Sunday 12 August 2012

The Daley Center Is The Place To Be

By Yesenia Velez


The windy city is the home to many treasures for one to see. The Daley Center is a gem in the crown. The former mayor Richard J. Daley was so beloved that seven days after his death the civic center was renamed for him.

The plaza out front is called the Daley Plaza and is a well-known landmark. In 1967, Pablo Picasso created and gifted the sculpture, which sits in front. It is known simply as The Picasso. The material he chose to use is the same steel used in the building's structure. 50 fabulous feet in height, it is a landmark that is hard to miss.

In 1965, this building was named the tallest in the city. It held this notoriety for four years. The architect who created this was Jacques Brownson. The John Hancock building stole the title. Even though it is no longer in contention for the tallest, it is the city's main civic place.

This wonderful building was known until 1976 as the civic center. After the mayor's passing, the city decided to change the name of the center. This memorial to the mayor remains to this day.

This building is constructed of a type of steel that grows stronger as it rusts. It is 648 feet in spectacular height. The color of the building was born of this rusting process.

A special, but little known fact about this distinct landmark is that it is in fact the tallest structure that has only 30 stories. All other buildings of this magnitude have 40 to 60. This is one of the unique features that makes this one in a million.

The inside is just as stunning as the outside. Housing the Cook County Legal Library makes this building the hub of action drawing all walks of life. There are over 120 courtrooms within these walls.

Back outside in the plaza one can gaze upon the glory of the all in ground fountain. The waters were dyed red during 2010 in support of the Stanley cup playoffs. Chicago is a city that loves its sports.

Sports teams are not the only thing that this plaza shows support for. It also has eternal flames to honor those who died in World War I and World War II. The Vietnam War and Korean veterans are remembered with flames as well. It is a special place in the city.

If that is not enough, there are weekly farmers markets to attend. In addition, in front of City Hall, which is one of the buildings that surrounds the square, is a well-dressed protester. He refuses to speak to the media, but his signs cause quite a stir.

It is such a unique setting that it has caught many a filmmaker's eye. The Blues Brothers filmed quite a few scenes there. The Fugitive did as well. Moreover, most recently, The Dark Night used the building for Wayne Enterprises.

When planning a trip to the city, be sure it includes the Daley Center. It is just bustling with things to do and see. Grab a camera and make memories.




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