Chicago Tribune, April 17, 1870
The building season of 1970 has commenced. During the winter bundings were projected and planned, and now the contractors have taken hold of the limited amount of work that ta before them. The amount of work in the building line to be done this year is small in comparison with former years. There are many reasons given for this falling off. The general reason is the dubious and unsettled condition of financial affairs. Men do not know where they stand at present, and they are afraid to trust the future. Buildings were projected and intended to be erected before the tumble in gold have been abandoned until 8 safer and more convenient season. While gold keeps bobbing up and down like water in a gauge, men of limited capital are afraid to invest. This is the reason given by architects for the dulness of the season so far.
There is a prospect, however, that before the season advances much further work will be more active, and that before it is ended, nearly as large a number of buildings will hare been erected as during previous seasons. Those who wait for the resumption of specific payment with the expectation that the rate of wages and the price of materials will also decline, may have to wait an indefinite length of time. It is generally conceded that wages hare already reached the minimum, and that materials hare been marked as low as they can possibly be put, even with greenbacks at par. It costs 40 per cent less to erect a building of any kind this year than it would have cost at any time within the past two years. This immense reduction should encourage men to build, but in spite of it, the architectural profession is not crowded with work, and though the aggregate value of the buildings erected this season may, and probably will, be fewer than buildings than in other years, yet there will be fewer separate buildings.
The bulk of the work just commenced lies in the centre the city, right in the of bustle and business, and before the year is out many o marble front will have risen in its beauty and grace, evidence of the the enterprise and energy of our citizens, and proof of rapid and marvelous progress of the city. These new structures will not be inferior in strength or appearance to those more recently erected. There is an evident desire on the part of owners of real estate in business localities to improve it regardless of of expense, which and all seem anxious to build something they and Chicago may be proud.
The Pacific Hotel.
Chicago has always had a noble hankering after something great, something which should eclipse everything of the same kind in the world. She is now going to have game the champion hotel, a mammoth structure, the largest and finest on this continent or on any other. The Pacific Hotel, should which will be the name unless the company should see fit to change it in the future, has been positively decided upon, and the, work will be commenced without delay.
This magnificent structure is to be built upon the block bounded by Clark, LaSalle, Jackson and Quincy streets, comprising about one and a half acres of ground. The estimated cost of the building alone is $1,000,000, 804 it will take two seasons to erect and completely finish it. The following description is taken from the plans:
The front on Clark street will measure 190 feet; on Jackson, 325 feet; and on LaSalle street, 180 feet, together with returns on each corner. From Clark and LaSalle streets, on Quincy, it will be faced with stone, six stories above the basement, and a double Mansard roof, making a total height of 140 feet above the sidewalk to the crest of the Mansard. The fronts on Clark and LaSalle streets will be treated alike, except the first stories. On Clark the first story will be for eight retail stores, 20 feet in height by 20 feet wide, and about an average of 100 feet deep. LaSalle street will be arranged for offices on the main floor, which will be over a high basement of offices, eight on each floor. These two fronts present five divisions each. The centre will be the most prominent. It will form the main entrances through three lofty arches, carried by eight coupled columns, three tiers in height, each occupying two stories. The two upper series will be of composite and Corinthian, with quarter coupled columns and pilasters, and all other members of the respective orders, above which a very imposing dormer window crowns the projecting columns, and will be finished on each Side with two caryatides supporting the crowing arch.
The corners of the building will have square pavilions, 21 feet each, with the same general style and division of stories as the centre projection, and crowned with a square Mansard.The Jackson street will be broken by the introduction of two more pavilions, coupled with a series of rooms, and mullioned windows in the centre. These pavilions will be topped out with dome-like Mansards and rich dormers. All the pavilions and centre projections terminate in a higher range than the main body of the building, giving the top or skyline a very lively and effective appearance. The windows between the prominent projections will be finished with handsome pilasters and projecting caps. There are to be a series of projecting balconies, which will give additional life, light and shade to the structure. Taken altogether, the extension will present many features both striking and novel, well proportioned, and absolutely grand. The style of architecture is the modern French,
The interior will contain about 550 rooms, besides the parlors and other public rooms. The main office will be a grand arcade on the first floor 50×100 feet, occupying the space of an open court, and closed in with glass on the sides and roof above the first story. In addition to this, there will be the ladies’ reception parlor, and gentlemen’s reading and writing rooms, 19×48 each. There will also be a telegraph office, newsroom, and cigar stand, cashier’s office, package and post once, billiard, bar, and lunch rooms, barber shop, wash and water closets, coat room, &c., &c.
Af one end of the colonnade will be the grand stairway, adjoining which, and fronting the ladies’ parlor, there will be an elevator for ladies and gentlemen. At the other end of the colonnade there will be an elevator exclusively for gentlemen. In addition to these, there will be a service elevator running from the baggage-room in the basement. This baggage-room will be located directly in connection with the carriage rotunda, which will open on Jackson street, and will occupy another open court, covered, one story high, with a glass dome, measuring 68 by 50 feet.
