PLACE: Oriental Theatre on N. Farwell Ave.

When it opened in 1927, The Oriental was the height of glamour and sophistication. An over-the-top interpretation of East Asian/South Asian cultural motifs, the interior still leaves visitors in awe, a riot of gilt and red fabric. Highlights include six big Buddhas, eight porcelain lions, and twenty-six baboon monsters with glowing green eyes.

PLACE: 100 East Building on Wisconsin Ave.

I always assumed this tower was about eighty years old, but found out recently it was built in 1989. Materials and design details are meant to evoke the Pabst Building, which occupied the site from 1892 until 1980. Fun fact: At 37 stories, this is Wisconsin's second tallest building.