This model consists of approximately 2,000 pieces.
About this creation
This is my seventh custom skyscraper model and my twentieth overall. Formerly known as the Pure Oil Building and North American Life Insurance Building, 35 East Wacker is one of Chicago's earliest skyscrapers. Standing along the south edge of the Chicago River, it is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. Its Art Deco architectural style is heavily reminiscent of Roman, Greek, and Gothic styles from the arches and strong vertical lines, to the masonry and cupolas.
This is my ninth Chicago skyscraper model. It took about two weeks to design, about ten hours to build, and an overall two months to complete. Model completed October 12, 2012.
Brickshelf photos here
LEGO® Digital Designer file here
Completed in 1927, 35 East Wacker was once considered to be the tallest building in the world outside of New York City. The building's unofficial title, the Jewelers' Building, was earned because it was built for the trading of precious stones between merchants.
The entrance along East Wacker Drive. The northeast corner of the building features a cantilevered, four-face clock over the sidewalk. Special thanks to Spencer Rezkalla for assistance in design ideas for this aspect.
This is my second model to feature my signature fire escape technique utilizing 1x2 1/2 hinge tile with fingers. Another unique aspect of this model is that it features more upside-down elements than any of my other models. Somewhere between 200 and 300 elements are completely inverted.
The main setback of the building features four cupolas on each corner. The use of 1x2 thin hinge tops as ornamentation is inspired from Arthur Gugick's micro model of the Notre Dame Cathedral.
At 523 feet tall, the building is topped by a large cupola that is used as the main showroom for architect Helmut Jahn. Originally, the space was used for a restaurant which has its own infamy for being one of Al Capone's favorite places to eat. In the model, I used various technic gear elements to mimic the intricate encircling ornamentation at the base of the dome.
Comments
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I got the parts lists and the instructions. That is very cool. I was looking in pick-a-brick but i can't find some of the sand yellow bricks 160 radiator grilles and the sand yellow is even harder. any suggestions? |
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AND she re-read your original post lol. Ill try brick link |
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April 11, 2013 |
Quoting Brenda G
Is it at all possible you can send me the parts list and instructions? I would be very grateful.
Great to hear your story behind the building! The digital file for this model is linked to above. You open it with LEGO Digital Designer which you can download for free on LEGO's website. I'd suggest using Bricklink for the parts. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at rjbuttliere@yahoo.com. |
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April 10, 2013 |
Hi, I LOVE this building! My father-in-law was the building manager in the 70-80s and also had an office and did office remodeling on the inside. My son has just been given a project to pick a Chicago building to write about and build. As his grandfather passed away when he was 1, I thought choosing this building was a way for him to get to know his grandfather. I was talking about trying to build it with LEGOs and I found your beautiful model. Is it at all possible you can send me the parts list and instructions? I would be very grateful.
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March 23, 2013 |
Thanks for all the positive feedback everyone! I hope you enjoyed Colors of Chicago! |
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March 23, 2013 |
this has to be my favorite building in chicago because it was the space bridge in transformers Dark of the Moon |
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March 20, 2013 |
This is crazy awesome! |
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March 19, 2013 |
amazing job! |
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March 19, 2013 |
Looks great! All sorts of crafty little details in there. Well done! |
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March 19, 2013 |
Gorgeous rhythms and textures in this! Great job! |
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March 19, 2013 |
Very nice micro. Great tecniques. |
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March 18, 2013 |
Innovative! |
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March 18, 2013 |
Thanks everyone! This one was especially fun to do because of how much detail I managed to cram in. |
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March 18, 2013 |
It is amazing how much detail you captured at this scale! The textures matched with the parts usage call for a unique architectural model. |
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March 18, 2013 |
Phenomenal job, Rocco! The little details like the hinge bases above the doors, the hinge tops along the roof edge, and the tan gears make this a pleasure to explore! |
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March 18, 2013 |
Stunning work as always Rocco! |
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March 18, 2013 |
Wow! Pretty amazing. I grew up in the Chicago area, so this one is near and dear to me. You've made very clever use of some of the pieces to get the details just right. Simply a superb job! |
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