The Chicago Traveler

While Chicago's architecture is incredible in terms of shapes and sizes, it doesn't always offer much in the way of color. Most of these giants of steel and glass are some shade of black or gray. Standing out from the crowd in a unique red dress is the CNA Plaza.

While the building only stands 44 stories tall at 601 feet high (183 m), it takes on a prominent role in Chicago's skyline. And in case you're wondering, the 1972 structure also has a red interior as well, including the columns and lobby escalators.

Near the Harold Washington Library and the Auditorium Building, the CNA Plaza takes full advantage of its high visibility and gridded windows. Using a computer program and the right combination of lights, the windows of this building are often used to display huge messages. These nighttime designs typically refer to a holiday, commemoration, or some aspect of Chicago pride. For a full archive of these lighted window messages, check out SteveandAmySly.com.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) lawrence’s lenses (1, 2, 3), EyeTunes, Miles_78, Wikipedia (1, 2)

CNA Plaza: 333 S Wabash Ave
Public trans: Bus # 1, 2, 3, 4, X4, 6, 7, 10, 14, 26, X28, 29, 36, 62, 126, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151
Orange/Pink/Green/Purple/Brown Line train (Adams)
Red/Blue Line train (Jackson)
3-D model (Google Earth required)