Chicago Varnish Company Building facts for kids

Chicago Varnish Company Building
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location in Central Chicago Show map of Central Chicago Location in Illinois Show map of Illinois Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	33 W. Kinzie St. Chicago, Illinois
Built	1895
Architect	Henry Ives Cobb
Architectural style	Dutch Renaissance Revival
NRHP reference No.	01000649
Quick facts for kids Significant dates
Added to NRHP	June 14, 2001

markers of the building behind glass

window detail with neon business sign of current building occupant

Sign on the side of the establishment circa 1998

The Chicago Varnish Company Building is a building built in 1895 as the headquarters of one of the leading varnish manufacturers in the United States, the Chicago Varnish Company. The building is a rare example of Dutch Renaissance Revival-style architecture in Chicago, and is marked by a steeply pitched roof paired with stepped gables of red brick and light stone in contrasting colors. The building was designed by Henry Ives Cobb, a nationally recognized architect whose other significant works include the former Chicago Historical Society Building, the Newberry Library, and the original buildings for the University of Chicago campus. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 14, 2001, and was designated a Chicago Landmark on July 25, 2001.

After an extensive rehabilitation, including replacement of the multigabled clay tile roof and rebuilding the stepped parapets, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse opened in the building on October 23, 1987. The restaurant has received numerous awards for its food and service, and features many items of memorabilia, including a "Holy Cow" wearing the trademark Harry Caray eyeglasses that was sourced from Chicago's CowParade.

The building is distinctive for its use of the Dutch Renaissance revival style, with its stepped gables, steeply-pitched tile roof, and contrasting brick and stone masonry.