldest surviving high-rise in Chicago.
The name refers to the birds that gathered around the building that previously occupied the site. The Rookery was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1972 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Its exterior and interior reflect different moments in the development of commercial architecture.
Wright’s Light Court
Frank Lloyd Wright remodeled the interior lobby between 1905 and 1907. The Light Court is the main public draw: a glass ceiling brings daylight into the central space, where ironwork and marble stairs frame the view. Take time to look upward as well as across the lobby; the changing light helps reveal details that are easy to miss at first glance.
The building’s Oriel Staircase is another notable feature and a popular setting for photographs. Access depends on how you visit: the ground-floor public area gives you a look at the lobby, while a guided tour can take you farther inside, including to the staircase. Most of the office building is not open for general public access.
A public visit or a guided tour
The building is at 209 S LaSalle St in the Loop. You can make a short stop in the public lobby to view the Light Court and its architectural details. The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust runs lobby and library tours that provide more context, including information about the building and its history. Check tour availability and arrange a place in advance if you want to see beyond the public area.
Professional photography requires a permit, so check the building’s requirements before planning a shoot. During the Christmas season, a tree is placed in one corner of the interior. The building is also used for private events, including weddings, but event access and arrangements are separate from a regular visit.
Perguntas frequentes
Can you visit the Rookery Building for free?
The public ground-floor lobby can be visited for free. A guided tour is needed to see more of the building.
What should you see inside the Rookery Building?
Look for the glass-roofed Light Court, its ironwork and marble stairs, and the Oriel Staircase. Tour access is needed to reach areas beyond the public lobby.
Are tours available at the Rookery Building?
Yes. The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust offers lobby and library tours. Booking ahead is recommended.
Do you need a permit to take photographs?
A permit is required for professional photography.
