This is part of an air return grille at the southeast entrance of Riverside Plaza, also known as the Daily News Building (Holabird & Root, 1929). This is another world-class building which has somehow escaped Chicago landmark designation.I've drawn this grille 3 times- first in 1997, then in 2006, and now a couple of weeks ago. I'm not exactly sure why I've been so drawn to this design. It's a typical art deco theme, organic shapes in a rigid geometric framework. Sunflowers maybe? Hard to tell for sure.I'm also fascinated by the metal itself, nickle silver, which was popular for art deco designs. Made from 75% copper, 20% nickel and 5% zinc, it could be rolled, pressed, or cast. Silver white was the most common color, but it could take on tints with the addition of various other metals.
The building and its interiors are practically an encyclopedia of art deco themes and decorative techniques. A shame that the ceiling mural above the concourse was removed for restoration years ago, and has yet to be returned.
