Metropolitan Tower

The Metropolitan Tower, originally known as the Straus Building, is a striking skyscraper on Michigan Avenue in the heart of Chicago's Loop. Designed by Graham, Anderson, Probst & White and completed in 1924, it was one of the first high-rises in the city to take advantage of the new building codes of the 1920s to climb past 30 stories. Today the tower houses a collection of residences, including penthouse apartments with panoramic views and a private elevator. The building's architecture is defined by its historic significance and its distinctive crown, which sets it apart from other towers on the skyline.

One particularly notable feature of the tower is its top, which consists of a pyramid supported by four stone bison. Perched on the pyramid is a glassy, beehive-shaped ornament that glows deep blue at night and has earned the building the nickname "Beehive Building." These design elements were originally chosen to symbolize the values of the building's owner at the time, S. W. Straus and Company: the pyramid stood for permanence, the beehive for industry and thrift, and the bison for the American West. Directly below the ornament are four carillon bells, which were put back into service after a restoration and once chimed the quarter hours.

For visitors and residents alike, the building offers a central location within easy reach of well-known attractions such as the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and Grant Park. The surrounding area is full of lively restaurants and shopping, including the southern end of the Magnificent Mile. The Metropolitan Tower itself has been extensively renovated in recent years and fitted with modern amenities, including fitness areas, a children's playroom, and a two-story event space with access to a rooftop terrace. From there, residents enjoy unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and the fireworks at Navy Pier, making the tower an appealing place to be part of Chicago's urban life.