Near South Side in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Platt Luggage Building
Formerly the Ginn & Company Publishers Building
— Howard Van Doren Shaw, architect —
October 19, 2013
1. The Platt Luggage Building Marker
The Platt Luggage Building, originally located at 2301 South Prairie Avenue, was designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw for the publishing company originally owned by H. H. Forsythe. Howard Van Doren Shaw was one of the region's most successful and popular architects. The Platt Luggage Building is a wonderful example of the masonry craftsmanship prevalent at the turn of the 20th century. The building was designed in the classical Beaux Arts style with many elements of the building following the English Arts and Crafts style found in many of Shaw's buildings. The base supports three-story order round brick columns that lend a grand effect. It is capped by a wide entablature and printer's escutcheon at the center of the cornice.
The entire facade was mapped and cataloged during dismantlement, with ever brick and stone marked for removal and replacement. After the entire facade was dismantled and repaired, the stone and brick walls were reinstalled and attached to a structural steel support system. The original brick and stone components were rebuilt to match the original historical Platt Luggage facade. The facade stands as an example of masonry construction excellence of the past as well as the present.
Erected 2004 by Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority.
Topics. This historical
this page online
Location. 41° 51.174′ N, 87° 37.13′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in the Near South Side. Marker is at the intersection of South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and South Calumet Avenue on South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2203 South Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. American Book Company Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Wheeler–Kohn House (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); 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); Visionary (approx. 0.3 miles away); Second Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Battle of Fort Dearborn (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
October 19, 2013
2. The Platt Luggage Building
Marker is located on the wall - near the building's front door.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2013. This page has been viewed 700 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2013. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A clearer, readable photo of the marker • Can you help?
