Pike’s Block

< --Previous Up Next–>

Pike’s Block, Ayer’s Building.
Life Span: 1872-1955
Location: 166-172 State, Southwest Corner of State and Monroe streets (100 S State)
Architect: John W. Roberts

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1874

Pike’s Blk.

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1880
Pike’s Blk.—170 State
Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, George Armour, pres; W. M. E. French, sec; 21, 170 State

Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1885
Ayer’s Bldg.—166 to 172 State
Bee Hive.—dry goods, millinery & fancy goods, 172-178 State (Opposite Palmer House Entrance

The Land Owner, October, 1872

REBUILT CHICAGO—BLOCK ERECTED BY E. S. PIKE, SOUTHWEST CORNER STATE AND MONROE STREETS.
Our title page this month displays one of the most beautiful and entirely symmetrical buildings yet illustrated—the new block erected by Mr. E. S. Pike, at the southwest corner of State and Monroe streets, directly opposite Potter Palmer’s Grand Hotel. This superb stone and iron edifice is most eligibly located at one of the best business centres—directly opposite what will be our best hotel, near the new custom house, and the many other fine buildings going up in its immediate neighborhood. As you pass down State street, turn from the contemplation of the myriad columns of the Grand Hotel, this noble building is before you, presenting a style of architecture new here. Along the Grand Canal in Venice, you see structures somewhat resembling but not equaling it, as they are old and dingy, and were built when architects paid more attention to an effective facade, than to adaptability to the uses of trade. Internally and externally the Pike Block is complete and beautiful. It stands 120 feet on Monroe by 80 feet on State. The first story front is of iron, above which is blue and white Athens stone, cut and carved by skillful workmen, and fitted together like one piece, its five stories being surmounted with a graceful cornice that looks for all the world like the Pitti palace at Florence, as it is as solid and massive without tawdry display. Steam elevators are being put in place, rendering every floor alike accessible and desirable for business. The architect is John W. Roberts, Esq., who has in this building a monument that will outlast his life, and always speak of his abilities.

The splendid corner store of this building, 54 feet on State by 120 feet on Monroe street, is being fitted up especially for the occupancy of Messrs. N. Matson & Co., one of the largest and most reputable wholesale and resale jewelry houses. When the marble counters, artistic frescoes, massive bronze Chandeliers, and delicately carved black walnut cases are in place, and their counters sparkling with diamonds, and most recherché jewelry and rare articles of virtu, the store will be better and finer than Chicago ever had before the fire, and will rival the famous jewelry stores that stretch along the Rue de la Paix in Paris, from Boulevard des Italienes to Place Ven Dome. Already do we see in this elegant establishment a little of what our new Chicago will be.

The name of N. Matson & Co., wholesale and retail jewelers, is a household word to our people, the house having been established here for upwards of ten years, and being one of the oldest jewelry firms in the city. It is composed of N. Watson, Geo. Johnson, L. J. Norton and W. E. Higley; Mr. Johnson, having taken the place of Mr. Pike, the owner of the building. Mr. Johnson is a wealthy capitalist of the East, who has recently come here. Before the fire the firm wee located at 117 Lake street, from which place they re-established themselves at 481 Wabash avenue, where they will remain until the new store is completed, which will be but a few weeks. Mr. Matson was for several months in Europe, engaged in purchasing stock for the new store, which is now arriving by every steamer. He sent home many marvelous things from the workshops of Paris, Vienna and Geneva, in which cities are wrought the most delicate articles of the jewellers’ trade. From the French capitol, now awaking to new industry and life, he forwarded real French Bronzes, Clocks, Opera Glasses, Jewel Cases, and the thousand and one things found nowhere else. From Vienna sent a large stock of the celebrated leather goods for which the Austrian capital is so famous. From Geneva is coming the watches of Patek Phillipe & Cie., for which they are the sole agents here, delicately carved articles of ornament that the Swiss peasants dig out in the Vade de Chamounix, and the sweet toned musical boxes, that all the world admire, and from Chaux de Fonda, nestled down among the Tyrolese Alps, is coming the well-known watches of Chas. E. Jacot, for which this firm are also the sole agents in Chicago.

