Chicago - Carson's Sullivan facade

Chicago - Carson's Sullivan facade, originally uploaded by finefoto.

One of the first buildings I showed a visiting French woman during our architecture tour was this structure on State Street.

"One of the most important structures in early modern architecture, famed for its influential modular construction and design. Visionary architect Louis Sullivan shaped this commercial building--originally built for the Schlesinger and Mayer department store--into a dramatically animated structure that inseparably merges beauty and function. The ornament of the lower two stories is frozen in cast iron, while at the same time giving the impression of being in fluid motion. It is an excellent example of Sullivan's genius for architectural ornament."
from www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/C/Carsons.html

If you visit Chicago, you must not miss exploring its architecture, and this is number one on the list.