The Rookery Building in Chicago stands as an architectural gem, renowned for its historic significance and stunning design. Completed in 1888 by architects Daniel Burnham and John Root, it's a prime example of late 19th-century Chicago School architecture. Initially an 11-story structure, it underwent an addition by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905, transforming the interior spaces.

The building's name, "Rookery," pays homage to a previous City Hall that once stood on the same site, notorious for its crowded conditions—akin to a rookery, a term for a nesting place for birds. The Rookery showcases a striking façade combining elements of classical and modern design, with its distinctive, richly ornamented exterior.

Its interior, after Wright's renovation, boasts an awe-inspiring central light court with an intricate ironwork staircase and a glass ceiling that floods the space with natural light. Over the years, the Rookery has been recognized not only for its architectural significance but also for its historical importance, as it survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and witnessed Chicago's evolution into a modern metropolis.

Today, the Rookery remains a vibrant mixed-use building, housing offices, retail spaces, and serving as a testament to Chicago's rich architectural heritage.