Concrete and Chicago's Famous Architecture

In the Windy City, you’d better be sure your structure is sturdy. Now we all know the moniker pertains to politics, but as it turns out Chicago really does have a reliable backbone. What’s it made out of? None other than concrete.

Cities are often referred to as concrete jungles, and it’s not hard to see why. Chicago is among the most iconic in the nation, boasting an epic skyline and lakeside backdrop. And while you can assume the aforementioned material played an integral role in the area’s development, you may be unaware of the role it plays in the illustrious architecture.

Brutalist Architecture

At Elston Materials, we’ve always known concrete was important. Between 1951 and 1975, however, the world seemed to capitalize on it’s capabilities. The style became known as Brutalist Architecture, and it’s defined by its modern aesthetics and fortress-like structures. Below are just a few examples.