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Photograph © Wayne Lorentz/Artefaqs Corporation
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Built:
1929
Designed by: Samuel N. Crowen & Associates
Type: Skyscraper
Stories: 38
Maximum height: 438 feet / 134 meters.
Location: 8 South Michigan Avenue
City: Chicago
State: Illinois
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A
great example of the sort of building that made Chicago a living architectural museum. The Willoughby Tower stands tall and proud over the Michigan Avenue cliff, presiding over the parade of unique architecture at its sides. It is also a victim of early 20th century urban planning. The reason for the tall tower is to comply with a former city ordinance which stated that the portion of a building above a certain height could only occupy 25% of its footprint. Thus, the tall tower to maximize revenue and prestige while staying in line with setback laws. It helps distinguish this tower from the majority of buildings in the "cliff" which are all around 280 feet tall.
> This building is sometimes referred to as the "Willoughby Towers" when its full address of 2-8 South Michigan is used.
> 1846 - The Sisters of Mercy found Chicago's first convent at this location.
> 1980's - Two firefighters die when they fall down an elevator shaft fighting a fire in a burning elevator car.
> 1994 - The building is sold for $3,150,000.
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 » This was the location of the Willoughby Building, a far less ambitious project of just eight stories.
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