Chicago: The City That Reaches for the Sky (or at Least Really Tall Buildings)
Chicago, the Windy City, is more than just deep-dish pizza and iconic architecture (okay, maybe not more than those, but it's definitely up there). One thing that undeniably defines its skyline is its sheer verticality. Buildings here aren't just tall; they're downright arrogant about their height.
How Tall is Too Tall? Apparently, Chicago Doesn't Know
You'd think after building a skyscraper that could practically touch the clouds, Chicago would be satisfied. Nope. They just keep going higher. It's like they're in a never-ending competition with themselves, seeing who can build the tallest building that doesn't actually qualify as a small moon.
The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) is the granddaddy of them all. At a whopping 1,451 feet, it’s like a giant middle finger to gravity. But don’t be fooled, this isn’t a one-horse race. There’s a whole slew of other buildings that could make you feel like a tiny ant. The Trump International Hotel and Tower, the St. Regis Chicago, and the Aon Center are just a few of the other sky-high contenders.
Is There a Point to All This Height?
You might be wondering, "Why so high, Chicago?" Well, besides the obvious bragging rights, there are a few practical reasons. Tall buildings can accommodate more people and businesses in a smaller space. They also offer stunning views, which is a major selling point for luxury apartments. And let's face it, there's something undeniably cool about living on the 80th floor.
But let's be honest, a big part of it is just showing off. Chicago is like that kid in school who always had to be the tallest.
How to Spot a Chicagoan
If you ever find yourself in the Windy City, there's a simple way to spot a lifelong Chicagoan. They’ll casually mention living on the 40th floor like it's no big deal. Or they'll start a conversation with, "So, I was looking out my window the other day, and I saw..." and then proceed to describe a view that would make a bird dizzy.
How to Deal with Height Anxiety in Chicago
If all this talk of towering buildings is making you feel a bit dizzy, don’t worry, you're not alone. Here are a few tips:
- How to avoid looking up: Stare at your feet. It's a classic distraction technique.
- How to overcome the fear of elevators: Just close your eyes and pretend you're on a rollercoaster. But with less screaming.
- How to appreciate tall buildings without feeling small: Remind yourself that you’re a complex and interesting human being, not just a tiny speck in a concrete jungle.
- How to find short buildings in Chicago: Good luck with that one.
- How to build your own skyscraper: Start small. Maybe a Lego tower?