Magnificent Mile in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

McGraw-Hill Building

Thielbar and Fugard, architect; 1928-29

— Chicago Landmark —

McGraw-Hill Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn

1. McGraw-Hill Building Marker

Inscription. A rare survivor of the type of buildings constructed during the early period of this street's development as a prestigious retail address. Its Art Deco-style design incorporates both classical and modern details, and its innovative sculptures by Gwen Lux, an important 20th-century sculptress, represent one of the city's finest collaborations of sculpture and architecture. It was built by the McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, whose Midwestern headquarters served as the original anchor tenant.

Designated on February 6, 1997
Richard M. Daley, Mayor

Erected 1997 by Commission on Chicago Landmarks; City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco, and the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 41° 53.496′ N, 87° 37.466′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Magnificent Mile. It is on Michigan Avenue north of Illinois Street. The marker is on the right side of the building, not far from the entrance to Nordstrom. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 520 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60611, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, 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

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of this marker: Ruth Page (within shouting distance of this marker); Nathan Hale (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tribune Tower (about 500 feet away); World Famous Billy Goat Tavern & Grill (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named World Famous Billy Goat Tavern & Grill (about 500 feet away); Wings of Mexico (about 500 feet away); Jorge Marín (about 500 feet away); Benito Juárez (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding McGraw-Hill Building. The building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1997, a decision that saved the building's historic art-deco facade from demolition. During its 1998 renovation, which included the addition of a building over Grand Ave., the building's interior was almost completely rehabbed, but the facade was maintained. The building today includes the Gwen Hotel as well as a passage from Michigan Avenue to the Nordstrom a block away at Grand Avenue and Rush Street.

Also see . . . The Complicated History of One of Michigan Avenue's Most Unusual Buildings. A history of the building, including its renovation, from WTTW-TV (Channel 11, PBS Chicago). (Submitted on November 27, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean Flynn, November 24, 2023

2. McGraw-Hill Building Marker

The marker is not far from the Nordstrom entrance on Michigan Avenue.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, November 24, 2023

3. McGraw-Hill Building Marker

A photo from across Michigan Avenue. The marker is just to the left of the mostly glass building that leads to Nordstrom.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 373 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 27, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.