This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Burnham Plan, which ultimately shaped the city of Chicago, as we know it today. Co-authored by architects Daniel Burnham and Edward H. Bennett, the plan laid out six major improvements to the city, two of which were improving the lakefront and acquiring an outer park system. Without this plan, Chicago favorites such as Grant Park, Navy Pier and North Michigan Avenue would be nonexistent. To commemorate the Plan’s impact on Chicago, two temporary pavilions have been commissioned by the Burnham Plan Centennial Committee for Millennium Park and are set to open June 19 through October 31.

1909 Plan of Chicago

The first pavilion, designed by London-based architect Zaha Hadid, is a tent-like structure constructed from aluminum and covered with silver tensile fabric. According to the Centennial Committee, the outer portion of the tent is ribbed to represent “the diagonal lines and avenues in Burnham and Bennett’s 1909 Plan.” Inside the tent, visitors can reflect on Chicago’s amazing transformation via a video installation by London-based artist Thomas Gray.

The second structure, designed by Amsterdam-based Ben van Berkel of UNStudio, is reminiscent of a canopied roof resting atop a tripod. The structure will be made from steel and covered with plywood painted in a high-gloss white. At night, it will be lit with ever-changing LED lights that vary in color and pattern.

These pavilions are sure to add some pizazz to Millennium Park, not to mention the views along Lake Shore East. The scenes from 340 on the Park and 360 E. Randolph would have any condo owner singing Burnham’s praises, as they look out on an unobstructed view of Grant and Millennium Parks. If the view doesn’t quite satisfy, residents can simply walk across the street to take look at the centennial celebration up close. Both buildings have available units for sale.

Spectacular views that celebrate the essence of Chicago—Burnham would be proud!

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