We need say nothing more about this new jewelry palace. Go and see it, and be convinced that all the world has been made tributary to its demands.

The American Clock Co.
One can foretell the destiny of Chicago without a horoscope, but one cannot get up or lie down or dine or go out on the boulevard to see Potter Palmer’s new villa, without a clock in his house. The American Clock Company has taken Time by the forelock, being on familiar terms for many years with the old fellow, and being more capable of approaching him than anyone else. In a word, Mr. W. F. Tompkins, the Agent, has secured the south store in the Pike block, No. 172 State street, where he will soon be found located. This company is sole agent for the six largest clock companies in America: the E. N. Welch Manufacturing Co., New Haven Clock Co., Seth Thomas Clock Co., Gilbert Manufacturing Co., Welch, Spring & Co., and Seth Thomas & Sons & Co. These six establishments manufacture 80 per cent of all the clocks in the United States. Of three million dollars worth of clocks made in Connecticut last year, two million five hundred thousand were turned out by these companies. The American Clock Co. has houses in New York, Chicago and San Francisco. It will be surprising to our readers to know that the trade in clocks in this city is now double what it was in New York ten years ago, a point in our rapid advancement which it will be well to note, against the next time you get into conversation with Alderman Blowhard, of St. Louis.

Before the fire, the store of this Company was at 105 Lake street. After the little blaze they hastened to get under way without delay, at 587 Wabash avenue, and now their next move will be into their fine new store. Everything in the line of clocks can be found there, from the ponderous tower clock that tells the world the time, to the neatest little bijou time piece for your library mantle. Thee may also be found those good old Seth Thomas clocks, with their steady, faithful, unvarying pendulums, which we first made the acquaintance of in our dear old home east. You know them. On the door of the square mahogany case is a picture of the capital at Washington, made by Seth himself, back in the good old days when a picture of the capital made us all happy, before there was any big jobs going on there, and when the men that sat in its chambers went there to legislate for their country, with pure hearts and pure motives. One of these clocks in our old home still sits on the shelf where our eyes first beheld it, and it will never wear out. In its case are stowed away all sorts of forbidden pieces of paper and little bundles, for it is a sort of recepticle also of family relics. There are more modern pieces here, more elaborate, more costly, in fact, everything in the clock line, and enough of them in number to keep time for all the world and a part of New Jersey. The store is being elegantly fitted up to adapt it to their large business. Mr. Pike is fortunate in securing in securing this extensive concern as tenants, and they are lucky in their choice of location.

A. H. Andrews & Co.
Four stories of this building are occupied by Messrs. A. H. Andrews & Co., manufacturers of school furniture. We say school furniture, for while this firm makes office, bank and library desks of the finest quality and to an immense extent, it is through their school furniture that they are most widely known. In no country but our own, could such a business as this have been created. In the older countries, scholars still sit in rude benches, while more children never enter the school-room. But in America, high inventive genius and the best mechanical skill have united in making the most elegant, healthful and comfortable seats possible for the wants of our common schools. A gentleman from Detroit, familiar with the mechanic arts, and now connected with the educational department of his State, was in our city last week and remarked in our hearing, “I have been led to investigate and watch this most important matter for years. There is no seat in the East so good as the Andrews make—the best are far behind—while the best features of the seat now made in our State and by other Western makers, are for our own city is now less decisive—ten large contracts, amounting to seventy-five thousand dollars, having been given to Messrs. Andresw, and their seats, many years in use, are now doing good service. The popular testimony is still more convincing. The Messrs. Andrews are now the greatest makers of school furniture in the world, and send their desks to Essex county, Massachusetts, and to the valleys of the Connecticut; to the Quakers of Philadelphia and the Mormons of Salt Lake; to the lumbermen of Maine and the border schools of Texas, their orders often reaching from two to three thousand desks per week—some Eastern cities having reached $20,000 in their orders. This exceeds the testimony of individuals no matter how influential, or the utterances of any press, no matter how proud it be to record the achievements of its fellow citizens.¹

