AT&T Corporate Center
Chicago, USA

HEIGHT: 307m/1,007 feet
FLOORS: 60 floors
COMPLETION: 1989
ARCHITECT: Skidmore, Owings and Merril (SOM)

In order to consolidate space for 3,800 employees, AT&T chose Skidmore, Owings and Merrill to design its new headquarters on an 85,000 square feet site in Chicago's Loop. Skidmore, Owings and Merrill's plan involved two phases: the 60-story, 1.7 million square feet AT&T headquarters, and the 35-story, 1.1 million square feet USG headquarters. The two buildings create a continuous urban facade, with each tower emerging from the 16-story base to form a distinct profile on the skyline.

The two buildings are perceived at the pedestrian level as a single composition. A sequence of public rooms distinguishes the ground level, with a two-story retail concourse joining the two phases. The lobby spaces of the ground floor are a series of grandly scaled rooms, finished in oak and marble. The main lobby is in the tradition of the European great hall; forty-four feet high, it is clad in Italian marble, gold leaf, satin-finish brown and American oak wood trim.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/att01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/att02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/att03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/att04.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/att05.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/att06.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/att07.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/att08.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/attnight.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/attbase.jpg

7/10

It looks older than what it is but kinda grand. I think the spires are vital to make it look 'complete'. Its lift lobby is posh!

what a strange looking thing. BUT I LOVE IT. 9/10

I was never a big fan of this skyscraper... it's too bulky for my taste, and other than its "cat ears" the building looks very dull.






I give it a 3/10!

Quintessential Chicago. It also vaguely reminds me of the never built Travelstead tower from NYC. Not so much the massing, but the look and feel of it...

If this tower was in just about any other besides Chicago, it would make a HUGE mark on the skyline... Not the best tower in the World or even Chicago, but certainly no slouch.

7.5/10

Originally posted by X-seed 4000
I was never a big fan of this skyscraper... it's too bulky for my taste, and other than its "cat ears" the building looks very dull.






I give it a 3/10!


You're nuts X-Seed! :)

A "3 or less" is for one of those hulking Soviet Bloc apartment buildings, or a windowless building like NYC's AT&T Longlines Building. Even if you HATE it, it should still get a 4-5 or so. I mean, the thing is over 1,000 feet tall!

Saving it from being just a total 1007 ft mass 'n bulk "number" are the multitude of set-backs, indents and intricate roof work.

8

I thought this is an old building for some reason and am surprised to find it was built in 1989. Doesn't look too modern. 7/10

looks a bit too old, i agree, and the width makes it look shorter than it is .. . 6.5/10

3 / 10 It looks ugly

Sorry............

7.5/10. Nothing special.

Plain, but very odd.

6.5/10

i ilke these kinds of skyscrapers

8/10

7.5

Sorry, don't really like this one.

5.5/10

In pictures? 6.5. In person? A solid 8. You folks that have never been to Chicago might think it's 1989 going on 1935, but if you ever saw it in person, you'd know it's not that old. The facade surfacing is very modern. Look veeeeery closely at some of the pictures.

I like the stile of the building so I gave it a 9.0

not my style, and it dosnt suit in the skyline

I like it. Certainly not convincing in it's role as a feax-art-deco skyscraper, it's still a very interesting hybrid.

7.5

I love Chicago for it's great architecture. This building has not been included however... My tastes don't care for it. When I look at Dylan's poster and see this building on there I think "what the hell is this doing here?!" Even so, there is much worse like Jasonhouse said, so I gave it a 6.5.

SOM built this?!?!? Very different for them IMO.

NP: Craig Armstrong - Weather Stormy

Even if you HATE it, it should still get a 4-5 or so. I mean, the thing is over 1,000 feet tall!

I thought on a 1-10 scale, 5 meant average. I mean they're all tall here. So if X-seed hates it, seems like a 3 or less would make perfect sense.

