John W. Root
(Jan. 10, 1850–Jan. 15, 1891)

One of the greatest architects in the Chicago School, his works are distinguished early attempts at aesthetic expression of the height and the function of the skyscraper.  As the chief designing partner at the famous Burnham and Root firm, he created The Rookery and the north half of the Monadnock Building – at 16 stories, regarded as the world’s tallest office building with load-bearing walls.

photo and text by Joe Collier