Energy and skill have raised this business from the smallest beginnings to a great manufacturing interest, and the Messrs. Andrews are now completing a five-story building, 115 by 44 feet, of the first class, at the corner of Polk and Desplaines streets, for the manufacture of their school desks and seats. It looms above the other buildings and manufactories about it. Passing through its extensive rooms the other day, we found them alive with workmen, though the building is not yet completed; the masons, plumbers and carpenters vieing with the cabinet makers at their benches in their ceaseless toil. We saw here the splendid show cases of Messrs. N. Matson & Co., whose magnificent jewelry establishment will also be in Mr. Pike’s building on State street. We saw also pulpits, pews and lecture-room settees in great variety in all stages of progress, and learned from one of the proprietors that the calls for these goods were so numerous and urgent, that this branch of manufacture promised to soon exceed in magnitude the other, which has naturally led to it. In this new factory, the furnishing of churches will eceive full attention. The combining of wood and iron at Chicago, and admit of shipment to the great Eastern cities at lower prices than the cost of manufacturing there, is a fact suggestive of vast possibilities. Enterprise could ask no wider field, and the firm whose business we have sketched, have fully establoshed their right and ability to lead occupying it.

Chicago Tribune, December 10, 1872

The resumption of business on the South Side bu old established firms is now an event of daily occurrence, and in every instance they have opened in better quarters than they occupied before the fire, and with larger and finer stocks of goods. This is true of Matson & Co., jewelers, formerly of No. 117 Lake street, who opened yesterday in their new store, at the southwest corner of State and Monroe streets. The first floor is certainly one of the most elegant show-rooms in the country. A black walnut partition, with French walnut panels, about seven feet high, divides the room into wholesale and retail departments, the latter in the front, measuring 80 feet by 54, the former 40 by 54. The ceiling is 18 feet in the clear, and is supported by a row of solid columns painted white and trimmed with gold. There are twelve immense plate glass windows and one door at the side, and four windows and three doors in front. Daylight streams through in abundance. Circular gasoliers, with double rows of jets, one above the other, illuminate the scene at night. There are four counters, two in the middle and one on each side =. These counters are composed of a combination of colored marbles, the base being Columbus marble, the panels Champagne marble, and the remaining parts statuary marble. On the counters are rosewood show-cases, having panes of French plate glass, twelve feet long. Behind the side counters, standing against the walls, are black walnut cabinets, with French walnut panels, carved and wrought with singular taste. The offices of the firm, located near the partition, are furnished regardless of expense. On the main floor is the great vault, 9 feet long, 15 wide, and 13 high, and directly under it in the basement, is another vault, nearly as large. Fie-brick laid in cement, form walls, 30 inches thick, and the doors are Hall’s burglar and fire proof pattern. The more valuable goods, such as jewelry, plate, watches, and all property belonging to customers, will be stored in the upper vault at night for safe keeping, and the lower vault will protect goods in stock. There are also two Herring safes on the main floor. The cost of fitting up this establishment was $35,000. An idea of iuts magnificence may be gathered from this imperfect description, but it must be seen to be appreciated. The firm claim that their store is the finest in the country.

Interior View of N. Matson & Co.’s Jewelry Store, Corner State and Monroe Streets.

The stock comprises everything that is made in the jewelry line. The various departments are under the control of courteous and attentive clerks. The diamond cases contain all kinds of precious stones, made up in rings, crosses, brooches, etc. There are also cameos, pearls, and corals of great beauty and value. Some of the diamond solitaires sell from $1,800 to $3,000, and a bracelet, pin, and earrings of solid black onyx set with diamonds, are worth $2,500.

There are watches from all the great manufactories in this country and Europe, ranging in prices from $30 to $600, Jacot and Pater Philips’ make are specialties of this establishment, and there is also Jurgensen, Elgin, Waltham, and other famous time-keepers. There are also clocks, for ornament and use. The regulator is a mammoth Howard clock with a compensating pendulum. Its time will be checked every day by observations of the sun made daily from an observatory on top of the building.

The silverware is exhibited in the cabinets. It is enough to say that it comprises everything in that line, from a spoon to a tea set valued at $1,000. The bronzes imported by the firm were selected by Mr. Matson, who spent three months in Europe purchasing the stock. It may be remarked in this connection that the firm imports its goods direct from the foreign countries where they are manufactured, and are therefore able to sell as cheap,if not cheaper, than New York and Boston houses. Of the bronzes, there is an infinite variety, suited to all purposes. They are in gold and green, silver and copper. One group, representing Perseus and Andromeda, is for sale at $1,400.

