1856—New Buildings

Weekly Chicago Times, January 8, 1857

BUILDINGS ERECTED IN CHICAGO IN 1856.
We present below to our readers, a list and brief description of the buildings erected in Chicago during the year 1856. The article has been carefully prepared, and we believe it embraces very nearly all the buildings of any consequence, which have been built during the year. It is possible, however, that some have been omitted. While we regret this, we can aver that it has not been our fault. All that patient labor and research could do, has been done: and we have been greatly assisted in our task by most of the architects of our city. From some of them, however, we have been unable to obtain any information whatever, in regard to the labors on which they have been engaged. We trust that in another year, we shall have the satisfaction of making our list complete, as well as full.

In regard to the cost: we have been careful to set down, in each instance where a building is not yet completed, only the actual amount expended during the year. Where only one sum is mentioned therefore, it may be understood that that amount has been expended. Aware, too, that the aggregate amount would be enormous, we have endeavored to confine all such statements to be the closest possible limits. Even with this precaution, the grand total is as surprising as it is ratifying.

It will be seen that the cost of the buildings erected this year, far exceeds that of last year or the year before. Yet there have been few buildings of the most costly character erected. The great passenger depot of the Illinois Central Railroad—the Masonic Temple—the Marine Bank—the Bishop’s Palace—the residence of S. S. Hays—and the most of the palatial residences on Michigan.avenue—all these were the work of the preceding two years. This year we have, indeed, three splendid churches to describe, besides three immense iron front stores, and one or two princely dwellings;—but beyond these the great aggregate is made up for the most part of stores and warehouses of moderate dimensions, of dwellings ranging from plain and small to large and elegant, though by no means palatial; and of edifices for the additional accommodation of our railroad companies, which may be called spacious and handsome, but which need not, by any means, be termed immense or stupendous.

There is no need to gas about this matter. The actual, sober progress of the city is enough to be proud of without indulging in any fancy, work or embellishing the picture by any flights of the imagination. That progress is rapid indeed; but it is steady, real and substantial. Look for a moment, at the three iron front buildings in Lake and Water streets, built as they are upon the most massive stone foundations, and composed of materials almost indestructible. Do they not speak of permanence for and substantiability? They are the first of their kind in our city; they speak volumes in each praise of the liberality and enterprise of their owners, and of the skill and ingenuity of the mechanics employed in their construction: and we are happy to say that they will speedily be with followed by others, like unto them.

No first class hotels have been erected here during the year. The Richmond House, (the most gorgeous building in the city) although not finished and opened until a few months ago, was erected in 1855, and included in our list of buildings of that year. An addition to the Briggs House has been made, and is described below. There have been several second class with class hotels built, a description of which will be found below.

Of the churches described below, we may proudly point to St. Patrick’s, (Catholic) St. James’, (Episcopalian,) and St. Paul’s, (Universalist) as three of the noblest specimens of church architecture in the West. They swell the number of churches in Chicago to sixty-two.

But we are warned by the long galleys of feet, matter before us, not to make our introduction too long. Without further preface then, we introduce our list of new buildings.

SOUTH DIVISION.
It will be observed that in this division of the city, the amount expended in buildings for business purposes far exceeds that expended in the erection of dwelling houses.

Michigan Avenue.
Corner of South Water, street. The Richmond House. This marble palace, (for it is nothing less, was described at length in our artiole of last year, and we do not embrace its cost, therefore, in our list of this year. The work on it was much delayed, and the house was not opened till September last. It presents the most magnificent exterior of any hotel in the West, and its interior finish is surpassed by none. Wm. B. Olmstead, architect. Kept by Messrs. Taber and Hawks, late of the La Pierre House, Philadelphia.

Above 12th street. A block of five three story brick dwelling houses, for J. Johnston. Wm. B. Olmsted, architect; cost 20,000.

A three story brick building, with stone dressing, 78 by 58 feet, for one of the city public schools. Francis Foster, architect; Walbaum & Danglers, masons; J. Brown, plumber and gas fitter; Barriot & McDonnel, carpenter; Reese & Healy, painters. This is one of the largest and best arranged school houses in the city. It contains ten school rooms, each 32 by 27 feet, and 14 feet high, besides a convenient lecture room 54 by 86 feet. The whole building is heated by means of Chilson’s hot air furnaces, furnished by Messrs. Raymond & Ward. Ventilation, that all important feature in school houses, is well provided for here, by means of a system the action of which is facilitated by the use of hot air flues. The floors= and partitions are so constructed as to deaden all sounds The stairways are broad and spacious, finished with oak ingraining, and varnished. All the work on this building is of the very best kind, and reflects great credit on the artisans we have named. Cost 26,000.

