Federal Reserve Bank
Life Span: 1922-Present
Location: 230 S. La Salle, NW corner Jackson boulevard and La Salle street
Architect: Graham, Anderson. Probst & White,
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago opened its doors for business on November 16, 1914, first occupying the first two floors of the Rector Building at Clark and Monroe streets, later taking on additional space in that and other buildings , where for several years the constantly increasing volume of operations was carried on. In April, 1922, the present structure was completed and occupied.
Buildings previously occupying this site include the Royal Insurance, Medinah, Wells-Quincy, 230 S. Wells Street, 1884 Mallers and Gaff buildings.
Chicago Tribune, December 10, 1918
A deal in La Salle street property, one of the biggest real estate transactions in the history of the city, insuring to Chicago the ultimate erection here of a United States federal reserve bank building, has been consummated between John G. Shedd of Marshall Field & Co. and reserve bank officials.
For a consideration of approximately $3,000,000, according to information obtained by The Tribune. the reserve bank comes into possession of Mr. Shedd’s property on the west side of La Salle street extending from Jackson boulevard to Quincy street.
Building Certain Eventually.
It is considered certain that the reserve bank will eventually erect on this site a building with suitable accommodations for carrying on the extensive operations of the Seventh federal reserve district, of which this city is the headquarters. It is understood, however, that the erection of the building must wait upon the expiration of certain leases. Moreover, the reserve bank officials are said.to be averse to building while the cost of materials remains at the present peak.
The property which figured In the deal includes the Counselman building, the Gaff building, the old La Salle Street Trust and Savings bank, and the Royal Insurance company building. Mr. Shedd acquired the first three in 1916 for considerations totaling $1,250,000, and in February of this year purchased the Royal Insurance property for $1,605,600, making a total investment of $2,855,600.
165 Feet on La Salle.
On La Salle street, the property involved has a frontage of 165 feet, and on Jackson and Quincy streets frontages of 160 feet. For property to be used for financial purposes the transaction is surpassed in magnitude only by that whereby the Continental and Commercial bank acquired its present location. That the reserve bank would have to obtain a building of its own to care for its rapidly Increasing operations has been apparent for some time. To its offices in the Rector building had to be added quarters in the Rookery and other buildings.
Engineering World, January 1921
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF CHICAGO
The New Building to Be Erected Corner Jackson and La Salle
The new building for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago will occupy a lot 165 by 160 ft. at Jackson boulevard and La Salle street. The important role assumed by the Federal Reserve System has led to the development in Chicago of a very large institution requiring the services of a large force for whom the best possible working conditions, as to light, space and air, are a necessity. In order to house comfortably this institution, the new building, while including 14 stories above the sidewalk, will rise to a height equivalent to that of a 16 story building. In anticipation of possible further growth, the building is reinforced so that it could be extended four additional stories, thus reaching the present limit of building height, 260 ft. above the sidewalk.
- Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Concept Drawing
1921
Seen from the outside, the most noticeable characteristic of the building will be an order of architecture approximately 65 ft. in height, consisting of a Corinthian colonnade, surmounted by an attic. The main entrance is expressed and emphasized by a projecting entrance porch formed by tree-standing columns crowned by a triangular pediment. Above the fifth story level, the exterior will be an expression of the work going on within and will resemble in a general way a structure of office building type. The architectural motives have been inspired from the best period of Greek and Roman civilization and may be described as classic in style, freely interpreted to harmonize with modern conditions. The building is simple in outline and severely plain in its general effect, the aim of the design being to produce an impression of dignity and strength in harmony with the power and purpose of this institution.
On entering the building, one finds a large ground floor lobby, devoted to the various purposes which require the most convenient access on the part of the public. An ample open staircase leads up to the second floor, which may be described as the main banking room of the institution, and arranged for the convenience of persons having occasion to do business with the principal officers of the bank. The plan is that of a central lobby surrounded by cages and offices. The principal offices of the institution, namely, those of the Chairman of the Board and the Governor, and their principal assistants, are arranged across the La Salle street front, with provisions for extension by adding additional offices if required along the Jackson and Quincy street fronts. This main banking room, which, at the center, is the equivalent of three stories in height, has been given the character of Greek Doric in its architectural details.
One of the most important features of the building will naturally be the vaults. In view of the relatively enormous expansion of the Federal Reserve banks since their inception a few years back, the vault requirements are correspondingly large. A great deal of study has been put upon the matter of providing adequately for the same. It is safe to say that this vault will be the largest thus far constructed and that no pre caution has been neglected that would contribute to the convenience of the money-handling force or to the ability of the vault to resist attack. It will doubtless be the most complete installation of the kind thus far constructed.
In line with modern ideas, very comprehensive arrangements have been included for the welfare of the entire working staff. An assembly room, dining rooms, rest rooms, together with a completely equipped gymnasium are some of the more important features of this installation.
Graham, Anderson. Probst & White, Chicago, are the architect
- Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
About 1923
Naess & Murphy were the architects for a southwest addition in 1957. Holabird & Root were the architects for a northwest addition in 1989. Both these additions are 14 stories high.
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