35 East Wacker Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids 35 East Wacker

Former names	Pure Oil Building North American Life Building Jewelers Building
General information
Type	Commercial offices
Location	35 E. Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois
Coordinates	41°53′11″N 87°37′36″W / 41.8865°N 87.6268°W / 41.8865; -87.6268
Construction started	1925
Completed	1927
Height
Roof	159.41 m (523.0 ft)
Technical details
Floor count	40
Design and construction
Architect	Joachim G. Giaver Frederick P. Dinkelberg
Main contractor	Starrett-Dilks Company


North American Life Insurance Building
U.S. Historic district Contributing property

Architectural style	Neoclassical
Part of	Michigan–Wacker Historic District (ID78001124)
Designated CP	1978

35 East Wacker is a very tall and historic building in Chicago, Illinois. It stands 40 stories high, reaching about 159 meters (522 feet) into the sky! People also know it as the Jewelers' Building because of its interesting history.

This amazing skyscraper is located right in the heart of Chicago, in an area called the Loop. You can find it where Wabash Avenue meets Wacker Drive, looking out over the beautiful Chicago River.

Building History and Design
- Why Was It Called the Jewelers' Building?
  - Special Features for Jewelers
- Architectural Style and Details
Location and Importance
- Recognized as Historic
Images for kids
See also

Building History and Design

The construction of 35 East Wacker began in 1925 and was finished just two years later, in 1927. It was designed by two talented architects, Joachim G. Giaver and Frederick P. Dinkelberg. They created a building that looks both strong and elegant.

Why Was It Called the Jewelers' Building?

When it first opened, many jewelers and diamond merchants had their offices inside. This is why it earned its famous nickname, the Jewelers' Building. It was a busy place where valuable goods were traded and kept safe.

Special Features for Jewelers

The building had some unique features to protect the precious items inside. For example, it had a special car elevator that could take vehicles directly up to the offices. This allowed jewelers to transport their valuable goods securely without having to carry them through public areas. There was also a large, strong vault inside the building for extra safety.

Architectural Style and Details

The design of 35 East Wacker is a mix of different styles, but it mostly shows Neoclassical influences. This means it has grand, classic features often seen in ancient Greek and Roman buildings.

Tall and Grand: The building has a very tall, slender look, making it stand out.
Detailed Decorations: Look closely, and you'll see many interesting details carved into its stone.
The Dome: One of its most famous parts is the large, round dome at the very top. This dome adds to its unique shape and makes it easy to spot in the Chicago skyline.
The Clock: There's also a cool clock on one of its corners, which is a well-known feature of the building.

Location and Importance

35 East Wacker is part of the Michigan–Wacker Historic District. This means it's in an area with many other important and historic buildings. Its location by the Chicago River makes it a landmark.

Recognized as Historic

Because of its unique design and history, 35 East Wacker is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This special list helps protect important buildings and places in the United States. It was added to this list in 1978.