This is part of my series of visits to buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Rookery Building is a prestigious office building in downtown Chicago, designed by the architects Daniel Burnham and John Root in 1888. It introduced a steel frame to Chicago architecture, being the first building in the transition from masonry to modern high-rise construction. The lobby was remodeled in 1905 by Frank Lloyd Wright. The building was named after the old City Hall building that previously occupied the site. That building was nicknamed the Rookery because of the shady politicians it housed. More information about the building is here and here and here and here.

Here are some photos of the exterior of the building

                             

The Lobby, as remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright

                   

Details in the Lobby, as remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright

              

The Oriel Staircase is absolutely the highlight of the building. It is a spiral staircase which winds down from the 12th floor to the 2nd floor. The only way to see this staircase is by taking a guided tour of the building, and when you do so you will have mere seconds to photograph the staircase. The meaning of the term "Oriel Staircase" is a staircase which attaches to a wall (think of a fire escape or a bay window), and does not reach the ground.

                        

I revisited the Rookery to take better photos on April 25 2019