Near South Side in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

American Book Company Building

Nelson Max Dunning, architect

— 1912 —

American Book Company Building Marker image. Click for full size.

October 19, 2013

1. American Book Company Building Marker

Inscription. This handsome building originally served as the Midwest office, warehouse and distribution center of the American Book Company, a nationally-prominent textbook publisher. Typical of industrial architecture of its time, this reinforced-concrete building features a distinctive tower and large window openings that give the facade its grid-like appearance. The red-brick exterior is embellished with terra-cotta ornament, including the publishing company's colorful crest and a torch, wings, and a wreath representing the pursuit of knowledge.

Erected by Commission on Chicago Landmarks.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list.

Location. 41° 51.187′ N, 87° 37.168′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in the Near South Side. It is at the intersection of East Cermak Avenue and South Calumet Avenue on East Cermak Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 320-330 East Cermak Avenue, Chicago IL 60616,

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United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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: The Platt Luggage Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Wheeler–Kohn House (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); South Loop Market (approx. 0.2 miles away); South Michigan Avenue Motor Row (approx. ¼ mile away); Chess Records Recording Studio (approx. ¼ mile away); Chess Records Office and Studio (approx. ¼ mile away); In Chicago Palaces (approx. ¼ mile away); Upstairs Downstairs (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

October 19, 2013

2. American Book Company Building Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2013. This page has been viewed 1,164 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2013. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.