Architectural Sticking Points

By Benjy Lipsman in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 10, 2005 8:25PM

The U.S. Postal Service announced their roster of 2005 commerative stamps, including a set focusing on Masterworks of Modern Architecture, which will be issued on May 12, 2005.

Among the 12 designs are two Chicago landmarks -- the John Hancock Center and Mies van der Rohe's minimalist apartment buildings at 860-880 N. Lake Shore Dr. Trib architecture critic Blair Kamin, however, takes exception to the small number of Chicago landmarks included in the set -- and he's absolutely right. If there's one this this city knows -- other than hot dogs and pizza -- it's revolutionary architecture. Blair mentions Marina City and the Farnsworth House as among those which should have been included, and Chicagoist agrees.

Maybe it's this architectural slighting of Chicago that has Da Mere all worked up. In what would have been an epic battle of egos, Daley and The Donald sparred about the top of his new river-front tower. Daley wants to have a spire topping Trump Tower. And it seems that he's won.

The addition to the top will make the Trump International Hotel & Tower the second tallest building in Chicago and the U.S. at 1,360 feet. The actual design of the ornamental top has not yet been released -- Trump's still awaiting the OK from Daley.