Architecture, Reference 

When the Sears Tower was commissioned in the 1960's, it seemed natural that the world's largest retailer should be headquartered in the world's tallest building. Like most American businesses at the time, Sears projected growth based on the historic success of the company and an optimistic view of the future. With that in mind, they set out to tackle the many design and engineering obstacles that faced them in building a 110-floor structure that soared 1,454 feet into the air. Today, the Sears Tower is still the tallest building in the world and stands as one of the most notable achievements in American architecture, design, and engineering. Our nation's unique identity has been formed, in large part, by the monuments and landmarks we have erected. Structures such as the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., stand today as permanent reminders of the people and events that have built a strong America. Many of these structures made history even as they were created; most integrated the latest in design and technology and required the skills of thousands of workers. For the first time, the Building America series chronicles the massive undertakings that mark some of the greatest triumphs of human engineering. The fact that these projects were even attempted, and then completed successfully, is a testament to the boldness of human ingenuity and a tribute to the brave spirit of the American people. It is that special spirit that is now captured in the pages of the Building America series. Grades 3-7; 7 1/2 x 9; 48 pages; 40-45 photos; Chronology; Glossary; Further Reading; Source; Notes; Index - from Amzon