Carbide & Carbon Building facts for kids

The Carbide & Carbon Building is a famous landmark in Chicago, a big city in the United States. This amazing building is located at 230 North Michigan Avenue. It was built in 1929 and is a great example of Art Deco architecture, which was a very popular style back then.

History of the Building

This special building was designed by the Burnham Brothers, with Daniel Burnham as the main architect. When it was first finished, the Carbide & Carbon Building was the main office for Union Carbide and Carbon Co. in the region. This company later became known as Union Carbide Corp. Because of its unique design and history, the building was officially named a Chicago Landmark on May 9, 1996.

Unique Design and Features

The Carbide & Carbon Building was built as a tall office tower, also known as a skyscraper. It has 37 floors and stands about 503 feet (153 m) tall! One of its most striking features is the very top, which is covered in real gold.

The building's design also has a secret message! It is shaped a bit like a wine glass. This design was a subtle way to show disagreement with the Prohibition in the United States, a time when making and selling alcohol was against the law.

Images for kids

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  Gold leaf accents above the entrance to the building

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  Michigan Avenue Bridge traffic. You can see the Carbide & Carbon Building in the background.

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  A photo from 1951, showing the Carbide & Carbon Building second from the left.

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  The Carbide & Carbon Building standing tall behind 333 North Michigan.

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  A view looking down Michigan Avenue, with the Carbide & Carbon Building on the right.

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  A full view of the northern side of the building.

See also

In Spanish: Carbide & Carbon Building para niños