NBC Tower in Chicago, Illinois

myminifactory

How can one not adore a skyscraper boasting flying buttresses? It's the ultimate fusion of historic ambitions to reach for the sky and modern-day capabilities to achieve those goals. Most people are amazed when they discover that Chicago's NBC Tower is a product of the 1980s. Its vertical lines, rounded edges, and tiered setbacks scream "Art Moderne" (a streamlined form of Art Deco). It's a skyscraper straight out of a Dick Tracy comic book. The building's entrances are exceptional, as well. Detailed brass grillework contrasts with the dark green marble of the base. That dark green color continues up the building with the spandrels, but those are only colored concrete, not granite. Still, the way the entire narrow edges of the front and back of the building curve outward helps reinforce the ship's prow effect that the building has when seen slicing through clouds on a foggy day. With the accent floodlights on, it resembles a giant limestone cutter moving through the night. Construction began in 1985. The project was completed in 1989. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Type: Skyscraper Stories: 37 Maximum Height: 757 feet / 231 meters Height to roof: 617 feet Height to the tip of the spire: 757 feet October 20, 1989: The illuminated NBC peacock at the tower's apex was lit for the first time. September 2010: This building was ranked #28 on Chicago Magazine's list of the Top 40 Buildings in Chicago. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort. If you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help. Scanned using Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan).