Chicago is among the most architecturally significant cities in America, home to iconic skyscrapers, museums, theaters, bridges and beyond — all crafted by many of the world’s greatest designers and thinkers. And every October, the Chicago Architecture Center hosts Open House Chicago to honor just that: the countless architectural wonders that have come to define the city, including our very own One Two Pru.
The free, month-long festival offers self-guided history and architecture trails throughout Chicago, as well as behind-the-scenes access to some of the most significant landmarks across the city. And now, on October 16 and 17 from 10am to 5pm, Chicagoans will have the rare opportunity to step inside our famed two-tower building and revel in its new, contemporary aesthetic on the eleventh floor.
On the self-guided tour, guests will enjoy an audible deep dive into the history that has shaped One Two Pru — starting with One Pru. Completed in 1955, One Pru stood as a beacon of rebirth and a new age of prosperity for Chicago as it ended a two-decade hiatus of skyscraper construction following The Great Depression and economic strain of World War II. The city’s tallest building at the time, One Pru quickly became Chicago’s most prestigious office address, serving as headquarters to some of the world’s most powerful companies, including pioneering ad agency Leo Burnett.
Nearly four decades later, Two Pru added 58 stories of striking postmodernist architecture to Chicago’s skyline. Designed by Stephen Wright, the building’s chevron setbacks offer a timeless architectural elegance, unmistakable from any angle. At its origin, Two Pru was the tallest reinforced concrete structure in the world at 995 feet and won several awards for structural design.
During the tour, guests will be led to the eleventh-floor of One Two Pru where amenities range from a 23,000 SF contemporary lounge, cutting-edge health club and a 7,000 SF rooftop terrace overlooking the park, lakefront and skyline. Here, enjoy an array of bites and sips from One Two Pru’s Airstream food truck while soaking up Chicago’s most coveted views — and history.
To take part in this year’s Open House Chicago tour at One Two Pru, please click here.
