Chicago is a land of skyscrapers which were built in the time when the world could not even spell the word skyscraper right. This speaks for the gravity of the building architecture and technology even in the 19th century.  Manhattan Building is one such building which was built in 1888.  This building is a sixteen story building and at that time it was really thought as a magic to construct such a piece of beauty.  This building is situated in the vicinity of South Dearborn Street. The beauty of this thing can be appreciated by this fact that it is the oldest building in the world which was constructed keeping the skeletal supporting structure in view. This technique is very difficult to comprehend and implement of ground but it was done superbly by William LeBaron Jenney.

Manhattan Building is a classical example of the technology Chicago had in such old age. The lighting of the building was done so beautifully that there was hardly need of any light in the morning. The external bay glass windows totally made the whole arena lit and there was no need of external lights for the needful.

The sixteen building was a big milestone for the architects. The lower floors were thus constructed with granite while the higher floors were constructed with bricks. The skeletal structure was thus supported as such and the height of sixteen floors was achieved with maximum strength and support.  The strength and flexibility of the metal frame simply made this building a treat to watch and open new corridors for the architect of those times.

Related Links:

• Museum of Science and Technology
• Music Box Theatre
• Grant Park