A Worldly Competition, A Storied Beginning
In 1922, the Chicago Tribune co-publishers Col. Robert R. McCormick and Capt. Joseph M Patterson announced an international competition for the design of Tribune Tower. The winning entry was designed by New York architects John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood, who were selected from among more than 260 entries representing 23 countries. Nearly a century later, the soaring vertical lines, flying buttresses and rich embellishments on Tribune Tower remain undiminished in their power to draw the eye and inspire the imagination.
1919
Tribune acquired the initial block known as Tribune Square. Construction began on the printing plant on the southeast corner of the block.
1920
Printing and composing operations shifted to the new plant.
1922
International Competition for the design of Tribune Tower announced.
1925
Completion of Tribune Tower.
1934
Construction began on the 4-story WGN building at the northwest corner of the block.
1935
WGN & Nathan Hale entry completed.
1945
Construction began on the 8-story addition to the WGN building at the northeast corner of the block.
1964
Chicago Tribune sign installed on the plant building.
1965
Pioneer Court Constructed.
2016
CIM & Golub acquired Tribune Tower and began the redevelopment of the buildings into luxury residences.
2019
Tribune Tower Residences sales gallery opens.
2021
Residents begin moving into the Reimagined Tribune Tower.
