Michigan Avenue Bridge and Esplanade

Click for Larger View     Address: Chicago River, between Michigan and Wabash
Year Built: Bridge and bridge house, 1920; Esplanade, 1926
Architect: Edward Bennett and Hugh Young; Thomas Pihlfeldt and Hugh Young, engineers
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark:
October 2, 1991

Southeast Pylon Conceived as part of Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago, the bridge and upper-level Wacker Drive were designed to improve transportation and to enhance Chicago's riverfront. The completion of the bridge, followed by the Wacker Drive esplanade (1926) and the monumental sculptures (1928), provided an impressive gateway to North Michigan Avenue and led to its development as one of the city's premier thoroughfares.

Pylon Drawing

Railroads & Bridges
Boul Mich
 
1.View, circa 1922
2.Southeast Pylon, photo by Stephen Beal
3.Pylon Drawing