Moon Rock Window, sans Moon Rock ©2008 Bo Mackison

This is the second in a series of posts on the Tribune Tower on the Miraculous Mile in downtown Chicago. The moon rock is supposed to be in this front window facing Michigan Avenue. It is always here, wired to an elaborate security system. But the Friday I happened to be in Chicago, the moon window was filled with promo stuff about the Tribune newspaper “new look.” Unhappily for me, the moon rock was safe in the building’s vault and not available for public viewing. Agghhh!

But it does give you an example of how the numerous historical stones are placed in the exterior of the building. Some 140 rocks, bricks, and even pieces of coral and metal, are embedded in this architectural wonder.

Coral from Fortress at Cartegena Colombia ©2008 Bo Mackison

This piece of coral is from the walled city of Cartegena, Colombia – one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere. It was founded in 1533. Its walls, built in the 17th Century, are 50-60 feet thick and 40 feet high.

Twisted Metal from World Trade Center ©2008 Bo Mackison

Part of a steel beam from the Twin Tower site, this was added to the building as a permamnent tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 tragedy and their families.