Anyway, I like it. It isn't spectacular, but it has nice detail and looks traditionally urban. So based on my misguided understanding of the scoring system I would give it a 6 (better than average, but no landmark).

tall, but not so striking design!
7/10

looks much older then it's really is but I like it

Definitely a 7.5. Looks much better in person.

7/10 - This tower would have gotten a higher score from me if it weren't quite so bulky. The setbacks and indentations are good, but they should have been a good deal more emphatic, IMO.

The lattice effect of the facade keeps it from being dull, and the slim metal mullions even help the height. Plus, they seem to rise a little bit above the roof, and make it less monotonous.
And the cat ears, placed as they are on either side of that small "last story", work too. *Meow!!* :D

I agree with you, Jasonhouse, that this one deserves more than a three - although the best example of a structure that DOESN"T (at least that I've seen on this forum), IMO, has to be that hunk a junk in North Kores, the hotel that they don't have enough money to finish or raze...

The hight is ok, but I don`t really like this design 7/10

I do like the design of this one...for starters upon first glance it does appear to be an older building than it is which is a compliment for SOM... it loses out because of it's bulkiness...it doesn't look like it's over 1,000 feet!...the spires on top add to it also...8.0/10..

hmm...not bad:D
6/10

Enough detail.Top looks ok too,something like this :devil: or am i just trippin? :D
7.5/10

Hmmm, pretty nice design... looks kinda like an asian building.
;)

7

9 What a beauty... I love how it looks so old... the slim metal mullions make this building... brilliant... great indentations... the spires could go though

5/10 Kind of a boring design, but it's over 1000 ft.

Looks outdated for a 1989 building. Hard to judge the colour from the photo's....all-in-all a missed opportunity.

I love this building. Second favorite skyscraper. I like its bulkiness at the bottom and how it setbacks the higher it goes up. It just looks good.

What a dissappointment for a 1000 footer! Dull and boring looking thing without much character.. :bleep:

7/10

Ma Bell should update her image. 6/10

They could have done much, much more with a 1000 ft structure then making it look like it came from 1935.

It might be modern, but I still think it's boring.

4/10.

Four.
:nono:

8/10

I agree with 250, in person it is much better. It is definently overshadowed by Sears (so it 311), but it is still a nice postmodern tower.

i like this one, 8

I don't like the spires on the roof, but the rest is quite OK. 7.5/10

5/10

A very ugly building IMO but a 5 for its hight

8/10

SOM did a nice job on this postmodern building. Fits in next to Sears nicely.

Ah, SOM again! This time in one of their lighter, more playful moments. ;) But they totally wimped out at the top! 7.5.

Not more than 6.0/10 :)

9.5

I love it. I looks awesome next to Sears and 311 S. Wacker.

Don't like this one
6/10

I really like this building it looks lod but yet modern I like that 9/10

8.5/10

8/10


looks too massive, but interesting.

6/10
Tall building but not very good design. Looks too huge for its height.

I Do like this one heaps of features
Height, Spires and Width !
Cladding in great and gives it the tower and older look !

6/10

Ancient design to be of 1989 6/10

9.5/10. I really like this one! :D

5/10 I was horrified when I first saw this building in real life. It should have been placed in NYC Midtown, not Chicago.

7/10 Nothing special but I think it suits well in the skyline of Chicago.

really, i don't think they should put spires on this building. it just doesn't look quite right. creating a better and more apparent roof would have been a better idea. the architecture's more atlantan than chicagoan though

8.5/10

6.5/10

7/10

9.5/10
I like this building's classic, yet modern style. Also, it looks HUGE!

7.5/10

I like this building. I like glassy things, but I am aware that it would be really boring if everything were like that, so I give this guy points. The facade is a little too busy for me, but the size of it, plus I am happy that there is no spire. It wouldnt go with the attitude of this building. Also, this building would fit nicely in midtown NY, but its pretty good in Chicago.

