An Art Deco Champagne Bottle: The Carbide & Carbon Building

Located at 230 N Michigan Avenue and towering at over 500 feet tall, the Carbide and Carbon Building is a must-see on any tour of Chicago landmarks. In the words of the Chicago Architecture Center, the luxurious Chicago Art Deco skyscraper is “a metaphor for the sumptuous décor of 1920s America.” 

The Green Champagne Bottle

Cruising down the Chicago River, it’s hard to miss this eye-catching landmark. Completed in 1929, the Carbide and Carbon Building is decked out in black granite, green and gold terra cotta, and 24-karat gold leaf. Possibly designed as a response to the Prohibition Era, legend says the ornate skyscraper was designed to resemble a green champagne bottle, complete with gold foil on the top. In fact, since 2007, the metallic tower that graces the top has been permanently illuminated at night, making it a majestic sight to see while sailing down the river.

Eagle-eyed viewers will spot decorative motifs all along the exterior, including stylized leaves and fossil-like reliefs. For more opulence, step inside to be greeted by an extravagant lobby complete with frosted-glass fixtures and Belgian marble. Built with high-style 1920s optimism and prosperity in mind, the Carbide and Carbon Building is one of the final buildings built in Chicago before the Great Depression.

From 1929 to Today

The Carbide and Carbon Building was originally built as the regional office for Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation, inventors of the first dry cell battery. The company was quickly expanding, and its executives wanted a grand skyscraper to showcase their success and attract clients. The golden-copper tone supposedly pays homage to the company’s batteries, as does the 50-foot, spire-like tower on top. 

The building was designed by The Burnham Brothers, a firm founded by Daniel Jr. and Hubert Burnham, sons of the famous architect Daniel Burnham. A favorite of the Chicago skyline and standing out against its utilitarian neighbors, the Carbide and Carbon Building became an official landmark in 1994. In 2004, it was converted to the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, and later reopened as the St. Jane Chicago Hotel.

Today, the skyscraper is home to the Pendry Chicago Hotel, including a luxurious rooftop bar on the 24th floor. The gold-capped tower is a glowing beacon, quickly drawing the eye and illuminating the night sky.

Delve Into Chicago’s History

Learn more about the Carbide and Carbon Building and other Chicago landmarks aboard First Lady’s Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise. Take in the city’s storied history with tours led exclusively by Chicago Architecture Center docents. Book your cruise today and uncover the legacy and legends of the Windy City!