Official name: 224 South Michigan Avenue Formerly: Santa Fe Building Formerly: Railway Exchange Built: 1903-1904 Designed by: D.H. Burnham & Company Type: Skyscraper Stories: 17 Location: 224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, United States
Building Rating 80% of readers like the Santa Fe Building.
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A t first glance, this is the prototypical Chicago commercial building. With its pedestrian-friendly lower floors, utilitarian mid-shaft, and decorative top, buildings like this were ubiquitous in early 20th century business circles. But this one is a little better than the rest. It has some nice touches that make it stand out. Not just the giant “Santa Fe” sign on the roof. Things like the portholes along the cornice, which are not only a decorative flourish, but also a way to let natural light into upper level inner offices. People toiling on the lower floors aren’t left out. They can get a taste of sunshine through a central light well. Also note the tall bay windows -- the predecessors of today’s premium corner offices. The architects, D.H. Burnham and Company, liked their building enough to move in, themselves. Perhaps they were drawn to its color. The building is covered in white terra cotta, which is easily washed. That’s important because the neighborhood where this building is located once fronted a rail yard, with its associated smoke, soot, and dust. As neighboring buildings turned grayer and grayer, each refreshing rain brought a chance to wash away the airborne insults of the railway.
