Formerly:

Marshall Field and Company

111 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602 United States
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Like most successful iconic retail enterprises, Marshall Field grew over time. Originating as a single store on the block it eventually grew and took over its neighboring buildings, knocking down walls and extending itself upward and outward. The result is discord hidden behind a seemingly uniform ground level facade. But casting an eye upwards reveals the uneven roof line, the ramparts of which delineate one era of construction and acquisition from the next. Inside it is less apparent thanks to the decor, but navigation is still occasionally painful as multiple and competing escalator wells provide, perhaps, too many options. Fortunately, the managers have recognized this problem and provide helpful malmanacs throughout the store to give the nervous herds of shoppers a bit of direction.

The original 1892 building was designed by Charles B. Atwood of the firm D.H. Burnham it is neo-Renaissance in style with Ionic columns flanking the main entrance. But the real show is inside where Corinthian columns lead the way to an atrium on the north side which is topped by a spectacular atrium from none other than Louis Comfort Tiffany. Tiffany, himself, didn’t build it -- a group of 50 artists worked under him for 18 months to make it possible. The dome covers 6,000 square feet and is the largest Tiffany mosaic in existence.

Over time, Marshall Field's would lose its chicago identity. First, being sold to the Dayton-Hudson company, which became the Target Corporation, and then being sold yet again to Macy's. Macy's was the first company willing to change the name of the store, and in doing so weathered a backlash from angry and sentimental customers. When they arrived int he mail, many cut up their replacement Macy's cards and sent them back. Many more vowed to never shop at Marsahll Field's. It remains to be seen if the vocal protests will be just angry voices or if the shoppers will actually back their words with actions.

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There are two comments.

  The building is amazing! It's fun to get lost there!

Brian Davis - Wednesday, November 21st, 2007 @ 12:53pm  

  5 Outstanding architectural structure and pleased to learn of its landmark status. An historically important institution which should be honored for its commercial importance in Chicago's history. Known world wide for its quality of product and service.

Joan Kellogg - Tuesday, February 27th, 2007 @ 12:07am