The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Inland Steel Company Building
Erected: 1957
— Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill —
Photographed By Sean Flynn, February 14, 2024
1. Inland Steel Company Building Marker
In recognition of the fine open relationship of the building elements to the site; the expression of space and structure achieving clarity and lightness through the stainless steel and glass.
City of Chicago
Richard J. Daley, Mayor
February 11, 1960
Erected 1960 by Commission on Chicago Architectural Landmarks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1957.
Location. 41° 52.853′ N, 87° 37.737′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. Marker is on West Monroe Street east of Dearborn Street. The marker is at the front of a large garden area featuring flags of the United States and Chicago. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 30 West Monroe Street, Chicago IL 60603, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Inland Steel Building (here, next to this marker); Majestic Building and Theatre (a few steps from this marker); Chicago Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Palmer House Hotel
this page online
More about this marker. This metallic marker is a rare precursor to the dark-and-gold Chicago Landmark markers that adorn historic buildings across Chicago—including one for the Inland Steel Building that is affixed immediately to the right of this one. According to an article in the Chicago Tribune from February 7, 1960, the Inland Steel Building (less than 3 years old at the time) was one of 38 buildings honored by the Commission on Chicago Architectural Landmarks as "Chicago Landmarks," which entitled each to a plaque. While it is unclear how many any other metallic markers like this one were made and how many still exist, one just like it can be found on the Wabash Avenue side of the Auditorium Building, about ˝ mile southeast of here.
Also see . . . Inland Steel.
Excerpt: "The Inland(Submitted on February 14, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)Steel Building: A Collection of Chicago Firsts: first fully air-conditioned building; first indoor, underground parking facility; first to use two-inch thick, dual-glazed glass to help with climate control; first building constructed on steel pilings; first building with automated window washing and mail distribution systems."Photographed By Sean Flynn, February 14, 20242. Inland Steel Company BuildingThe marker is to the right of the building entrance. CIBC Theatre is on the right side of this photograph, taken from across Monroe Street.
Photographed By Sean Flynn, February 14, 2024
3. Inland Steel Company Building
Inland Steel Company Photograph Collection, IUPUI University Library, circa 1958
4. Inland Steel Company Building
A 1958 view of the brand-new building, taken from Dearborn Street to the south; the office building portion of the Majestic Theatre (then called the Shubert Theatre, today known as CIBC Theatre; the office building is now a Hampton Inn) is visible on the right. The same view today would be partially obscured by a modern office tower on the southeast corner of Dearborn and Monroe.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 42 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 14, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
