The Owings Building
Life Span: 1890-1940
Location: 203 S. Dearborn
Architect: Henry Ives Cobb and Frost
The Ownings Building, called the Bedford Building later, was on the southwest corner of W. Adams and S. Dearborn streets. It was 14 stories high with one basement on a mat basement. Cast-iron columns were used.
The building is on a lot so small, at a corner so conspicuous, produces a minumental effect. The bricks used were the first in the Western world to imitate in shape and color the brick used by the ancient Romans in the Eternal City. A tower with cupola, and ornate treatment at the roof, enhance the architectural effect. There are 168 offices and 3 passenger elevators, averaging 900 trips a day. The occupants were financial and coal companies, and professional men. The Owings Building was erected in 1888, at a cost of $475,000. and like the Monadnock, Manhattan, Unity, and others is a genuine Chicago sky-scraper.
The Owings Building
About 1899
1922 Chicago Central Business and Office Directory
BEDFORD BUILDING
203 South Dearborn Street
S. E. Corner Dearborn and Adams Streets
Opposite the Federal Building; convenient to surface and elevated transportation.
Specially desirable for lawyers, real estate dealers, contractors and coal dealers. Janitor and elevator service of the best. Vacuum cleaning service furnished.
JUDSON F. STONE, Agent,
30 North La Salle Street.
Telephone Main 1776.
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