The second door will be arranged with a series of three dining rooms. The largest will be 46 by 135 feet; the others 46 by 55, and 46 by 36. The kitchen will be conveniently arranged between the dining rooms, and, with the pantries, &c., will occupy a space of 46 by 86 feet.
At the head of the grand stairway there will be a be large promenade hall 90×100 feet. At one end will be the ladies’ parlor, 24×50, opening into two other large public parlors. On the same floor will be series of parlors and bed rooms, finished with all the modern improvements. There will be six flights of stairways leading from the bottom to the top of the building, and three and three elevators.
The plans have been made and the will be superintended by Mr. W. W. Boyington.
Mr. Palmer’s Hotel.
Another hotel, to be the conducted on the European plan, is being erected on the corner of State and Quincy streets by Potter Palmer. The front on State street will be 85 feet long, and the depth of the building will be 145 feet. It will be built of Cleveland brown stone, and will contain eight stories and a basement, making a total height above the sidewalk of about 110 feet. The Mansard roof will be ornamented in an original and striking manner. There is no particular style in the building; it will be almost fire-proof, brick walls running at intervals from floor to roof. Great care is being taken in laying the foundation, and in the setting of the heavy iron columns on which the weight of the building will rest.
In the basement will be a billiard hall, bar-rooms, etc. The principal floor will contain the office, waiting, and reading rooms. The second floor will contain seven rooms, comprising parlors, dining rooms, etc. The upper floors will contain the following number of rooms: third floor, 22 zooms: fourth floor, 29 rooms; fifth floor, 30 rooms; sixth floor, 30 rooms; seventh floor, 30 rooms, making a total of 145 rooms exclusive of the basement and the principal floor.
The building is to be finished on October 1. The cost will be from $225,000 to $250,000. Mr. Roberts designed the bullding, and will superintend its construction.
A “Dark” Hotel.
There is a third hotel to be erected not far from either of the above, but the plans are not ready to be made public.
New Madison Street Stores.
The old rookeries that have stood so long on Madison street, between Clark and Dearborn, are to be torn down, and better buildings will occupy their sites. Messrs. Rosenberg & Rosenfeld are going to erect three stores next to the Staats Zeitung building. The frontage will be 70 feet on Madison street, the depth of the buildings will be 200 feet, and height 68 feet. The front will be of Athens marble, worked up in the French style. The height will be sixty-eight feet from the side walk, divided into four stories. There will also be a spacious basement. The building will cost $75,000, And will be finished on October 1. It has already been rented by Messrs. Pratt, Smith & Co., paper manufacturers and dealers, who will use the main building for stores, salesrooms, etc., and the rear building as a paper manufactory.
The work will be done in the best and most substandal manner. The building is to be heated by steam, and to be furnished with hoisting machines, etc. Messrs. Bauer & Co. are the architects.
And Another.
Next to the above building, extending from it 90 feet on Madison street to the corner of Clark, and thence 100 feet on Clark, will be another magnificent block be built of owned by Mrs. Orsemus Morrison. It will be built of Athens marble, surmounted by an iron cornice 60 feet from the sidewalk. The string cornices, windows, etc., will be on a line with those of the above building, giving the whole the appearance of being one block. The principal floor will contain stores, and the upper flors, offices. All will be heated by steam.
The cost will be $75,000. Messrs. Carter & Drake are the architects.
On Washington Street.
Mr. J. Mason Parker is to build a handsome block on the site now occupied by the frame buildings Nos. 95 and 97 Washington street. It will be of Athens marble, 40 feet front, 68 feet high, and 76 feet deep. There will be a high basement, to be used as offices, handsome banking rooms on the principal floor, offices further up, and on top of all, will a large hall for society meetings. Steam will do the heating. The banks will have vaults. The cost will be $28,000, and the work will be finished in September, under the supervision of Messrs. Carter & Drake.
On North Clark Street.
Mr. H. H. Magie is building a block of five stores an the corner of North Clark and Michigan streets. The fronts will be 100 feet on each street, and the height of the building will be 68 feet. Both fronts will be of marble, and will be in the French-Italian style. The basement and first story will be used for retail stores: the second story will contain a large billiard hall and several offices, and the third and fourth stories will be thrown into one, making a splendid hall 160 feet square, to be used for meetings, etc.
The building will be finished in October at a cost of $70,000. Bauer & Co. are the architects.
A New Methodist Church.
The congregation of the West Indiana street M. E. Church are erecting a new building on Ada street. It measures 110×60; will have lecture and class rooms the basement, and the audience room on the second floor. The exterior will be faced with Milwaukee pressed brick trimmed with Ohio stone. The building, when finished, will rank with the finest sacred edifices in the city. The cost will be from $40,000 to $50,000. The basement will be ready the for use in a month, Mr. W. W. Boyington is the architect.
Park Congregational Church.
The Park Congregational Church, going up near Wicker Park, will be a neat frame edifice up in the Gothic style, capable of seating 750 persons, and costing $7,000. The basement contains Sabbath pastor’s committee rooms, class rooms and the pastor’ study. The furnaces are also in the basement. The inside finish will be of walnut. The building will soon the be ready for service. Mr. John E. Winchell is the architect.
Residences and Stores.
