Introduction to 122 South Michigan Avenue: History and Significance
122 South Michigan Avenue is an iconic address in the Chicago skyline. It is recognized around the world as the home of one of America’s most famous architectural masterpieces – the Wrigley Building. Constructed between 1921 and 1924, this building is part of a complex, which includes the closely linked Tribune Tower across the street. Together these two structures have contributed to Chicago’s emergence as an international hub for culture, business and design.
The story behind 122 South Michigan Avenue began with a steady rise of commerce on Michigan Avenue during what was known as “The Gilded Age” in American history. This stretch at one time housed some of Chicago’s grandest department stores. Alongside many other investments downtown, this area became attractive to businesses looking to make their mark in The Windy City. Enter William Wrigley Jr., the founder of The Wm Wrigley Jr Company – maker of America’s favorite chewing gum brands such as Juicy Fruit and Big Red. To demonstrate his commitment to being part of this trend, he commissioned renowned architects Graham, Anderson Probst & White to construct a building that would be reflective not only of his own business but also stand out from any others surrounding it.
The 42-story terra cotta structure they designed if often compared to Italy’s Campanile di San Marco bell tower in Venice because its intricate details along with its green onion dome have made it an image representative not just locally but globally also; distinguishing this commercial center centering around Printer’s Row as a must visit destination for tourists worldwide up until today. As part of its initial grandeur when finished in May 1924, it even provided office space for James E Talcott Co., who sold accounts receivable insurance that helped new businesses grow during difficult times without fear from loss on overdue payments from clients purchasing goods and services from them; demonstrating how intertwined economics has always been integral into contributing factors towards helping all industries involved reach success – from large companies such as Wm Wrigley Junior company across various small business owners pouring each drop down within Michigan Avenue along with destinations rising all over Downtown Chicago overall throughout our great city’s storied history!
The Longstanding Relationship between 122 South Michigan Avenue and Chicago
The address of 122 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago has been synonymous with a powerful, unique relationship between the people and places of this incredible city. For over 150 years, 122 South Michigan Avenue has served as an important cultural center for the city of Chicago. From its founding by the prominent Chicago families to later housing major cultural institutions, this address has centered itself around supporting the creative expression and growth of the city’s culture.
122 South Michigan Avenue first became part of Chicago’s history when it was purchased by several prominent Chicago families — including the Higginson, Moore, Harlow and Butler families — in 1840. Having given birth to some of the most established industrial investors within the city, these families understood that 122 South Michigan could serve as a focal point for education and enriching activities. To ensure its success they donated parcels of money to establish libraries and museums on site — two initiatives that set the tone for how this building would later be used over time.
As expected from such noble beginnings, 122 South Michigan quickly prospered into one of downtown’s great artistic centers. In 1886 music publisher Theodore Presser chose this location for his new offices due to its close proximity to other musical centers within Chicago such as Hull House and Orchestra Hall – thus debunking many early 20th century Americans’ perceptions about non-classical pursuits such as popular music. Meanwhile publishers William B Morgan & Co., along with Justine Greenebaum Potter & Co., laid down its base at 122 South Michigan creating a space where literary works could thrive with rigorous editing standards!
Today, after countless renovations—driven by some of our nation’s most innovative architects—122 S. Michigan still stands proud as ever representing both an anchor within our growing downtown hub while also imparting meaningful wisdom through classic American tradition we have yet uphold: respecting creativity enabled by efficient collaboration! It’s become a place where visions come true; lessons are taught; and talent can grow undeterred regardless who you may be or what language you might speak. It is love embodied; right there at 122 S. Michigan Avenue in all her proud glory!
Landmark Buildings in the Area of 122 South Michigan Avenue
122 South Michigan Avenue is a high-rise skyscraper located in the heart of Chicago’s downtown Loop district. Featuring an art deco design and high-end amenities, this building has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Since its completion in 1928, 122 South Michigan Avenue has earned its place as an icon of modernity and progress that reflects Chicago’s ambition for continual growth and prosperity.
