From the Chicago Cultural Center, walk north on Michigan Avenue towards the Chicago River. Stop at 230 N. Michigan, the site of the Carbide and Carbon Building.

The Carbide and Carbon Building was built in 1929 by Burnham Brothers -- the firm of Daniel H. Jr. and Hubert Burnham, sons of prominent Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. The 37-story, 503 feet tall Carbide and Carbon building is one of Chicago's best examples of Art Deco architecture. The building was built as the headquarters for The Carbide and Carbon Company, makers of the first dry cell battery. The facade is made of polished black granite, black marble, dark green terra-cotta, and gold leaf. Some say it resembles a dark green champagne bottle with gold foil on top.

This beautiful building achieved landmark status in 1994, was converted into the Hard Rock Hotel in 2004, and is now the Pendry Chicago, a boutique hotel.

For more information on the Carbide and Carbon Building, tap the blue button on this page.

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