There are other departments, including fancy perfumery and toilet articles, pocketbooks in morocco, traveling-bags, work-boxes, etc. A music-box capable of executing thirty-six different airs, is valued at $1,050; and a centre-table, made of 85,000 different pieces of choice wood, and which was awarded a gold medal at the Pris Exposition, is for sale ar $1,500. It is a fac simile of one presented to President Lincoln.

The wholesale department contains goods in large quantities to suit the country trade, and the store-room in the basement is full of reserve stock. The value of the entire stock is three-quarters of a million.

Chicago has reason to be proud of the fact that the fitting up of this establishment was the work of its own craftsmen. After visiting New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, the firm discovered that the finest work was done in this city, and accordingly gave it the preference. The wood-work was done by A. H. Anderson, of State street.

It is truly a magnificent enterprise. Hundreds of citizens thronged the store yesterday. It is one of the wonders of the new city, and will be visited as one of the sights by persons from abroad.²

Chicago Tribune, March 2, 1873

Office Desks.
Messrs. A. H. Andrews & Co. have now on exhibition at their new , No. 170 State street, a large and handsome assortment of elaborate office desks, from new and attractive designs by their own artists. All their work is made at their own factory, and all shrinkage and warping in goods by them is at their risk, and any article not found perfect in this respect will be promptly exchanged or money refunded. Also, in stock the largest and most varied assortment of plain desks and office chairs to be found in the West. Messrs. A. H. Andrews & Co. are proprietors of Dill’s Excelsior Marquetrie Patents, and are conducting the manufacture of this best and moet desirable of all ornamental floors, under the of the inventor. All parties needing fine work in office desks or fittings should call at the warerooms of this firm.

Chicago Tribune, September 9, 1875

THE ROOT & BONE MUSIC COMPANY.
Mention has been heretofore made in The Tribune of this house which on the 1st of January last was organized by the consolidation of the houses of Root & Lewis, Root & Sons, and Chandler & Curtiss, and is therefore the only house with which the Messrs. Root are associated, and the successors of the famous “Root & Cady.” Their fine establishment at No. 156 State street is one of the institutions of Chicago, for it 18 the leading music house in the West, and the comprehensive stock fills their spacious building from turret to foundation-stone, including every article known to the trade in endless variety, the enumeration embracing foreign and domestic sheet-music, music-books, pianos and organs, and imported goods of all kinds, such as violins, guitars, strings, accordions, flutes, brass and German-silver band instruments, etc., etc. They control the celebrated Steck” piano, the sensation of the Vienna Exposition, where it captured the first prize, and the Standard organ which bas become the representative instrument of its class. In fact, anything in the line of musical merchandise may be found at No. 156 State
street.

Chicago Tribune, December 24, 1879

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS.—The Students and Teachers of the Art School of the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts gave a view of their work on the last term to their friends yesterday at the Academy rooms in Pike’s Building.

Chicago Tribune, November 13, 1881

IMPORTANT DOWN-TOWN MOVE.
The lending transaction in rentals during the past week was the perfection of arrangements by Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co., for opening a large retail store on the South Side—a quarter of the city in which there have had none since the fire of 187l. After that conflagration they opened a store on West Madison street, and have ever since retained it as their principal retail establishment, their wholesale headquarters only being on this side of the river. For some time they have been contemplating returning to the South Side, and, as is known, had secured the building now occupied by Marshall Field & Co., but were induced by the tempting bonus of $100,000 to give it up to its present and former occupants. Since then they have been looking around for a satisfactory place in the centre of the city, and have at last secured one in what is known as the Pike Building on the southwest corner of State and Monroe streets. A few years ago it would bare been considered absurd to move so far south from the then business centre, but the steady progress of the retail dry goods trade down State street indicates that Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co.’s new establishment will before many months, be in the centre of the retail business section instead of toward its southern extremity.

