John W. Stamper traces the complex development of 'North Michigan Avenue from the 1880s to the 1920s' building boom that solidified its character and economic base, describing the initiation of the planning process by private interests to its execution aided by the city's powerful condemnation and taxation proceedings. He focuses on individual buildings constructed on the avenue, including the Renaissance and Gothic inspired Wrigley building, Tribune Tower, and Drake Hotel, and places them within the context of factors governing their construction - property ownership, financing, zoning laws, design theory, and advertising.