Fisher Building (Chicago) facts for kids
|
Fisher Building
|
|
The Chicago 'L' is sandwiched between the Fisher Building and the Old Colony Building
|
|
 Location in Chicago Loop
|
|
| Location | Chicago |
|---|---|
| Built | 1895-96 |
| Architect | D.H. Burnham & Company; Atwood, Charles |
| Architectural style | Chicago |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000691 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | March 16, 1976 |
The Fisher Building is a tall, historic building in Chicago. It stands 20 stories high, which is about 275 feet (84 meters) tall. This amazing building is located at 343 South Dearborn Street in the Chicago Loop area.
It was designed in a style called neo-Gothic, which means it looks like old European castles and cathedrals. A rich paper businessman named Lucius Fisher asked for it to be built. The first part of the building was finished in 1896 by a famous architecture firm, D.H. Burnham & Company. A few years later, more sections were added.
History of the Fisher Building
When the Fisher Building was completed, it was one of the tallest buildings in Chicago. Only one other building, the Masonic Building, was taller at 21 stories. The Fisher Building, at 18 stories (before its addition), was very impressive for its time.
Today, the Fisher Building is the oldest building in Chicago that is 18 stories or taller and is still standing. The Masonic Temple, which was taller and older, was torn down in 1939.
The first part of the building was designed by Charles B. Atwood from D.H. Burnham & Company. In 1906, a new section was added to the north side. This made the building even taller, going from 18 to 20 stories. Peter J. Weber, who used to work for the Burnham firm, designed and watched over this addition. It was finished in 1907.
The outside of the Fisher Building is covered with special terra-cotta carvings. These carvings show many different water creatures like fish and crabs. You can also see eagles, dragons, and other mythical creatures carved into the building's walls.
Today, the Fisher Building is owned and managed by City Club Apartments. The upper floors, from the 3rd to the 20th, are used for apartments where people live. The first and second floors have shops and businesses.
The Fisher Building is considered a very important historical site. It was named a Chicago Landmark on June 7, 1978. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 16, 1976. This means it is protected and recognized for its historical importance.
Past and Present Businesses
For most of the 1900s, a company called C.A. Dunham Company had its main office in the Fisher Building. This company was very important in developing heating systems. Mr. Dunham invented a special device called a thermostatic steam trap. This device helped radiators work better to heat buildings.
Over time, the C.A. Dunham Company joined with other companies. They became the Dunham-Bush Company and later bought another heating pioneer, Warren-Webster Company. Eventually, their steam heating part of the business was sold off and became Marshall Engineered Products Company, or MEPCO.
Currently, the building is home to Wheeler Kearns Architects. This company is known for designing high-quality buildings throughout Chicago. They have designed places like Marwen and Stratum Pier. Many of their staff also teach at universities, including the University of Illinois at Chicago. In 2016, they were named "Firm of the Year" by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
