The Best Pioneering architects in Chicago, Illinois

The John Wellborn Root House, located at 1308-12 North Astor Street in Chicago, Illinois, is a historic row house with a rich architectural legacy. Constructed in 1888, this was the primary residence of John Wellborn Root, a pioneering architect known for his contributions to the "Chicago School" of architecture. Root, who tragically passed away from pneumonia at the young age of 41 in this very residence, was a key figure in the development of modernism in architecture. Root's innovative use of steel-frame construction and reinforced concrete slabs revolutionized the way buildings were designed and constructed. As the chief architect for the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, Root's work left a lasting impact on the architectural landscape of Chicago and beyond. Alongside his business partner Daniel Burnham, Root designed over 300 buildings nationally, including some of the country's first skyscrapers and tallest buildings.