A two story trame dwelling house, 26 by 14 feet, for E. L. Sherman. Van Osdel & Baumann, architects; cost 15,000.

The following ten buildings comprise what is called the Marble Terrace:

F. C. Sherman

À four story brick dwelling house, with white marble front, 26 by 60 feet, for F. C. Sherman. W. Boyington, architect; cost $20,000.

Another four story brick building, with white marble front, 26 by 60 feet, for Charles Walker. W. W. Boyington, architect; cost $20,000.

Another four story brick dwelling house, with white marble front, 26 by 50 feet, for Wm. Bross. W. W. Boyington, architect; cost $20,000.

Another four story brick dwelling house, with white marble front, 26 by 50 feet, for John Sears, Jr. W. W. Boyington, architect; cost 20,000.

Another four story brick dweiling house, with white marble front, 26 by 68 feet, for S. C. Griggs. W. W. Boyington, architect; cost 20,000.

A five story brick dwelling house, with white marble front, 26 by 78 feet, for Tuthill King. W. W. Boyington, architect; cost 23,000.

A five story brick dweiling house, 28 by 65 feet, for H. T. Dickey, white marble front. Boyington, architect; cost 23,000.

À four story brick dwelling house, 26 by 76 feet, with white marble front, for Henry Macaulay. W. W. Buyington, architect; cost 20,000.

A four story brick dwelling house, with white marble front, 26 by 53 feet, for J. L. Clark. W. W. Boyington, architect; cost 15,000.

A four story brick dwelling house, with white marble front, 28 by 113 feet, for J. Y. Scammon, Esq. W. W. Boyington, architect; cost 80,000.

The above fine block is 378 feet in length, 4 stories high, with attic story, basement and cellar. The two centre and the two end houses are carried up one story higher than the others, and are surmounted with a beautiful observatory, which adds
very much to the appearance of the whole.

Michigan Terrace , Michigan Avenue looking towards Central Depot by E. Whitefield
Owned & occupied by: 1. J. Y. Scammon, 2. J. L. Clark, 3. B. F. Sherman, 4. H. T. Dickey, 5. Tuthill King, 6. S. C. Griggs, 7. P. F. M. Peck, 8. W. Bross, 9. Chas. Walker, 10. P. L. Yoe, 11. Denton Gurney.
1863.

Wabash Avenue.
A five story brick building, with white marble front, 60 by 120 feet, for first class stores, for Cooley & Farwell. Carter & Bauer, architects; Baldwin & Thomas, masons; Bingley, carpenter; Comly & Co., gas fitters; Barry. & Cushing, painters. Cost $27,000.

First Presbyterian Church, 86 by 166 feet, built of rough dressed white Athens stone. This edifice is not yet quite finished, but when completed it will be one of the handsomest church editices in the city. Two towers projecting from the main building, will rise 156 and 180 feet respectively, without spires. The audience room will be 90 by 63 feet, with a gallery on three sides, and a recess behind the pulpit for the organ and choir. It will be finished with open work timber roof with the Norman arch, and without pillars. The light and ventilation will be mainly by the roof. The elevation of the pulpit will be 4 feet, and of the organ loft 9 feet above the main floor.

Rooms for social meetings and for the Sabbath Schools will be on the sides of and over the main entrance and passage way. The style of architecture the latest Norman. Boyington & Wheelock, architects; cost $75,000.

The Universalist Church, built of white Athens stone, 78 by 96 feet, in the Gothic style. This is beyond all question one of the handsomest churches in the city, at least so far as exterior appearance goes, and is only surpassed in beauty by one other. W. W. Boyington, architect: cost $60,000.

The main audience room is very finely proportioned, and is furnished in a very chaste and artistic manner, high vaulted ceiling, with large moulded ribs, springing from bold ornamental corbels and pendants, with enriched bosses, at all the intersections. There are side galleries projecting from the walls, self-supporting.