Mr. Winchell has also charge of the following buildings:
A residence for Wm. P. Cardwell, corner of Gold and Harrison streets; a two story double frame house, with brick basements; stores on the ground floor, and residences above. Cost $6,500.
Residence and stores for Alderman Kehoe, corner of North avenue and Clark street: brick basement: stores below and residence above, Cost, $6,250.
Stores and residence for Ludwig Ramp, on Archer avenue, near Twenty-first street, to be finished brick, with Athens stone trimmings. Cost, $16,350. Size, 100×40 feet.
Building for E. H. Stein, of No. 83 Clark street. A grand Parisian bazaar, to be built of brick, glass, and iron, fronting on Adams street 75 foot, and running back to Quincy 179 feet, to be finished in the best manner. Total cost, about $42,000.
For F. Tobin, corner of Polk and Aberdeen streets, a brick store, with readence above. Cost, $5,500.
For Leonard Hodges, a three-story brick house, with stone on the old foundation near Randolph street bridge; to be occupied as a machine depot, etc. Total cost, $7,350.
In addition to those given above, Mr. Borington has charge of the following buildings:
A dwelling for Washington Smith, now in process of erection, on Michigan avenue, south of Eighteenth street. It will have a double octagon front. This building is to be first-class in every particular. It has stone fronts, with stone portico and balcony. It will be finished inside with hardwood, composed of rosewood walnut, butternut, satinwood and zebra The cost can be best determined when finished.
A double fronted dwelling, located on Calumet avenge, south of Twenty-fist street, for L. Z. Leiter, Esq. This will be of superior pressed brick all round, with stone basement. The front steps, porch and window trimmings will be of brown stone, The contracts are now being let.
A store for Bowen Bros., on State, near Madison. Will have a pressed brick front.
Judge Skinner’s Block is to be extended from Farrell’s Block to the corner of Madison street. The dimensions are 101×169 feet. There will be five stories, surmounted by a Mansard roof, The stories will correspond with the Farwell and Drake Blocks, and the fronts on both streets will be of the same kind of stone. The first floor will be divided into three stores, each 33 feet wide The cost will be about $200,000.
Mr. Charles Busby is to build two first-class dwellings on Michigan Avenue, near Sixteenth street, They will have them three stories and a basement, octagon swell fronts, spandrels, capitals, &c., carved to represent leaves and flowers of American plants. The inside will be finished with hard wood. The cost will be $35,000. Messrs. Kinney and Adler are the architects.
General R. W. Smith is about to build a neat dwelling house on Oak Avenue It will contain two stories, an attic, and a basement made of brick. The interior will be finished very handsomely. The cost will between architects $5,000 and $6,000. Kinney and Adler are the architects.
The same architects have also on hand for two fret-class stores to be built by Mr. Busby, on Wabash avenue, between Washington and Madison streets. They will be each 36×150, six stories high, having elaborate heavy cut stone fronts, and will they will be finished in first-class style. They will cost $80,000.
The same architects hare charge of the following:
Mr. Lem Mandel is building a residence on Michigan avenue, near Twenty-second street, at a cost of $5,000.
Mr. Adolph Loeb is patting up two stores at the corner of Archer avenue and Hanover street, at a cost of $9,000.
Messrs. Bauer & Co, hare charge of the following:
A residence, for Mr. Jacob Greenebaum, on Reuben, between Van Buren and Adams streets, cost $18,000. It will be of Clereland sandstone and pressed Racine brick, built in the Italian style. Its dimensions are 50×78
A retail store, corner of Taylor and Hasted streets, 25×120—marble front, and costing $10,000. The first floor will be occupied as a drug store. Mr. L. Boldenwick is building it.
Two first-class residences on Wabash avenge, near Peck court, being built by Mr. E. F. Lawrence, of the Commercial Insurance Company. They will be 50 feet front. one being 50 and the 90 feet deep. There will be three stories, marblefront, and at the rear barns and stables. The cost will be $30,000.
Two brick buildings on West Van Buren, near Canal street, for Mr. B. Loewenthal, 40×65 feet each, and costing $14,000. The first floor will be used for stores, and the upper floors as residences.
Two frame dwellings, with brick basements, on Michigan arenne, near Twelfth street, for Mr. H. Schoelikopf, costing $9,000.
Messrs. Carter & Drake superintend the following:
A building on State street, No. 154, for Mrs. Bunch, costing $10,000. The front will be of Athens marble.
A building on Canal street, near Washington, for Dr. Sawyer, 42×100, to be built of pressed brick and finished in August, at a cost of $12,000.
Mr. John E McMahon is to build a frame residence, No. 303 Chicago avenue. The basement will be of brick. There will bo a dining-room, kitchen, &c., in the basement. Parlors will occupy the principal floor. The second floor will door contain numerous bedrooms, etc. On the third floor will be a ball-room and servants’ apartments. The Interior will 1s be fitted up in the latest style. The architect Mr. Muller. The bullding will cost about $5,000.
In Conclusion.
The above list contains all the buildings of any importance that will be born during the year. There are many others which are not yet fully decided upon, but even as it is, the array is creditable, and shows that Chicago has not ceased to improve and expand.