This prestigious high-rise structure stands out among other downtown buildings with its distinctive art deco style. Its impressive façade features intricate decoration with geometric designs, ornamental spires, and dramatic vertical lines that emphasize its height – rising to a total of 45 stories above street level. And while it was designed in the 1920s to represent the bold ambitions of modern architecture at the time, 122 South Michigan Avenue continues to exhibit a timeless quality that lends itself well to contemporary views on urban design.
Within its walls lies luxurious living spaces equipped with state-of-the-art amenities for those seeking refined residences within walking distance of all downtown attractions. Residents enjoy stunning views from their homes or balconies as they take advantage of all 122 South Michigan Avenue has to offer; from private elevators and 24/7 security services, to recreational areas based on rooftop terraces and courtyards secluded by lushly landscaped gardens – no expense has been spared when it comes to this dynamic address.
But what brings others downtown besides its distinctive architecture? Showcasing interactive art installations year round such as those hosted by EXPO CHICAGO (more commonly known as The International Exposition of Contemporary/Modern Art + Design) since 2012, 122 South Michigan Avenue attracts artists and collectors from around the world who vie for experience immersive exhibitions only obtainable here among these remarkable historic grounds.
Through decades of innovation while faithfully paying homage to past architectural marvels like 122 South Michigan Ave., Chicago continues evolve into an ever exciting destination emphasizing urban renewal through culture and progress various specialty events like EXPO CHICAGO invites us further explore what’s possible within our cities today—so be ready for whatever comes next!
Major Historical Events Related to 122 South Michigan Avenue
When one thinks about 122 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, the first thought that comes to mind is likely the Art Institute of Chicago, located at this address. But the structure itself has an interesting and important history in the city long before it hosted world-famous works of art. Here are some of the major historical events related to 122 South Michigan Avenue.
The most notable event associated with this address is undoubtedly its role as a filming site for scenes in The Blues Brothers movie. In 1980, film crews descended onto Michigan Avenue to film car chases and stunts throughout the area – including right outside of 122 S Michigan Ave. Today, this iconic scene still brings fans to admire both the Art Institute and all its neighboring attractions contained within one busy stretch of road alongside Lake Michigan.
But among locals and historians, 122 S Michigan Ave may be better associated with its former tenant: Schiller’s Hall. Schiller’s Hall was a baroque-style concert hall built in 1841 by wealthy German immigrants who wanted to bring high culture from their homeland into their new home state – a trend which continues today through many cultural institutions all over America! Notable figures such as Franz Liszt and Frederick Chopin performed on its stage during these early years of American music history, making for an unforgettable period for anyone who attended those legendary performances.
Finally, just a few steps away from where 120 S Michigan Ave stands proudly today there once stood my favorite building to ever grace our skyline: The First Leiter Building (formerly known then as Hardacher’s Block). This stunning skyscraper was designed by William Le Baron Jenney in 1889 and was one of only three towers standing close enough together that they were affectionately referred to as “The Three Leaders” — along with Manhattan Building (designed by John Root) directly across Randolph Street and Richard Morris Hunt’s Merchants Insurance Group Building next door at 130 S Dearborn Street (built 1895). Sadly, despite valiant efforts by preservationists The First Leiter Building eventually succumbed to a developer’s wrecking ball in 1971 (as seen below), leaving what looks like an artificial crater across State Street till this day…
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Leiters_Building_Demolition%2C_April_1971_-_1st_stage%2C_1889..jpg
Interesting Stories from the Past about 122 South Michigan Avenue
122 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois is a prominent building that has been both praised and critiqued throughout its long history. Since its completion in 1895, the structure has gone through many different iterations and changes, yet it remains a recognizable landmark located in the city’s historic Loop district.
