The United States has a long history of being at the forefront of architecture.  In fact, the world’s first modern skyscraper was built in the city of Chicago in 1885. That decade saw impressive buildings built to reach for the sky, mainly in cities that were bustling with trade and business activity.

Many of those buildings still stand tall, along with a wide range of others that have been built over the years. The US cities with the highest density of skyscrapers include:

•   New York, which ranks third in the world due to its skyscraper count, with more than 280 high rises of 150+ meters.
•   Chicago, also in the global top 10, with 126 skyscrapers.
•   Miami, with 54.
•   Houston, with 39.
•   Los Angeles and San Francisco, with 26 and 25, respectively.
•   Boston and Seattle, with 21 each.
•   Las Vegas and Philadelphia, with 14 and 13, respectively.

Read the rest of this entry »

Landmarks represent the richness and diversity of culture, history and heritage. It is no accident that many famous landmarks are used as corporate offices. Companies that commission such buildings have the power to create constructions that are impressive enough to become famous corporate landmarks. Here are several examples of striking corporate landmarks that incorporate a range of styles from high-tech modern to neo-classical. Each building has a function or feature so unique that it led to being famous all over the world.

The Woolworth Building in New York was designed in 1913 to be the tallest building in the world. From its completion until 1930 the building was the tallest in the world. The building was commissioned by Frank Woolworth to be the new corporate headquarters of Woolworth. The building is one of the oldest skyscrapers in the United States and the architecture resembles European cathedrals. The building was owned by the company for until 1998. Today, it is a monument not only to the originator of Woolworth, but the architect, as well who won acclaim for his detail and use of Gothic forms. Since 1966 the building has been a National Historic Landmark and a city landmark since 1983.

The US Bank Tower in California is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city of Los Angeles, as well as one of the city’s’ most famous buildings. When this building was completed it became the tallest building on the Pacific coast. It is the most recognizable building in Los Angeles and is often used for shots for television programs and movies. The top of the building brightly illuminates at night. The building was designed to withstand earthquakes of an 8.3 magnitude and even has the world’s highest helipad.

The Chrysler Building is a famous corporate landmark in New York City and in 1930 it was the tallest building in the world for a while. Chrysler had asked the architects for the highest building to compete with competitors, also trying to have the highest building. It was a highly decorated office building, because Chrysler wanted a bold structure and he got it. Chrysler was hoping that such a distinguishing structure would make his company a common household name. Although, Chrysler lost command of the structure during the 1950’s, the landmark still has the original name. Today, it is one of the most well-know buildings in the world. Additionally it is one the city’s greatest display of Art Deco and a national landmark.

The Sears Tower is a famous corporate landmark located in Chicago, Illinois. This skyscraper was designed for the Sears Company as their headquarters. The building was designed with additional space for expansion. Since, Sears was by far the biggest retailer in the world in 1969. The project was a disappointment, because it was unable to attract tenants and was sold to new owners in 1993. The top of the tower is the highest point in Illinois. Since then the building has attracted major tenants and is a highly desirable business location. The skydeck is on the 103rd floor, 1350 feet above ground and on a clear day tourists can see far over the plains of Illinois and across Lake Michigan. Every year thousands of visitors are attracted to the renowned famous skydeck.

The GE Building is a famous building in New York. It is a skyscraper in Manhattan and forms a focal point for illustrious Rockefeller Center. Three related companies are associated with this building, G E, Westinghouse and RCA. Previously the building has been known as the RCA Building. Today the building provides headquarters for NBC and General Electric. It is most famous for housing the NBC network. It was the first building to have grouped elevators. The building boasts a height of 855 feet and has 70 stories. The modern design features an open floor plan and was awarded the status of being a landmark in 1985.

The luminous Wrigley Building is a world famous office tower in downtown Chicago. The goal of Mr. Wrigley was to create an impressive headquarters for his company. One of the buildings most well-known features is the huge clock-tower and is a landmark in Chicago. In addition to being home for the Wrigley Company, the building houses many other companies. The flood lighting of the building at night is one of the nation’s most major commercial displays of light. For over 70 years the building has been one of Chicago’s most attractive structures. The well-proportioned architecture and the lighting have established the building as a symbol of the city in many motion pictures, books and television programs. It definitely is an unforgettable image at night for both residents and visitors.