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

Inland Steel Building

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, architects; 1956-57

— Chicago Landmark —

Inland Steel Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sean Flynn, February 14, 2024

1. Inland Steel Building Marker

Inscription. This is one of the defining commercial high-rises of the post-World War II era. The use of stainless steel cladding is an eloquent testimony to the corporation that commissioned the building as its headquarters. The placement of all structural columns on the building's perimeter — and the consolidation of elevators and other service functions in a separate tower — allowed for a highly flexible interior floor layout.

Erected 1998 by Commission on Chicago Landmarks; City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1956.

Location. 41° 52.852′ N, 87° 37.736′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. Marker is on West Monroe Street near 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 Company Building (here, next to this marker); Majestic Building and Theatre (a few steps from this marker); Chicago Building

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(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Palmer House Hotel (about 500 feet away); Carson Pirie Scott & Company Building (about 700 feet away); The Heyworth Building (about 700 feet away); State Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named State Street (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. A separate, older plaque, erected in 1960 by a predecessor to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, is immediately to the left of this marker.

Also see . . . Inland Steel.

Excerpt: "The Inland 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."

(Submitted on February 14, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Inland Steel Company Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sean Flynn, February 14, 2024

2. Inland Steel Company Building

The 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.