7/23/2023 0 Comments First skyscraper chicago 1885The frame was composed of wrought and cast iron alongside Bessemer rolled steel beams, leading the building to weigh in at a third of the mass of traditional masonry buildings of the time. It earned the title of the world’s first skyscraper thanks to the combination of its height and its revolutionary steel frame. The Home Insurance Building, designed by William Le Baron Jenney, was located at the corner of Adam and LaSalle Street. A Closer Look at the Home Insurance Building Home Insurance Building, 1885, Published by Sprang Printing, Boston. The culmination of these factors led to the world’s first skyscraper in 1885: the Home Insurance Building, a ten-story, steel-frame fireproof building in downtown Chicago. Meanwhile, the Bessemer Converter of 1856 allowed for widespread, large-scale commercial production of steel. While the top floor of buildings had once been inaccessible and undesirable, the elevator changed that forever. T he first was the safety elevator pioneered by Elisha Otis in 1854, which allowed for the safe transport of elevator passengers. Luckily, two pivotal inventions from the mid-19th century made the introduction of soaring steel-framed buildings possible. And with the Great Fire as their lesson, architects also knew these structures had to be much more durable than those that had been so easily destroyed. With commerce and industry downtown exploding exponentially, these structures had to accommodate more residential space and more office space - leading to verticality as a solution. As the city looked to rebuild, architects pondered what the next generation of urban structures looked like. But it was a devastation that gave way to the opportunity to rebuild anew. How the World’s First Skyscraper Came to Be But did you know Chicago was also home to the world’s first ever skyscraper? Today we’re taking a look at the historic Home Insurance Building and how it came to be. If you stop by, you’ll find the Wrigley Building across the street!Įnjoy Spectacular Chicago Views at the Willis Tower Skydeck!ĭon’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to know more about iconic Chicago skyscrapers.Chicago boasts many historical architectural feats - it was the host of the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 and the playground of greats including Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan. The Tribune Tower was completed in 1925, and stands 462 feet. The winning Gothic Revival design by Hood and Howells borrows Art Deco design ideas, and echoes elements of medieval European architecture and 13th-century French cathedrals. In 1922, the Chicago Tribune placed an ad for a building design competition - and $50,000 in prize money for the winner. According to local lore, the design is based on a dark green champagne bottle with gold foil at the top.Įven at a modest 503 feet, you’ll get a clear view of the 37-story Carbon and Carbide Building from Michigan Avenue! While you’re in the area, don’t miss other historic Burnham-designed buildings like the Reliance Building, the Rookery Building, and Monadnock Building. The Burnham Brothers designed this landmark 1929 Art Deco skyscraper - one of Chicago’s most recognizable with its polished black granite and dark green terra cotta, and gold leaf details. After viewing this 1,054-foot giant, stop by the nearby historic Water Tower Place or the Museum of Contemporary Art. Also known by its address of 875 North Michigan Avenue, the Hancock tops out at 100 stories and employs X-bracing on the building’s exterior to resist wind loads without interior support columns, significantly increasing the available floor space. Just before building the Willis Tower, architect Bruce Graham worked with structural engineer Khan to complete the John Hancock Center in 1970. Architect William LeBaron Jenney’s new construction technique became known as the “Chicago Skeleton,” and went on to be used in the tallest skyscrapers around the world. That’s not necessarily due to its 10-story, 138-foot height, but because it was the first design to incorporate a steel frame to support the entire weight of the building. Not only was it the first skyscraper in Chicago, but it’s also known as the world’s first skyscraper. The Home Insurance Building was completed in 1885 during the building boom that followed the Great Chicago Fire.
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