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

Ludington Building

William Le Baron Jenney, architect

— 1891 —

Ludington Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

1. Ludington Building Marker

Inscription.
The city’s earliest surviving steal-frame building, a type of construction that changed commercial architecture. As one of the first structures clad in terra cotta, it marked an important step in the development of the architectural terra cotta industry. It was built by Mary Ludington to house the American Book Company, and it represents one of the high points of its architect, who is widely considered to be the “father of the skyscraper.”

Designated on July 10, 1996
Richard M. Daley, Mayor

Erected 1996 by Commission on Chicago Landmarks.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1892.

Location. 41° 52.142′ N, 87° 37.562′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. It is at the intersection of South Wabash Avenue and East 11th Street, on the right when traveling south on South Wabash Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1104 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago IL 60605, 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 of this marker:

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Fairbanks Morse & Company Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hotel Somerset (about 500 feet away); Harold Brignadello (about 600 feet away); 910 South Michigan (about 600 feet away); Aaron Montgomery Ward Gardens (about 700 feet away); Crane Company Building (about 700 feet away); Johnson Publishing Company Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); John A. Logan (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . . Serving, Saving & Saluting the South Loop - Ludington Building. This is the website of Columbia College. (Submitted on October 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

2. Ludington Building Marker

The marker is to the right of the entrance, lost upon matching stonework.

Ludington Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

3. Ludington Building

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 30, 2011

4. Ludington Building

William Le Baron Jenney (1832-1907) image. Click for full size.

Carl S. Smith Collection; Courtesy of Northwestern University Libraries

5. William Le Baron Jenney (1832-1907)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,169 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5. submitted on January 6, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.