I love this building, it's size, it's design, everything. 10/10.

som can do better! 7

It's alright. 7.5/10

Not conentional....but bah....its gorgeous...9/10

8/10

:( 4/10

7...I dont care for its blob appeal

Dainty looking with the decorative elements, despite its large bulk. 7.5/10.

I like it : 8.5/10!

8.5/10
Looks great, I love the detailing in the facade. Not to mention the height ... 1007ft ain't bad.

8/10

7.5

Not all skyscrapers have to scream. This one is strong and dignified w/out having to try too hard. Very Chicago and fits its surroundings well

6.5/10. This building is as old looking as my grandparents. How does Skidmore, Ownings and Merril sleep manage to jump into a time machine to get the stuff to build it like that 15 years ago?

Simply don't like it 5/10

I really like its classic look - 8.5/10

9/10

not a bad building

the fourth tallest in chicago, 1000 footer only because of its huge spire.. The building isnt that noticeable in the chicago skyline. Only a 8/10 from me

Looks like something out of New York City. I like it, so a 8/10 is in order.

Doesn't do it for me.

7/10

Stylish tower,I love a mixture of old(looking) and new 8/10

My post for this one has disappeared.

I don't remember why I gave it as high as 4.5 (that is, just a little bit under average), the color is really wrong and the top is a mess. The setbacks totally lack harmony, the broad side is really completely awful. I think I would re-rate it no more than 3.5 ^^
Probably I found something not so bad about it last time ^^ Lucky one :-p

6.5/10

7.0

7.5/10

It's a pretty tower.

8/10 Nice lobby.

not too bad, 7.5/10

I like it, but I think it's too fat and too massive ;) 8/10

8/10.

The building looks a lot like a 30's NY art deco building. You would never guess it was built so recently. The design is quite unique for Chicago and a nice addition for the skyline.

7.5/10.0

Bit like a big square box, 7/10

Very nice, 7.5

10/10

Not my kind of building at all. 6/10.

huge 7/10

Green glasses are very nice
9/10

its ok 7

I never really liked this building, although it does seem to be some kind of allusion to the pre ww2 american skyscrapers. Prabably not a very good idea.
6/10

This is a nice building. Its got great hight and nice a design. 8.5

The building would be nicer if without the two horns.

6.5/10. Not a fan at all. It's form is alright but the facade is very ordinary - it needs to be more clean cut I think. It looks old but a building built in 1989 shouldn't, even if it's trying to replicate the architechure of that era. Without the history or reputation of ESB or Woolworth its not classic old, just old old.

Something about iit that I like, not a bad design. Looks like a classic. 8/10

a beauty. 9/10

3,5/10

huge but bland6/10

6.5/10

8/10

7/10

8/10

This is a massive building, but I like it. 8/10

Fits very well into chicago 8/10

3/10

no interest. 5/10

:) 6/10

8/10.

6.5/10 Its ok

6.5/10.

Its alright. 6/10.

I kinda like the color...and the antennas don't really bother me that much! 8.5/10

3/10

looks fat........6/10.

bad 3/10

8/10

6/10

6/10

7.5/10 nice but plain

Awful and boring. Top is ugly, I hate the elvation and shape- it really don't works together..what is more it looks bad at night- and this is total catastrophe...3/10

nothing special like the spires though 7/10

So huge!! And So beautiful!! 10/10

Great tower 9/10

5.5/10

7.5/10

If it was just a bit more glassy and a lighter, more futuristic shade, it would be a LOT better

8.5/10

looks very big and more older than it is. 8/10

I agree with the comments about it looking older than it really is. Weird style on this one, but I kind of like it..8/10

7/10

6/10

7/10

i like it 7.5

dun like the old-school design..
4/10

7.5 bland.

Impressive block. 6/10

8/10

Not the kind of building I like... 4.5/10

3 / 10

One of the sorry designs in Chicago.

looks good for its time of completion
8.5/10

7/10

I don't fancy it.

7/10

Not impressed by this one.