Universalist Church

Cor. Ringgold. Three story brick dwelling house 58 by 54 feet, with Athens stone basement, for C. Follansbee. Francis Foster, architect; S. H. Clark, mason; J. Brown, plumber and gas fitter; Deer & Lumbard, carpenters. This is one of the finest residences in the city. The basement story contains the dining room, kitchen, wash room, ironing room, store room, and sleeping room for the servants. The first story contains on one side of the hall the library and conservatory, on the other side a suite of three parlors and a sitting room. It is so arranged that the parlors and conservatory can be thrown open together. The hall is 13 feet wide, 87 feet long, and embraces a spacious vestibule, and a staircase lighted from the roof with stained glass. The second and third stories contain twelve spacious chambers with dressing rooms, and thirteen large closets. These rooms are all furnished with hot and cold water and gas. The floors are double, with stout sheathing paper between the divisions. The general effect of the interior finish of this house is pleasing, there having been no attempt on the part of the architect to crowd together unnecessary and elaborate ornaments

In front of the house is a Grecian portico supported by fluted columns, the capitals of which are moulded after the pillars of the Temple of the Winds. The columns rest upon massive stone buttresses; the steps, platform, and window dressings are of dressed Athens stone. The piazza and verandah are supported by smaller pillars in harmony with those of the portico. The whole construction of this beautiful dwelling reflects much credit on the good taste of the architect, and the liberality of the proprietor.

Mr. Foster, the architect of the above building, has only recently settled in Chicago, but he displays a high degree of genius, and much taste, and the construction of this house will be quite a feather in his cap. He comes from Boston, where he has been practicing his profession for the last ten years. We append to this article a long list of buildings planned, and to be erected next year, of which it will be seen Mr. Foster has a fair share.

A black of three buildings south of North street, each three stories high and 18 by 60 feet in size; cost. 1,000. Jacob Harris, owner; E. Burling, architect; Greenbaum, plumber; Brown & Wilder, gas fitters; Morrison & Sons, painters; Price & Deity, masons; Jacob Harris builder.

State Street.
An engine house for company No. 7. A two story brick building, 25 by 50 feet. This is at once one of the handsomest and best arranged engine houses in the city. The arrangements for keeping the engine and apparatus in order, and the room for the meetings of the company, display taste and liberality both on the part of the company and the architects. Van Osdel & Baumann, architects..—Cost 9.400.

Water Street.
Two six story marble front stores, 48 by 100 feet, for C. B. Phillips. Wm. B. Olmsted, architect. Cost 85,000.

A new hotel, called the Massasoit House>, built of brick covered with mastic, 130 by 40 feet, and four stories high. Being only 80 fee distant from the great passenger depot of the Illinois Central railroad, it is the most convenient place in the city for travelers to stop who arrive late at night and wish to go to bed immediately, or who, on arriving, only wish to stop in the city a short, time.-It is designed and fitted up with special reference to the comfort of the traveling public, and is already reaping a rich reward in the popularity it has so soon attained. It is fitted up with all the modern improvements, and is, in all respects, a first class hotel. Gage, Drake & Gage, proprietors. Boyington & Wheelock, architects: cost $30,000.

A six story brick building with white marble front, 48 by 100 feet, for stores and dwelling houses for C. B. Phillips. Boyington & Wheelock, architects; cost 35,000.

A five story brick dwelling house, 20 by 180 feet, for C. M. Dupey. Boyington & Wheelook, architects; cost 13,000.

A five story brick building, 25 by 130 feet for stores, for Carter & Fisher. Boyington & Wheelock, architects; cost 12,000.

Offices for the Michigan Central Railroad.—The Michigan Central Railroad Company, have erected during the year, a large and splendid marble stone building, near the Richmond House ???x50eet, and three stories high. It is used for the various offices of the company. Cost 50,000.

Freight House-The same company have also erected a spacious brick building near the former one, designed for the storage of freight. Cost 50,000.

Corner of Wells street. The princely edifice that adorns this corner at once attracts the attention of strangers, and causes much admiration. It is a block of four first class wholesale stores, built of brick, resting on massive stone foundations, and with iron fronts both on Wells and Water streets. It is 150 by 80 feet, and 74 feet high. Being painted white, it presents on the exterior a very light and graceful appearance, notwithstanding its extreme height. Allen Roberts, Esq., is the fortunate owner. Van Osdel and Baumann, architects; cost 96,000.

Corner of Franklin street. A five story brick building, 120 by 58 feet, for Col. E. D. Taylor, F. E. Kable, architect; cost 40,000.

