La Salle Street, Chicago

In the north-western part of the Loop is the very handsome modern complex of the James R Thompson Center, formerly known as the State of Illinois Center. It is regarded by many as the German-born architect Helmut Jahn's masterpiece. Its interior is strikingly impressive, with a huge atrium mall housing many excellent shops, cafes and restaurants. Here too is the State of Illinois Art Gallery.Jean Dubuffet's "Monument with Standing Beast", a black and white fiberglass sculpture, is located on the plaza.

The 44-story Chicago Board of Trade is the largest grain exchange in the world. There is a Visitors' Gallery on the 5th floor. An aluminum statue of Ceres, goddess of fertility, is found on the top of the building.A fine example of Art Deco style - cubic forms, geometric ornament, and sleek surface materials were used.

Noted architects Daniel Burnham and John Root designed the Rookery in 1888. It represents one of the few remaining buildings to come out of their productive partnership. It is noteworthy for the large inner courtyard that allows natural light to illuminate the inside offices. The facade of the 12-story structure combines Roman Revival and Queen Anne styles. It is constructed of red marble, terra cotta and brick. The name comes from the temporary city hall that occupied the site after the great fire of 1871. That building was a favorite roost for pigeons and hence, acquired the name "Rookery". Frank Lloyd Wright remodeled the interior and lobby in 1907. A second refurbishment took place in 1992 when the building underwent a $106 million restoration project.