This building. which until some two years ago belonged to Mr. Eugene S. Pike, formerly of Cincinnati, but for some years back a large property-owner in this city. is now owned by Mr. Avers. of Lowell. Mass.. and has been occupied tor some time, on the ground floor. by Matson, the jeweler. In the upper stories, several artists, physicians, and others have have found quarters. The dry goods firm has obtained a ten-year lease of the whole building, and will take possession May 1, paying an annual rental of $37,500 and according to one authority, and $10,000 according to another, making their own improvements. It is understood that at first only the ground. second, and third doors will be used for the store. and that the fourth and fifth floors will be rented out as offices until such time as the growth of the store business demands additional room. In order to fit up the lower floors for the purposes of a store, it will be necessary to tear out all the partitions and make other important changes. The leases of the present tenants will ail expire May 1, 1882, with the exception of Clapp & Co.’s, which runs until May 1, 1883, and which the dry-goods firm will probably but out. The tenants above the third floor will hardly be disturbed for some little time yet. The rent seems rather high, but is simply another indication of the southward movement of the business centre and of the natural increase in rentals due thereto.

The Pike Building, or, as it is now called, the Aver Building, is a large and very showy stone structure, built by Mr. Pike immediately after the great fire of 1871. About the time of the panic it was sold to the present owner. Mr. Ayer, the great pill man, who contemplates adding two additional stories to it next sprig, making it seven stories high.

Chicago Tribune, March 10, 1882

CARSON, PIRIE, SCOTT & CO.
Carson, Pirie & Co., the West Side dry-goods firm, who some time ago leased the Pike Building at the southwest corner of State and Monroe streets with the avowed object of opening up an immense retail dry-goods establishment about May 1, are reletting the building to the present tenants. The firm found themselves with two expensive buildings on their bands, having also leased the Jonathan Clark building at the northeast corner of State and Jackson streets, and were compelled to dispose of one or the other. By the terms of the lease from Mr. Clark the firm were obliged to occupy his building themselves, and could not sublet it, and, unless there is some unexpected change in the affairs of Carson, Pirie & Co. before the 1st of May they will upon that date take possession of the Clark building.

Chicago Tribune, March 11, 1884

IMPROVEMENTS ON STATE STREET.
Thousands of people were attracted yesterday by the unique display made by the proprietors of the Bee-Hive, the popular dry-goods establishment situated on State street, directly opposite the Palmer House. The occasion was the formal opening of the new show-windows and elegant entrance, which are not only improvements in the Bee-Hive itself, but form an ornament to the thoroughfare they adorn. As now constructed this entrance is without doubt the finest store-entrance in the city, none of the great dry-goods palaces excepted. This change in the store-front was completed under the supervision of Messrs. Adler & Sullivan, the architects, and the work was done by the following lending contractors: Carpenter-work, John McEwen & Sons; iron-work, Vierling, McDowell & Co.; glass, plate, James H. Rice; painting and decorating, P. M. Almini; steam-heating, F. W. Lamb is, Co.; prismatic light, tho Concrete Illuminating Tile Company.

The prismatic light in the entrance serves as a floor, and is new in this city, making the basement as bright as daylight. The immense front is cut in in the centre, leaving a V-shaped lobby in front of the main entrance. The double doors forming the main entrance are set back about ten feet from the sidewalk line, and about five feet from this line arc a set of swinging glass doors leading into the tiled lobby. In the centre of this lobby is a large steam coil, handsomely bronzed, and the female customers are not obliged to go from the heated store directly into the cold air of the street, as they pass through this comfortable lobby. On both sides of this V-shaped entrance are the huge show-windows, filled with choice fabrics bearing price-marks which are astonishingly low. These show-windows extend clear in to the main entrance on either side, and allow of one of the finest window-displays in the city. This opportunity for display was fully taken advantage of yesterday by the tasteful window-dresser, and hundreds of buy people were attracted by the splendid array of pretty things.

To be original is one of the principles according to which this establishment is conducted, and it was certainly an original idea to have two live Swiss peasant girls, dressed in the national costume of the Canton of Apperenaell, in Switzerland, appear in one of the large show-windows. They are engaged in showing the thousands of passers-by the enormous advantages of the automatic embroidery just introduced into this city by the proprietors of the Bee-Hive. It is remarkable to observe with what care these Swiss children tear the embroideries, and still more remarkable to see with what eagerness the women purchase the strips thus torn. Of course the prices of these automatic embroideries are merely nominal, as they are sold in strips, each four and one-half yards long, for five cents per strip. This sacrifice, it is understood, is made by the Bee-Hive in order to introduce the article. Judging from the immense amount of it disposed of yesterday it has found immediate favor with the women, and its introduction has been complete.

