The Rookery Building
4.6(1.4K)google
4.5(75)yelp
Historic BuildingHistoryPhoto Spot
Overview
The Rookery Building is a historic office building at 209 South LaSalle Street in the Loop community area of downtown Chicago, Illinois, United States. Completed by architects Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root of Burnham and Root in 1888, it is considered one of their masterpiece buildings, and was once the location of their offices. The building is 181 feet (55 m) in height, twelve stories tall, and is considered the oldest standing high-rise in Chicago.
Practical Info
Mon6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tue6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
SunClosed
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeVisit during weekday business hours (Monday through Friday), specifically between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. This precise midday window allows maximum sunlight to pierce through the vaulted glass skylight, perfectly illuminating Frank Lloyd Wright's stunning white-and-gold Carrara marble light court and intricate iron filigree.
Getting ThereSituated right in the financial heart of the Loop (209 S LaSalle St). Driving is impossible due to density. Take the CTA Elevated Brown, Orange, Pink, or Purple lines directly to the Quincy station, then exit and walk exactly one block east (about 2 minutes). The grand brick entrance will be immediately on your right.
Travel Tips
- The landmark Light Court lobby is open to pedestrians strictly Monday-Friday 7 AM-6 PM and Saturday 8 AM-2 PM; security enforcement strictly bars independent unguided access to corporate office levels above.
- Photographing the famous suspended Oriel Staircase requires mandatory registration on a paid guided tour operated independently by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, as it sits behind secure tenant access gates.
- The official public access portal is situated on Adams St; avoid high-frequency parking enforcement blockades by taking the CTA Loop Elevated train lines to Quincy station for immediate pedestrian arrival.
Reviews
Positive
- The central Light Court, redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a masterpiece; white marble and gilded details offer intense visual aesthetics.
- As one of Chicago's premier historic skyscrapers, its exterior masonry holds immense structural heritage and lives up to its architectural renown.
- Prime location in the Loop financial core, encircled by subway links; lower lobby public lounges and floor maintenance are top-tier.
- Because parts of the lower atrium are free to access on weekdays, tourists can snap photos at zero cost, making it a high-value quick stop.
Heads up
- The building remains an active commercial office high-rise; the grand cantilevered stairs and upper tiers require a paid guided tour to enter.
- Interior photography is restricted; during weekday corporate hours, security strictly bans pro DSLRs and tripods, limiting guests to quick phone snaps.
- On business days, the lobby fills with rushing corporate workers, lacking a relaxed holiday vibe and making lingering tourists feel slightly awkward.
- Financial-district meter rates are extortionate, making driving a hassle; the property lacks secondary tourist amenities beyond a small espresso bar.