Welcome to Archigames, wherein nominated local buildings of a particular style are matched up in sudden death pairings to decide the most suitable representative of said style. This week it's Art Deco, and the first of four pairings is below. Brush up on the nominees, but always defer to your tastes when casting your vote. Polls close tomorrow at noon. Thanks for playing!
Ding! Ding! Ding! The rumble is underway! In the first corner, Holabird & Root's Chicago Board of Trade building brings its widespread recognition and authority to the match. Built in 1930, it's been a Chicago and National landmark for half its life. It also held the title of tallest building in Chicago for its first 35 years. Boasting all the signature Art Deco adornments, CBOT is crowned by a three-story Art Deco statue of Ceres (goddess of grain). If anything puts it atop the competition, this will be it.
The Powhatan is a formidable foe. It's a building that's completely saturated in Art Deco— from Native American allegorical panels to depictions of Parisian high society to exquisite windows, fireplaces, and elevators, this Robert S. DeGolyer design was meant to mimic Eliel Saarinen's second-place entry for the Tribune Tower design contest. It's pretty awesome when the runner-up design for something so significant works its way into your co-op building. Let the games begin!
·Archigames [Curbed Chicago]
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