Below are ten of my choices for America’s best classic skyscrapers. Each is a magnificent work of art unto itself. Interestingly, most of those listed below were completed just prior to or shortly after the start of the Great Depression.

To this urban planner, vintage postcards are a wonderful way to depict the excellence in artistic design and workmanship that went into crafting these delightful skyscrapers. Few tall buildings since then can match the civic inspiration and placemaking abilities of these artistic gems from a bygone era.

All ten of these skyscrapers stand as triumphant today as they did when they were built. I am glad to say, I have had the opportunity to view and relish each one in person. They are indeed precious gifts to all of us from our ancestors.

Leveque Tower (1927): Columbus, OH – Despite what Columbus means to any Michigander, the Leveque Tower is still my favorite classic (art deco) skyscraper in the country. The tower remains a shining jewel of the Columbus skyline, especially when viewed from the west with the Scioto River in the foreground. I can clearly recall as a kid, anticipating my first view of the Leveque Tower and downtown Columbus each time our family approached the city from my hometown of Indianapolis, whether it was along old U.S. 40 or Interstate 70. It’s still a great skyline view today.

Wrigley Building (1921/1924) : Chicago, IL – The Wrigley Company may no longer occupy this lovely building (bad decision in my opinion), but this amazing structure will always remain the “Jewel of the Mile.”

Chrysler Building (1930): New York City, NY – Easily my favorite classic skyscraper in New York City (sorry Empire State Building). This art deco masterpiece has the coolest spire and lobby of all skyscrapers. The building exudes good taste and high quality.

Guardian Building (1929): Detroit, MI – Personally, my favorite skyscraper in Detroit – a city filled with amazing classic buildings. It’s stunning lobby is a very close second to the Chrysler Building in New York.

Fisher Building (1928): Detroit, MI – Another great building from Detroit. Located in the New Town area (now known as Midtown). Anyone from Michigan and surrounding areas would likely recall references to the Fisher Building from the “Great Voice of the Great Lakes”, WJR radio, where the announcers still say, “from the Golden Tower of the Fisher Building.” It’s one of those catchphrases that make you feel all is right with the world.

Tribune Tower (1925): Chicago, IL – A neo-Gothic delight set across the street from the lovely Wrigley Building at the southern gateway to the Magnificent Mile. Abutting the Chicago River, these two skyscrapers are a stunning pair only separated by Michigan Avenue.

City Hall (1928): Los Angeles, CA – You certainly do not have to be from Los Angeles to recognize this impressive skyscraper. Many television shows and movies have included scenes and/or shots of the Los Angeles City Hall, most notably in the TV series, Dragnet.

Boji (Olds) Tower (1931): Greater Lansing, MI – Who can live in Greater Lansing and not love this building, no matter its name. This classic skyscraper still dominates the city’s skyline today.

Lincoln Bank Tower (1930): Fort Wayne, IN – Another great art deco skyscraper from the American Midwest. For quite awhile, the Lincoln Bank Tower was the tallest building in Indiana.

S.C. Johnson Research Tower (1951): Racine, WI – No architectural list would be complete without a building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The S.C. Johnson (Johnson Wax) Research Tower is one of two skyscrapers designed by Mr. Wright – the other being the Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. This marvelous tower alone is worth a trip to Racine, Wisconsin.