Oslo, Norway: Tostrupgården

It's at least interesting that one of Oslo's most impressive business locations is right around the corner from the Parliament building. Norway may have some socialist practices, but it doesn't get in the way of a good money-maker.

The Tostrupgarden went up in 1898 or so, as two builders were more or less stitched together. It was inspired by a work at the Chicago World's Fair of 1893, which was partially created by architect Frederick Law Olmsted - someone who is still remembered in Buffalo for his work on the city's layout.

The building has gone through a variety of tenants over the years. The bottom floor has been reserved for shops, while the other floors house businesses. The signs on top have changed over the years. It must be fun to walk into a building like that to start work every day.