Ever wondered why Chicago’s financial district is often called La Salle Street? For the financial world, La Salle Street is a narrow urban canyon. It stretches three blocks from Madison to Jackson Street. This is where Chicago’s financial heart beats.
La Salle Street is more than just a short stretch. It extends about 15 miles. It runs from 1400 North to 14600 South in suburban Dalton. The street’s name honors René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. He was a French explorer who visited Chicago in the 1680s. La Salle Street appeared on Chicago’s original 1830 plat.
Massive bank buildings line the canyon. These temples of commerce evoke Greek architecture. The Chicago Board of Trade closes off the south end. A statue of the goddess Ceres tops it. This area houses Chicago’s famous futures markets. Major banks and insurance companies are here too. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago also calls La Salle Street home.
Once, La Salle Street faced a downturn. Corporate restructurings and the pandemic caused vacancies. But, there’s hope for a revival. The La Salle Street Reimagined plan aims to transform the area. It will become a mixed-use neighborhood. New residential dwellings, restaurants and entertainment venues are all part of the vision.
Google is expanding to La Salle Street. This brings thousands of employees to the area. Several projects aim to convert office spaces into apartments or condominiums. These will add at least 1600 units. A significant portion will be affordable housing. The plan aims for 30% of new units to be affordable.
The Rookery Building is at 209 South La Salle Street. It is a historic office building. Burnham and Root completed it in 1888. The Rookery is considered one of their masterpieces. The building stands twelve stories tall. It is one of Chicago’s oldest high-rises. The Rookery features exterior load-bearing walls and an interior steel frame. Frank Lloyd Wright remodeled the lobby in 1905.
The Rookery’s name comes from a temporary city hall. The temporary city hall housed alleged corrupt politicians. The Rookery is a mix of Roman Revival and Queen Anne styles. Its facade features red marble, granite, terra cotta and brick. Over the years, the Rookery has undergone several renovations. These renovations preserved its original splendor. Today, the Rookery remains a commercially successful office building.
The Rookery Building has appeared in movies. It was in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and “The Untouchables”.
La Salle Street has a rich history. It has faced challenges. It is now on the path to a vibrant future. The blend of finance, architecture and culture makes La Salle Street a unique destination.