From early morning until late at night yesterday the beautiful store was filled with eager purchasers, and the clerks were hardly allowed time to breathe. The fine displays on the three extensive floors created a great deal of admiration, and the low prices plainly marked on all of the goods were greatly marveled at by both purchasers and sight-seers. The proprietors of the Bee-Hive have greatly enlarged the forty different departments in their establishment, and made extensive alterations throughout, fairly astonishing their old customers and surprising their thousands of new ones. The great sale of ladies’ underwear going on on the second floor attracted a great deal of attention. The uniform price of b’8 cents was observed in this sale, and the bargains offered were wonderful. The big sale of jerseys in the suit department held attractions for many. On the upper floor is the newly-fitted-up carpet department, furnished with all of the latest spring patterns in carpets, oil-cloths. etc., at very low figures. There is no doubt that this wonderful display of fine goods and great bargains will attract attention for many days, as additions will be continually made.

Chicago Tribune, May 12, 1895

OPENING
Of the Leading Millinery Establishment in the Northwest.
It seemed as if the weather clerk had been waiting for the Bee-Hive to be ready, for yesterday was an exceptionally fine day for a spring opening, and the ladies appeared in larger numbers than ever. The proprietors of the Bee-Hive really worked wonders during the short time at their disposal. On May 1-but ten days ago-the greater part of their new additions were vacated, and yesterday the whole establishment, new as well as old parts, appeared as if it always had been so.

One great point in favor of the Bee-Hive is the fact that the ladies patronizing the establishment are made to feel at home there-everybody is smiling, the clerks attentive, and the whole machinery of this vast business runs as smoothly as a well-regulated clock.

Complaints, if any, are adjusted without the least difficulty, and money refunded just as cheerfully as taken in. We noticed during our visit an instance where $54 was refunded for a carpet because the lady did not like the pattern she had selected, and we confessed our astonishment as to the liberality displayed to one of the proprietors, who, in explanation. remarked:

This is our rule; we know it is sometimes abused, but we adhere to it strictly. feeling satisfied that we shall reap the benefit of our action sooner or later. We are not in business for a season or a year; we mean to establish a trade for years to come.

But the writer’s object was to describe the opening and inform our readers of the changes recently made at the Bee-Hive. First of all, on the main floor the store No. 178 State street has been added, being connected with the old store by a large arch eight feet in width and ten feet in hight. The new part is used exclusively for the sale of shoes and clothing-shoes for gents, ladies, and children; clothing and bats for gents and boys.

The dress goods and silk department has been considerably enlarged, as well as the hosiery and gents’ furnishing department.

Two passenger elevators are now running to accommodate the public-one taking passengers to the upper floor, the other taking them down.

The greatest change, however, was noticeable on reaching the second floor, where two large arches connect the old building with No. 172 State street, being a part of the Ayer Building. It is a well-known feet that the millinery branch of the Bee-Hive is the largest in the city, but the trade in this department has increased to such an enormous extent that more room was needed. It now occupies over 6,000 square feet on the second floor, and is divided and arranged in such a manner as to make shopping an easy task. The parlors for the ready-trimmed hats are located exclusively in the new addition, and are fitted up with a grandeur not heretofore found in & dry-goods establishment.

The corset and ladies’ muslin underwear departments are also greatly enlarged, occupying more than twice the space formerly devoted to them.

The third floor is now used exclusively for carpets, oilcloth, curtains, and upholstery goods.

The fourth floor for reserve stock and wholesale department.

The opening will continue today and tomorrow.

