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Build miniature cardboard models of these Chicago landmarks.
Its easy! Download the pdf files linked below, then print on cardstock or heavy paper from your color printer. Follow the instructions printed in the pdf files to complete the assembly of each model. If you make a mistake, simply print out another to try again.

Aon Center Aon Center

Build the Aon Center skyscraper in 1:4000 scale, the third-tallest building in Chicago. Display it alongside the Sears, John Hancock and Trump Tower postcard models. Amoco.pdf

Aon Center

Cabrini-Green

1:1000 scale paper model of 1230 N. Burling in the William Green Homes housing project, the last standing CHA high-rise. Model made in collaboration with Project Cabrini Green. CabriniGreen.pdf
How To Chicago Vernacular Architecture

Simple black & white 1:87 scale models of common building types seen in Chicago. Color and assemble into an HO-scale city neighborhood.
Elevated Tracks L Tracks model

1:160 (N-scale) elevated train tracks to display your L Train models. LTracks.pdf

See more ways to customize your train models.
Metropolitan Correctional Center Metropolitan Correctional Center

A paper model of Chicago's unique skyscraper prison, the Metropolitan Correctional Center. In 1:1000 scale. CorrectionalCenter.pdf
MN Museum model Minnesota Museum of the Mississippi

A scale cardboard simulation of the home of our virtual museum, the Minnesota Museum of the Mississippi. build.pdf

Visit the Minnesota Museum of the Mississippi and other Natural Wonders.
Ohio House Motel Ohio House Coffee Shop

A googie-style motel coffee shop located in Chicago's River North neighborhood.

Print out your own 1:87 (HO-scale) model of this unique building. OhioHouse.pdf
Prentice Women's Hospital Prentice Women's Hospital

Bertrand Goldberg's Prentice Women's Hospital was demolished by Northwestern University in 2013.

Download a 1:1000 scale model of the structure, to remember the effort to preserve this unique Chicago building. PrenticeHospital.pdf
Sun-Times Building Sun Times Building

1:1500 scale model of the Sun-Times Building, once known as the ugliest building in Chicago. The building was demolished in 2005 to make way for the Trump Tower. SunTimes.pdf
Thompson Center Thompson Center

A paper model of the grand and much-derided State of Illinois Building. In 1:1500 scale. ThompsonCtr.pdf
Wirt Dexter Building Wirt Dexter Building

1:500 scale model of the Wirt Dexter Building, an early example of architect Louis Sullivan's work. The building was destroyed by fire in 2006. WirtDexter.pdf

 

Find more free models on Build Your Own New York and Wurlington Press

Also, modify your postcard models with these Extra Projects

There are many more free downloadable paper models on the web, far too many to list here. Instead, visit the comprehensive collections of links found on:

Copyright 2022 Matt Bergstrom