The Rookery

Designed by famous architectural partners Burnham and Root, the picturesque Rookery was originally completed in 1888. Adding to its impressive stature, Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned the stunning two-story, skylit lobby in 1905. Meticulously renovated and maintained, The Rookery stands as one of the most highly recognized addresses in all of Chicago.

As one of the most historically significant buildings in Chicago, The Rookery is a unique enclave for businesses that value a prestigious presence. An icon in the center of Chicago's downtown Financial District, The Rookery seamlessly combines the flair of an era gone by with state-of-the-art building systems and technology. Designated a Chicago Landmark in 1972 after being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, The Rookery is universally considered an architectural masterpiece.

WRIGHT'S WORK AT THE ROOKERY

When Wright was commissioned to work at The Rookery in 1905, the light court’s elaborate ironwork and ornament had gone out of fashion. A full-blown Prairie Style scheme would have overwhelmed the space. To strike a balance, Wright removed much of the iron and terra cotta detailing on the central staircase, balconies, and walls, replacing it with strong geometric patterns based on the railings of Root’s oriel stairs. He encased the iron columns in white marble that was gilded and incised with Root’s Arabic motif found in the LaSalle entrance. The fanciful electroliers that once flanked the central staircase were removed, and Wright added bronze chandeliers with prismatic glass that still hang there today.

Images created with Olympus OMD-EM5 MK II - 7-14mm Lens

@2016 PhotoPro - Jeffrey P. Hopp

Text from therookerybuilding.com

Hotel Allegro Chicago

Downtown Chicago Boutique Hotel

America’s Golden Era is alive and well at the Hotel Allegro. A historic gem in the heart of Chicago’s downtown Theatre District, surrounded by the Loop’s foremost sights like Grant Park and State Street’s shopping Mecca, this boutique haven boasts lavish theatrics all its own. One step through their welcoming doors will transport you back in time to an era of elegant hobnobbing and glamour.

 

@ 2016 Photo Pro - Jeffrey P. Hopp

Japanese Garden

The Beautiful Balance of the Japanese Garden
(Even in the off-season)

@ 2015 Photo Pro - Jeffrey P. Hopp

Sunday Morning Swans

Rockford Michigan

The Wild Swans at Coole

BY WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS

The trees are in their autumn beauty, 

The woodland paths are dry,

Under the October twilight the water 

Mirrors a still sky;

Upon the brimming water among the stones 

Are nine-and-fifty swans.

The nineteenth autumn has come upon me 

Since I first made my count;

I saw, before I had well finished,

All suddenly mount

And scatter wheeling in great broken rings 

Upon their clamorous wings.

I have looked upon those brilliant creatures, 

And now my heart is sore.

All's changed since I, hearing at twilight, 

The first time on this shore,

The bell-beat of their wings above my head, 

Trod with a lighter tread.

Unwearied still, lover by lover,

They paddle in the cold

Companionable streams or climb the air; 

Their hearts have not grown old;

Passion or conquest, wander where they will, 

Attend upon them still.

But now they drift on the still water, 

Mysterious, beautiful; 

Among what rushes will they build,

By what lake's edge or pool

Delight men's eyes when I awake some day 

To find they have flown away?

Olympus OM-D5II

@ 2015 Photo Pro - Jeffrey P. Hopp