World Architecture Images- Chicago- Washington Block

	Essential Architecture- Chicago Loop South Washington Block
architect	Frederick and Edward Baumann
location	40 N. Wells St.
date	1873-74
style	Ruskinian Gothic
construction	limestone cladding
type	Office Building



At the time of its construction, in the aftermath of the Fire of 1871, the Washington Block was one of the tallest buildings in the city. It is a critical link to understanding the evolution of the Chicago skyscraper, a rare surviving example of the use of the "isolated pier foundation," which was an engineering advancement that helped develop the high-rise office building. The ornate detailing of its virtually intact limestone facades makes the Washington Block a building of individual architectural distinction. The building originally featured an outside staircase that led to an ornate, second-floor corner entrance. The lobby still includes a rare example of a curving hardwood staircase.
links	With special thanks to the City of Chicago website, www.egov.cityofchicago.org , for much of the info on this page. Photos copyright City of Chicago.
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