4.5 / 10

ugly...3/10

I give it a 6 (just because of the 307 mts.)

I donn`t like it... :(

Not bad. 8.

Gave it a "6.5"
It's a neat looking building and has a bit of a sinister look to it. The twin antennas are it's most notable feature and they mimic the ones on Big John and Sears Tower. The rest of the building looks dated, and almost gothic. In fact, it reminded me of some of the buildings in Gothic City on the Batman cartoons, lol. Take the towers away, it'd be plain, but with them it makes the building stand out. Looks much older than its 1989 construction date would suggest.

ugly...3/10

ditto ^^

3 / 10

i have to say that they could have done more with it's skin. it is a bit dull. i'd like to have seen more glass near the top of the tower. Anyway it serves it's purposes..........7.5

not a fan ... 7

7/10

good height, and from the right angle it looks very imposing.yet overall, it doesnt amaze..7/10

7.5/10

8/10

7/10:cheers:

6 - sorry, kinda ugly.

8/10

Classical :)
7/10

nice, classic 8/10

not bad... I like the classic look it has for such a not so old tower haha.

7.5/10.

3,5/10 :ohno:

7.5/10

6/10

5/10

5.5/10

6/10

Boring. 5/10

Ugly classic building. 5/10.

Great building. 8/10 IMO

Nice building!

7.5/10

looks like a cellphone 2 me.

Looks nice 8,5/10

love this tower :)

I actually like it, but is that blank wall on one side? Not good, especially considering the bulk of this tower.

7

6.5 ... very old style

6/10

nothing special 5/10

A very old skyscraper, kinda hard to imagine Chicago with out it. 7/10

Mmmkay.

6

7,5/10

9/10 :)

5.5/10

7/10

i like the AT&T Corporate Center.

9 / 10

7.5/10

6/10

6,5/10

5.5

8/10

5/10

8/10.

07/10 Nothing too atractive.

4.5/10

6.5/10

6,5

Great building! Better than any building that is already completed in Dubai!

8.5/10!

7.5/10...

10/10

It's massive, but it isn't overbearing or intimidating. It's well-designed and fits in perfectly with Chicago's loop.

8/10

Cool design, 8/10

Looks just OK. Looks better at night !

5.5/10

7/10

what a strange looking building

7/10

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2784909845_d3bec5b9bc_b.jpg
^^
On the top

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2405799094_edbf8e5914_b.jpg
^^
Entrance

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/389502786_72f486e4f0_b.jpg
^^
Lobby

7/10 Not good - not bad:bash:

Quintessential Chicago. It also vaguely reminds me of the never built Travelstead tower from NYC. Not so much the massing, but the look and feel of it...

If this tower was in just about any other besides Chicago, it would make a HUGE mark on the skyline... Not the best tower in the World or even Chicago, but certainly no slouch.

7.5/10


Totally agree. Almost anywhere else it would be a behemoth. Good. Not the best in the Loop by far but good.

8/10. don't like the building itself, but it fits well in chicago.

8. Good building. Regards.

7/10

9.5/10

8/10

8/10

7/10

8/10

Too old timey. 7

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2784909845_d3bec5b9bc_b.jpg
^^
On the top

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2405799094_edbf8e5914_b.jpg
^^
Entrance

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/389502786_72f486e4f0_b.jpg
^^
Lobby

7/10 Not good - not bad:bash:

Again, monstrously HUGE! 8/10

8/10

8/10

8.5/10

7.5

7/10

7.5/10

I like it! 8

9/10

8.5

Thats vile 3/10

7.5

Great lobby!

There are much nicer skyscrapers in Chicago. 5.5/10

9.5/10

thank you very much!!

7,5

7/10

9/10 I love how it compliments the Sears Tower so well!! (Like the Sears little right hand man or sidekick)...

Is this building still used by AT&T?

8/10

9/10

7.5/10

7/1o

8/10

8/10

6/10

8/10