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5 Interesting Facts About The GIANT Flag On The Wrigley Building

By Dong Jin Oh | July 2, 2016 8:43am
 The huge American flag adorns the southern façade of the historic Wrigley Building every year during the Fourth of July week.
Fourth of July — Wrigley Building Flag
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MAGNIFICENT MILE — Every year during the Fourth of July week, a huge American flag appears Downtown and covers an entire side of the historic Wrigley Building.

We spoke to Bradley Borowiec, the general manager of Zeller Realty Group which owns the building, about the beloved tradition.

1. It began in 2002 as an annual Fourth of July tradition in commemoration of the 9/11 attacks.

"With Fourth of July as the midpoint, the flag is displayed for seven days," Borowiec said. 

The flag also adorned the building façade on the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

2. It's 50 feet wide and 100 feet tall.

The flag stretches from the 5th to 13th floor. In comparison, the largest American flag is the Superflag, measuring at 255 feet by 505 feet.

3. It only takes a couple of people to install.

Despite the enormous dimensions, the flag isn't too heavy, according to Borowiec. "We're able to lift it by a couple of people," he said, explaining that two people can drape the fabric across the building from window to window and roll it down from the 13th floor.

4. It cost $6,200.

This is the second flag owned by the Wrigley Building. The new flag was purchased in 2013 for a whopping $6,200.

5. People in the building LOVE it.

Even though the huge flag effectively blocks the southern facing windows, building residents don't seem to mind the temporary hindrance. According to Borowiec, an ambient light of white, blue and red filters through the material and bathes the rooms in beautiful colors.

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