Some buildings feel like they’ve always been part of the city. Tribune Tower in Chicago is one of them. Even if you don’t know the history, you can feel it — the weight of the stone, the way the light catches the crown, the way people still stop on Michigan Avenue just to look up for a moment.

But this tower didn’t just happen. It has a story that’s every bit as interesting as the building itself.

It Started With a Big, Bold Idea

In 1922, the Chicago Tribune was one of the most influential newspapers in the country — and they wanted a headquarters that matched their status. Instead of hiring an architect outright, they launched an international design competition to build “the most beautiful office building in the world.”

More than 260 architects from around the globe submitted plans. The Tribune wasn’t just shaping an office; it was shaping the identity of a growing Chicago and defining what 435 N Michigan Avenue would eventually become.

A Winning Design That Surprised Everyone

The winning plan came from John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood. Their design blended a modern skyscraper with Gothic Revival details — carved limestone, flying buttresses, vertical lines, and a dramatic crown that still draws attention nearly a century later.

In 1925, Tribune Tower was completed. It immediately became one of Chicago’s most recognizable buildings, anchoring the Magnificent Mile with a design that felt both historic and forward-looking.

A Building Made From the World’s Stories

One of Tribune Tower’s most unique features is the collection of stones embedded in its base. These aren’t replicas — they are authentic fragments brought from historic sites around the world, including:

• The Great Wall of China

• The Parthenon

• The Colosseum

• The Taj Mahal

• The Great Pyramids

• And even a piece of the moon (from Apollo 15)

Most people pass by without realizing how much global history is built directly into the limestone.

A Center of Chicago Journalism

For nearly a century, Tribune Tower served as the headquarters of the Chicago Tribune. Reporters and editors worked around the clock. Radio studios broadcast from inside. The building became known as a symbol of American journalism and a hub for the city’s daily news.

It was more than an office building — it was part of Chicago’s rhythm, energy, and identity.

A New Chapter for a Historic Landmark

As the media world changed, so did the future of the building. The question wasn’t whether Tribune Tower would remain — it was how it would continue to matter.

In 2021, after a thoughtful, meticulous restoration, the building began a new chapter as Tribune Tower Residences in Chicago — a collection of 162 luxury homes built within the original structure.

The transformation honored the building’s history while introducing modern amenities designed for today’s residents.

Tribune Tower Today

Residents now enjoy:

• A 75-foot indoor pool

• A fully equipped fitness center

• Outdoor terraces carved between original limestone buttresses

• Beautifully designed residents’ lounges

• The restored Crown Lounge at the top of the building

• Historic details preserved throughout the structure

It’s rare to find a home inside a piece of Chicago’s architectural past — but Tribune Tower makes that possible.

A Landmark That Keeps Evolving

The story of Tribune Tower isn’t finished. Like Chicago itself, the building continues to evolve. It began as a newspaper’s dream, became a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, and now stands as one of the city’s most distinctive residential communities.

Its history lives on — not behind glass, but through the people who call it home.

Considering Tribune Tower?

If you’re exploring a move into Tribune Tower — or simply want a clear, data-driven look at pricing, floor plans, or recent sales — I’m always available to share what I know.

With 15+ completed transactions in Tribune Tower, I can offer an informed, straightforward perspective on what makes the building special and what matters when buying here.