TOP 30 Reliance building historical details in Chicago, Illinois

1 results found

The Reliance Building, located at 1 West Washington Street in Chicago, Illinois, is a historic institution with a fascinating history. Originally designed to be "self-cleaning" with its glazed terra cotta cladding, the building features a shining facade of glass and white terra cotta. Today, the first floor is home to a restaurant named after the building's chief designer, Charles Atwood. The building has housed a variety of tenants over the years, including the first Carson Pirie Scott & Co. store and even Al Capone's dentist. Known for being one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all offices, the Reliance Building has been recognized as a city, state, and national landmark. Despite struggling to maintain full occupancy after the Great Depression, the building was eventually restored and transformed into the boutique Hotel Burnham, now the Staypineapple Hotel. Visitors can explore the building's stunning architecture on guided tours that showcase its original marble, mahogany doors, and decorative wrought iron details. These tours provide an in-depth look at the development of Chicago's iconic architecture from the 1890s to the present day, highlighting the diverse styles found along Michigan Avenue and State Street. Experience the beauty and history of the Reliance Building and discover the rich architectural heritage of Chicago.