Chicago's Historic Water Tower and Pumping Station (located at Michigan Avenue and Chicago Avenue) are two of the only buildings to survive the Great Fire of 1871 and have become synonymous with Chicago's rebirth and regeneration after the fire, anchoring the famed shopping district, The Magnificent Mile.
The story of Michigan Avenue becoming the shopping paradise it is today is an interesting one. In 1913, after much political debate, the idea of the Michigan Avenue Bridge was born, connecting the "old" south with the "new" north and creating a gateway to the city's new commercial district. With the opening of the double-decked Michigan Avenue Bridge in 1929, a building boom began along Michigan Avenue. Emblematic of the spirit of Chicago, the Wrigley Building was built with the purpose of drawing shoppers and businesses over the new bridge 
to the north side of the Chicago River.
Today the Magnificent Mile offers 460 stores within eight city blocks showcasing high-end retail to bargain shopping and everything in between. Beyond the Chicago favorites like American Girl Place, Garrett Popcorn Shops and Niketown, choose from delectable restaurants, unique shops and several museums and galleries to round out your day on the Mile.
The 900 North Shops features Bloomingdale's Fashion department store, and six levels of upscale retailers, including several restaurants, a full service salon and spa and a state-of-the-art fitness facility.
Water Tower Place at 835 North Michigan Avenue features Macy's, more than 100 popular stores and Food Life, a unique themed food court on the mezzanine level.
Chicago Place at 700 North Michigan Avenue features Saks Fifth Avenue, more than 50 unique stores, a beautiful floral shop and a food court on the scenic eighth floor.
The Shops at North Bridge is an elegant specialty center anchored by the Midwest flagship Nordstrom. Popular retail stores and innovative restaurants are enclosed in a four-level concourse at 520 North Michigan Avenue.