River North in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Former Chicago Historical Society Building

Chicago Landmark

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 26, 2021

1. Former Chicago Historical Society Building Marker

Inscription.
Former Chicago Historical Society Building
Henry Ives Cobb, architect
1892

The Chicago Historical Society occupied this structure until 1931, and it was that organization's need for a fireproof building that accounts for the granite-clad construction. Subsequent building tenants included the prestigious Institute of Design and the recording studios for several influential blues and rock n' roll performers. It is considered one of the city's best examples of Romanesque Revival-style architecture.

Designated on February 26, 1997
Richard M. Daley, Mayor

Erected by Commission on Chicago Landmarks.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 26, 1997.

Location. 41° 53.609′ N, 87° 37.791′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in River North. Marker is at the intersection of North Dearborn Street and West Ontario Street, on the right when traveling south on North Dearborn Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 632 North Dearborn Street, Chicago IL 60654, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tree Studios (about 700 feet away, measured

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in a direct line); Pizzeria Uno (approx. 0.2 miles away); Abraham Lincoln (approx. 0.2 miles away); John B. Murphy Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); William Butler Ogden (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Catholic Charities St. Vincent Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); McCormick Double House (approx. ¼ mile away); Courthouse Plaza (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . . Former Chicago Historical Society Building (Wikipedia).

"The Former Chicago Historical Society Building is a historic landmark located at 632 N. Dearborn Street on the northwest corner of Dearborn and Ontario streets near downtown Chicago. Built in 1892, the granite-clad building is a prime example of Henry Ives Cobb's Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Henry Cobb designed this home for Walter Loomis Newberry, founder of the Newberry Library in Chicago. The building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1997. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, under the name, Old Chicago Historical Society Building."

Former Chicago Historical Society Building Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 26, 2021

2. Former Chicago Historical Society Building Marker - wide view

(Submitted on August 31, 2021.)

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 26, 2021

3. Former Chicago Historical Society Building Marker - wide view

Former Chicago Historical Society Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, August 26, 2021

4. Former Chicago Historical Society Building

<i>Historical Society building, Chicago, Ill.</i> image. Click for full size.

V.O. Hammon Pub. Co., Chicago (courtesy of the Booth Library, Eastern Illinois University), circa 1910

5. Historical Society building, Chicago, Ill.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 342 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 31, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.