Chicago Tribune, October 22, 1893 and November 22, 1893

Chicago Tribune, July 28, 1895

NEW DRY GOODS FIRM TAKES THE LEASE
“The Bee Hive” and “The Columbus” Stores Will Change Occupants.
“The Bee Hive,” which has been in business in State street for thirteen years, will close its doors permanently Saturday, July 27. The lease of its building, as well as of “The Columbus” adjoining it, has been taken by a new dry goods concern to be known as Morgenthau, Bauland & Co., organized under the laws of Illinois, with a capital stock of $500,000, fully subscribed. Its officers are as follows: President, Maximilian Morgenthau; Vice-President, Joseph H. Bauland; Second Vice-President, Joseph Beifeld: Treasurer, Mengo L. Morgenthu; Secretary, J. C. Morgenthau. The new firm will oceupy the southwest corner of State and Monroe streets, with a frontage of 120 feet on State street and 125 feet on Monroe. Extensive alterations and improvements for Morgentbau, Bauland & Co. necessitate the closing of “The Bee Hive.” The new store will have six elevators, new and broader stair-ways, and an entire rearrangement of departments. The business will be dry goods for the popular trade, and not a department store in the present sense of the word. New features and speciaties will be introduced.

Chicago Tribune, March 3, 1910

LEASE-State-st., the upper floors (except that part of the 3d floor now occupied by the Loraine Catering Co. for its kitchen, approximately the W. 33-ft thereof, and the hallway therein, which hallway is to be used in common bet. said lessee and the lessor or said lessors’ other tenants) of the building known as 166-168-170 State-st., and also the 4th and 5th floors of the 5 story building known as 172 State-st., together with the exclusive privilege as lessee and exclusive privilege of selling cigars, tobacco, and confections in the entrance hall fronting on Monroe-st. and the the two windows on the sides of the door to said entrance hall, and the joint use, and the joint use, with lessor or his tenants, of the stairs and hallways leading to the above described premises and of the two passenger elevators and one freight elevator in the bldg. known as 166-168-170 State-st., but the lessor shall have the right to put in a mezzanine floor in the upper part of said entrance hall for the purpose of a barber shop, which shall not be less than eight feet
above floor of said entrance hall, term, Sept. 1, 1909, ending April 30, 1922; rent, $219,260, payable in 151 installments: first 7 installments of $1,150 each, next 48 $1,383.34 each, next 4S $1,466.66 each, and remaining 48 $1,550 each; dated Sept. 1, 1909 (George L. Bradshaw to William S.
Flenner)

Chicago Tribune, August 25, 1955

The historic five story building at the southwest corner of State and Monroe sts. will be torn down soon to make way for a new two story structure. John J. Mack, owner of the property, said yesterday. Until recently the building was occupied under lease by a W. T. Grant company store.

Tentative plans call for a steel and reinforced concrete building. It will be air-conditioned. The first floor tenant will be a major merchandising concern. The entrance to the second floor may be on Monroe street.

Mack also owns the five story building adjoining to the south which is being modernized for re-occupancy by Kitty Kelly Show company.

Fronts on Two Streets.
The building to be demolished fronts 80 feet on State and 120 on Monroe. It was built in 1872 by E. S. Pike and called it Pike Block. Later it was known as the Ayer building. It has been remodeled at least six times.

The Art Institute of Chicago (then the Academy of Fine Arts) established its first home there in 1886. An early description of the building noted that its first story front was of iron and blue and white stone and that steam elevators would make “every floor accessible and desirable for business.”

Leichenko to be Architect.
Leichenko & Associates, Inc., will be the architect and engineer for the new building and Alfred B. Perlman & Co. will be managing and rental agent.

Mack has built a number of skyscraper apartment buildings along Lake Shore dr. and Sheridan rd. and currently is putting up what will be Chicago’s biggest apartment building, a 662 unit structure, at 3950 Lake Shore.

cyclo

NOTES:

¹ During the 1880s, the company opened branches in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Andrews & Co. started to produce metal furniture in the early 1890s, but it entered bankruptcy in 1895 and sold off its assets in order to pay debts. In the early 1900’s company reorganized as a wholesaler and was no longer a manufacturer.

² Matson & Co. went into receiver ship on August 18, 1887, just a few weeks after Mr. Newell Matson’s death (July 28). It appeared that there was little confidence that the heirs were capable of handling the management of the business. A side note, Mr. Matson’s oldest daughter, Fiora, married A. H. Andrews.

NOTES:

Leave a Reply