The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

35 East Wacker Drive Building

Giaver & Dinkelberg, architect; 1926-27

— Chicago Landmark —

35 East Wacker Drive Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn

1. 35 East Wacker Drive Building Marker

Inscription. This 40-story building was the tallest outside New York City at the time of its construction. The building's terra cotta-clad, classical design marks it as one of the most prominent high-rise statements of the City Beautiful movement. It is also the most notable work of the partnership of Joachim Giaver and Frederick Dinkelberg, who had spent most of their careers with D.H. Burnham & Co.

Designated on February 9, 1994
Richard M. Daley, Mayor

Erected 1994 by City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.

Location. 41° 53.205′ N, 87° 37.601′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. It is on East Wacker Drive west of North Wabash Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is on the left side of the doorway into the 35 East Wacker Drive building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 35 East Wacker Drive, Chicago IL 60601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Heald Square Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Chicago Remembers (within shouting distance of this marker); Viet Nam Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bataan- Corregidor Memorial Bridge (about 300 feet away); Old Dearborn Bank Building (about 300 feet away); Irv Kupcinet (about 400 feet away); The Chicago Riverwalk (about 400 feet away); South Water Street (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding 35 East Wacker Drive Building. This building overlooking the Chicago River is best known as the Jewelers Building, due to its historical tenants. When it opened, it was the tallest building in the United States west of New York City.

Hanging

Photographed by Sean Flynn, October 18, 2023

2. 35 East Wacker Drive Building Marker

off of this building over the corner of Wabash and Wacker is a six-ton clock, donated by the Elgin National Watch Company, one of the building's first major tenants.

In 2024, it was reported that the building was nearing a sale to developers who were considering converting it for residential use.

Also see . . .
1. 35 East Wacker Drive Building. A 1992 report by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks with a history of the building and a look at its key features. (Submitted on October 19, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. Jewelers Building.

Excerpt from Chicagology: "The building is 24 stories high, with a 17-story tower and three basements, supported on rock caissons. This building was one of the last large-scale commercial structures in Chicago to be designed in the classical revival style that became popular in the wake of the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893."

(Submitted on October 19, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

3. Chicago Sun-Times: Historic Jewelers Building to be sold, possibly converted under new owners. A news report about the building's sale and possible

Jewelers Building (35 East Wacker Drive) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn

3. Jewelers Building (35 East Wacker Drive)

conversion to residential use. (Submitted on September 11, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Jewelers Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, October 18, 2023

4. Jewelers Building

In this view from the northwest, the Jewelers' Building (35 East Wacker) is framed in the foreground on either side by the two towers of Marina City.

Jewelers Building drawing image. Click for full size.

Department of Architecture of Chicago Historical Society, via the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, 1925

5. Jewelers Building drawing

By architects Giaver & Dinkelberg, dated May 22, 1925.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 284 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 19, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.