New York Life Insurance Building (Chicago) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New York Life Insurance Building |
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(1900)
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| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Coordinates | 41°52′53.2″N 87°37′56.2″W / 41.881444°N 87.632278°W |
| Completed | 1894 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 14 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | William Le Baron Jenney |
| Designated: | July 26, 2006 |
The New York Life Insurance Building is a tall, historic building in Chicago, Illinois. It stands 14 stories high at 39 South LaSalle Street. This impressive building is located in the busy Loop area. It was designed by a famous architect named William Le Baron Jenney.
The building was first finished in 1894. It had 12 floors back then and cost about $800,000 to build. In 1898, more parts were added to the building. Mr. Jenney designed an addition that was about 92 feet (28 meters) long. This made the building much bigger on Monroe Street. The new part had 13 floors. One more floor was also added to the original building. This expansion also created a new entrance and a larger lobby. In 1903, a fourteenth floor was added. This made the building its current height.
What the Building Looks Like
The outside of the building is made of brick. It has special decorations called terra cotta trim. These decorations are in a classic style. When the building was first built, it had a decorative top edge called a cornice. It also had a low wall called a parapet around the roof. These were removed to make space for the new additions.
Inside, the main lobby is still very beautiful. It has white and gray marble on the walls. The floor is covered with a mosaic tile pattern. The lights in the lobby are in an Art Deco style. They look like they are from the 1920s.
Becoming a Chicago Landmark
The New York Life Insurance Building is very important to Chicago's history. In 2002, it was first considered for landmark status. This means it was recognized as a special building. By 2006, some people worried the building might be torn down. A group called Preservation Chicago said it was one of the city's most threatened buildings.
Later in 2006, a company planned to fix up the building. They also wanted to build a new, very tall office building next to it. This new building would be 51 stories high. Soon after these plans, the New York Life Insurance Building was officially named a Chicago landmark. This status helps protect it. The landmark status was updated in 2009.
New Life as a Hotel
In 2014, a company called KHP Capital Partners bought the building. They announced exciting plans for its future. They decided to turn the historic office building into a hotel. The new hotel will have 281 rooms. It will be a Kimpton hotel.
The plans for the hotel also include a restaurant. There will be spaces for meetings and shops too. The company expected the hotel to open in early 2016. This change gives the old building a new purpose.
Gallery
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Under construction
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Street view from the west (2012)
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Street view from the northwest (2011)
See also
In Spanish: New York Life Insurance Building (Chicago) para niños