The 22-story building was designed by prominent Chicago architect John Wellborn Root in an Italian Renaissance style. It was the first tall office building to feature vertical axes shifts with the facades of each floor rising at a 1:12 angle from one level to another. This distinct design choice allowed for the integration of more offices, elevators and services from top to bottom – creating an example of thoughtful skyscraper design that would influence other architects for years. Not only this; but 122 South Michigan Avenue was also one of the earliest buildings to utilize steel framing as its primary structural system, making it one of America’s first modern day skyscrapers.
Originally known as the Pontiac Building, this edifice served many functions over the decades. The early years saw it primarily occupied by law firms due to its prestigious nature; however, during The Great Depression, it fell into disrepair and eventually rebranded as “Randolph Tower”. The 1930’s saw many changes within the building – including an installation by noted artist Daniel Burnham Hopkins who created mosaic replicas of famous Roman sculptures which are still visible today on the basement interior walls. As time progressed, so did Randolph Tower – eventually adding three additional floors during a complete renovation in 1951-1952 which brought about up-to-date amenities such as improved parking facilities, upgraded HVAC systems and additional meeting rooms for tenant use. In 1963-1964 ownership transferred from 126 South Michigan Investment Corp to Taubman Company who maintained control until 1983 when they sold out to two developers – Joseph Muggivan Jr., and Dennis Blocker – who proposed modern renovations without compromising its historical value or architectural significance while also honoring Hopkins’ original mural designs in their plans. By 1989 restoration work was completed with results showing new window frames installed and lobby designs that balanced Restoration movement aesthetics with contemporary updates (as evident upon entering today).
It goes without saying that 122 S Michigan Ave stands hard amidst both economic booms & busts – this important piece of conjoined architecture & art is truly an essential part of our city’s rich physical & intangible heritage! Long may she stand strong!
FAQs on Exploring the History of 122 South Michigan Avenue
What is the history of 122 South Michigan Avenue?
122 South Michigan Avenue has a rich and fascinating history. The building was originally constructed in 1887 and served as an office building until, in 1910, it was converted into the Chicago Stock Exchange Building. The Chicago Stock Exchange Building, designed by renowned architect Benjamin Marshall, housed the Chicago Stock Exchange for more than sixty years. In 1972, it was converted again to contain offices as well as retail space and today stands at seventeen stories tall with a prominent terra-cotta facade. It is widely considered one of Marshall’s finest works and remains aChicago landmark.
What historical events happened at 122 South Michigan Avenue?
The history of 122 South Michigan Avenue has been eventful and far-reaching over its more than 130 years of existence. During its early days as the Chicago Stock Exchange Building in 1910, 122 SouthMichigan hosted countless transactions between investors and brokers on the floor below—including some that marked important moments during significant political events like World War I and World War II—as well as during other disruptive periods such as when computers began taking over stock trading in 1971 after 140 years dominated by manual trading activities. The latest newsworthy moment registered at the site came in 2018 when Oprah Winfrey interviewed former President Barack Obama there amid his My Brother’s Keeper public service initiative announced there through her Harpo Productions show that aired on CBS. Outside of these broader historical events though many important individual happenings have taken place within this historic building over its more than century long life ranging from engagements to retirements celebrated with gatherings within this storied structure to casual coffee or lunchtime conversations that left indelible marks upon those participating.
Is anyone currently working out of 122 South Michigan Avenue?
Yes! Today at 122 South Michigan Ave there is an eclectic mix of occupants ranging from small businesses pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams to larger established industry leaders who are part of the fabric that makes up Chicagoland’s vibrant business community but still appreciate their historical links back to this remarkable sites roots stretching so many decades prior when major economic deals were made here on a regular basis keeping the Uptown neighborhood an economic powerhouse both before World War II and now into present day times doing what they can do keep neighborhoods like Uptown growing forward unified together into something better than ever beyond our current time period onward indefinitely so only time will truly tell what will come out of adding such distinguished successors onto expand upon such a longstanding precedence set forth right here right now built upon such strong foundations since past without any limits placed upon us all alike ever keeping us succeeding even unreasonably greater yet too always completely making certain nothing can stop us forever all willing!
