Beginning in the 1860s, Chicago’s architecture began to focus on which type of building?

In the 1860s, Chicago's architecture indeed began to focus on skyscrapers, marking a significant shift in architectural design and urban development in the city. This period coincided with innovations in building technologies, particularly the use of steel frames and the development of elevators, which allowed architects to construct taller buildings than ever before.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 also played a pivotal role in this transition. After the fire, which destroyed a large portion of the city, there was a push to rebuild with more modern and durable materials, leading to the creation of iconic skyscrapers. The first steel-frame skyscrapers, such as the Home Insurance Building, started to emerge during this time, setting the foundation for a cityscape dominated by tall buildings.

This architectural evolution not only changed the skyline of Chicago but also influenced urban planning and architecture across the world, establishing Chicago as a birthplace of skyscraper design. Consequently, this focus on skyscrapers represented a key turning point in the evolution of urban architecture in the late 19th century.