The Hub Building, Lytton Building
Life Span: 1883-1947
Location: Northwest corner State and Jackson
Architect:
Chicago Tribune, April 28, 1887
Grand Opening of “The Hub” Clothing House.
An event of considerable importance took place yesterday morning, when the new men’s general outfit store called “The Hub” opened its doors at 9 o’clock. The proprietor, Mr. Henry C. Lytton, is noted for his push and enterprise, and has over twenty years’ experience in his line of business. Four years ago he opened the largest store of the kind in the State of Indiana at Indianapolis. Mr. Lytton has also done business in St. Louis, New York City, and Rochester, Indiana. Two reasons induced him to open his store at the corner of State and Jackson streets in Chicago. He happened to get the store on a reasonably long lease and was enabled to purchase his goods at an enormously reduced price. This spring manufacturers are overstocked with goods and “The Hub,” celebrating its spring opening so late in the season, has been able to buy up a large stock 25 to 30 per cent below regular prices. This reduction, of course, enables it to sell goods this season at prices that other stores have to pay when purchaasing the goods.
The store at the corner of Jackson and State streets will be remembered as formerly having been occupied by a dry-goods store; and a dingy, dirty place it was. Such a marvelous change has been wrought by the decorator’s art, however, that visitors yesterday were amazed at the magnificence and splendor displayed. Floral decorations were numerous and huge bouquets filled the air with perfume. The thirty clerks, with boutonnieres in their coats, were kept busy, and, altogether, the store appeared to be what its name indicates—”The Hub.” The store contains an immerse variety of men’s and boys’ clothing, furnishing goods, hats and caps. One of the features will be a children’s department containing the best class of goods in kilt and knee-pants,suits from the finest houses in Rochester, Boston, and New York. Mr. Lytton, a stanch believer in advertising, said he would do business on the one-price plan and refund the money in all cases where purchases are not satisfactory. The firm received over fifty congratulatory telegrams in the course of the day, and numerous friends personally extended their felicitations to the managers.
Photo from 1892 shows the stores at the northwest corner of State Street and Jackson Boulevard, including the Henry C. Lytton and Sons Co., popularly known as “The Hub.” The store specialized in mens clothing, but also had a retail sales department for women and children, shoes and other accessories. The south half was six stories; the north half, formerly the Pelham Hotel, was five stories high.
The Hub
Sanborn Fire Insurance MAp
1906
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