Corner of La Salle street. A five story brick building, for business offices, for Geo. Steel. In the upper story of this building the Board of Trade hold their sessions. F. E. Kahle, architect; cost 26,000.

Randolph Street.
Corner of Wells street-An addition to the Briggs House, (contemplated inthe original plan,) 60 by 80 feet, and five stories high. Cost 28,000.

A five story brick building, 20 by 160 feet, for first class stores, for Messrs. Greenebaum & Son. Carter & Bauer, 58 La Salle street, architect; Deitz & Price, masons; Greenbaum, plumber; Boggs & Son, carpenter; Brown & Miller, gas fitters; Heath & Hurst, painters. Cost $16,000.

A similar block, of the same size precisely, also for first class stores, for A. D. Taylor. Carter & Bauer, architects; same workmen as the other; cost $14,000.

A three story brick building, 40 by 120 feet, also for stores; for Wm. Blair, dealer in hardware.-Carter & Bauer, architects; Hardcastle & Colby, masons; Wilson & Hughes, plumbers; S. Johnson, carpenter, Thompson & Alston, painters.-Cost $8,500.

Another block of three story brick stores, 40×101 feet, for J. Burr. Same architect and workmen; cost 8,000.

Corner of State street. The immense castle like looking building, unlike anything else in the city. It is four stories high, 61 feet front on State street and 75 feet on Randolph street, and is built of pressed brick. There is a tower on each corner, surmounted by a tall flag-staff. The lower stories will be fitted up for stores, of which there is ample room for eleven. The upper stories will always be used for offices. In the rear formed by the angle, is the immense omnibus stable of the Messrs. Parmalee, built last year, and which we described from it in our last annual list of buildings. The grand entrance on State street leads up two broad flights of stairs to the immense apartment until recently occupied as Gould’s riding gallery, but which has now been leased to the Chicago Light Guard for five years, and is being fitted up by them as an armory. It is their intention to make it the most splendid hall in the city, and to arrange it so that it can be used for concerts, lectures and balls.—The cost of the part of the building erected this year is $55,000. F. Parmalee & Co., proprietors. W. W. Boyington, architect.

Washington Street.
A three story white marble dwelling house, 26 feet front by 60 feet deep, for Dr. N. S. Davis This will be one of the most elegant private resi. dences in the city, and the design reflects great credit on the architects. Boyington & Wheelock, architects; cost $12,000.

Corner of Wabash avenue, a block of three story brick dwelling houses, with white marble fronf, 75 by 50 feet, for J. W. Waugbop. Boying ton & Wheelock, architects; cost $25,000.

A four story brick building, 20 by 50 feet, for a type foundry, for C. J. White & Co. Carter & Bauer, architects; Moss & Bro., masons; Ballord & Wilcoz, carpenters. Cost $3,800.

La Salle Street.
A five story brick building, for bank and offices, 41 by 72 feet, for J. S. Rumsey. E Burling, architect; cost $28,000.

A five story brick building, for bank and offices, 41 by 72 feet, for J. S. Rumsey. E. Burling, architect; cost 28,000.

Market Street.
A two story frame building, 400 feet long by 100 feet wide, for the use of the American Transportation Company. E. Burling, architect; cost $20,000.

A two story frame building, 400 feet long by 100 feet wide, for the use of the American Transportation Company. E. Burling, architect; cost 20,000.

Adams Street.
Two two-story frame dwelling houses, 41 by 48 feet, for E. M. Connell. P, A. Nicholson, architect; cost 3,700.

City Armory.-A three story brick building, with stone fronts, 100 by 100 feet, and 70 feet high. Van Osdel & Baumann, architects; cost 40,000

Armory & Police Court

Corner of Harrison street. The Third Baptist Charch, a frame building 45 by 80 feet. Boyington & Wheelock, architects; cost $4,200.

River Street.
A block of five story brick buildings, 96 by 102 feet, for stores, for Norton, Walter &
& Rogers.-W. W. Boyington, architect; cost $40,000.

On The South Branch.
The great pork and slaughter house of Henry Millward, built of brick, 120 by 184 feet, three stories high, with a cellar beneath. This is probably the most complete building of its kind in the West. Its north front is on the river, its south front on the Archer road. Ample accommodations are made to kill 1,500 hogs per day. The buildings embrace a salting house und an engine house with a tall iron chimney. Matz and Gray, architects; C. and A. Price, masons; Menard and Robinson, carpenters; Pfiffer, stone cutter. Cost
25,000.

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