• Construction start: 1924
• Construction finish: 1926
• Designed by: Thielbar and Furgard; and Giaver and Dinkleberg
• Type: Skyscraper
• Stories: 40
• Maximum Height: 522 feet / 159 meters

• The four turrets at the corners of the building at the first setback weren't created merely decoration. They were part of the original fire surpression system. Each holds a cast iron tank that would have been used in case of a fire. They have been decommissioned, and the space at the base of each is now used as conference rooms.

• The scary clock. Attached to this building at one corner along its Wacker Drive façade is an ornate clock. It is outlined in blood red light bulbs, and topped with a scary statue of Father Time carrying a menacing scythe.

There are six comments.

  I worked on the 33rd floor of this building for seven years. It is certainly a beautiful building on the outside, and affords spectacular views of the Chicago River (from the spire of NBC Tower on the East to the Merchandise Mart on the West). Mechanicals in the building are spotty at best, but are slowly improving thanks to the diligence of its Canadian owners. It was a shame, however, to see so much of the marble interior floors carpeted over, and the marble wainscoating torn off the walls and thrown away. But the creation of the spectacular and gilded coffered ceiling in the lobby (purportedly from the original plans which were never realized) was a joy to behold. It was well worth suffering through 18 months of scaffolding in the lobby to see the completed project.

richbh - Tuesday, August 7th, 2007 @ 2:49am  

  If you watch reruns of "The Untouchables" - look closely at the background art for the opening and closing credits. You can see a rendering of this building in the scene.

David - Saturday, May 19th, 2007 @ 1:17pm  

  I had the privledge of working for several owners of this facinating building from summer 1967 to fall 1979. I was the secretary in the office of the building, working with every employee from the building engineer, carpenters, painters, electricians and cleaning staff who so diligently took care of this great property. I was involved with renovations from the lobby to the 40th floor and saw huge transformations during the years I was with the building. Of all the jobs I have had in my many years of working, being involved with this property ranks at the top for being interesting and very rewarding. How I would love a tour from top to bottom today!

Judith Kerr - Sunday, December 31st, 2006 @ 8:12pm  

  This building is very dramatic! I love the way it is lit up at night.

kirby Cruz - Thursday, December 7th, 2006 @ 8:27pm  

  I am probably a bit biased in my opinion as I have spent the last 4 years renovating this great city property. Everyone should see the restored lobby and the elevators that match the historic "Bird Cage" elevator that serves the top 4 floors. The Chicago market place is starting to see that this property is in a class with those few other restored landmark properties in the City.

Rudy Banducci - Wednesday, October 18th, 2006 @ 8:53pm  

  The building is home to the architecture firm Murphy/Jahn, which also occupies the interior of the cupola. (Or at least it did about ten years ago when I got to go up there.)You take a regular elevator to an upper floor, then you walk down a short hallway to an old-fashioned cage-door elevator. That takes you up to the cupola. I was told at the time that during prohibition there was a speakeasy in the cupola.The center of the cupola is occupied by a stout column. At the time I visited, a fair amount of the room was taken up by a scale model of downtown Chicago.It was a wonderful space, with excellent views through the tall windows. I wish I could live in there.

Jon Hendry - Saturday, October 14th, 2006 @ 10:48pm