About Chicago

Chicago is known for architectural masterpieces, acclaimed restaurants, world-famous museums, action-packed sporting events, a thriving theatre scene and cutting-edge green initiatives. Throughout the Greenbuild Conference and Expo there will be opportunities to get out into the city to visit Chicago’s green buildings and cultural highlights.

Architecture

Visitors from around the world come to Chicago, the birthplace of the modern building, to admire its architectural marvels.  From historic landmark buildings to contemporary technological masterpieces, Chicago is home to the unique and innovative designs that have shaped American architecture.  The city is a living museum of architecture thanks to the work of such greats as Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Helmut Jahn and hundreds of others.  

Green Architecture

Today, Chicago has some of the greenest architecture in the nation, with almost 200 LEED certified and registered buildings— more than any other city in the country.  The Chicago Center for Green Technology was the first municipal building and the building rehab to receive the LEED Platinum Rating.  Green building is featured in the City of Chicago’s Environmental Action Agenda, a comprehensive plan for protecting the environment and improving the quality of life in the city; read the chapter on Energy and Green Building.

Performing Arts

Chicago’s theatres feature performances in historic and state-of-the-art stages. The Downtown Theatre District—with the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Theatre, LaSalle Bank Theatre, Cadillac Palace and the Ford Center—is a must for theatre lovers.  Distinctive theaters can also be found throughout Chicago neighborhoods.  Theatre's like Steppenwolf and Second City solidify Chicago's reputation as a theatre destination.

Restaurants

Thousands of restaurants offer culinary favorites to suit every taste, budget, and mood.  Whether the preference is local and organic produce, Chicago-style hot dogs, pierogies, or deep-dish pizza, Chicago has it all.  Soul food, Italian, Chinese, French, Japanese, Mexican, Asian, or Spanish…Chicago offers a virtual United Nations of eating choices.

Museums

Chicago’s diverse museums explore art, African-American culture, astronomy, natural history, Chicago history and much more.  Many participate in the Green Museums program.  The scenic Museum Campus conveniently joins the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History.  Other Chicago museums include the Chicago History Museum, McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the DuSable Museum of African-American History, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Contemporary Photography.

During Greenbuild 2007, explore Chicago’s rich architectural legacy, learn about its green building innovations and experience the cultural treasures of the city. 

Sources:  Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau and Chicago Department of Environment