Brace yourselves. We are about to dive into Chicago’s very own “Canyon,” La Salle Street. For those in finance, La Salle Street is Chicago. It is a concentrated hub stretching only three blocks. These blocks run from Madison to Jackson Street.
La Salle Street is often compared to Wall Street in New York. It is also likened to the City in London and Kabuto-cho in Tokyo. These are all key financial areas within their major cities.
Massive bank buildings line this urban canyon. They were intentionally designed to resemble Greek temples. At the south end, the Chicago Board of Trade stands proudly. It is topped with a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. Around here, you will find Chicago’s important futures markets. Major banks such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago are here. Insurance companies and the Chicago Stock Exchange are also located on La Salle Street.
But La Salle Street is more than just those three blocks. It stretches for about 15 miles. The street runs from 1400 North to 14600 South in suburban Dalton.
The street’s name honors Renè Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. He was a French explorer. He visited Chicago back in the 1680s. La Salle Street appeared on Chicago’s original 1830 plat. Interestingly, other parts of La Salle were once named differently. They were called Arnold, Griswold, Jamot, Oswell, or Reade. Also, the downtown section between Jackson and Taylor was once Pacific Avenue. This lasted until 1901.
As you move along La Salle Street, you will notice some key landmarks. Between Washington and Lake are Chicago’s City Hall and the Thompson Center. The Metra’s La Salle Street Station is between Van Buren and Congress. North of the river lies Carl Sandburg Village. It was one of Chicago’s first modern residential complexes. Beyond these points, La Salle becomes a regular city street.
Let us talk about the architecture here. Notice 190 South La Salle. From the street, it blends in with its neighbors. But look up. Its green gabled roof makes a statement. The architects, Philip Johnson and John Burgee, used historical references. They combined these with eye-catching aesthetics. Johnson reinterpreted the gabled roof of the old Masonic Temple. He also matched the building’s base to the Rookery’s color.
Did you know that the lobby at 190 South La Salle is truly opulent? It features a 55-foot-high gold leaf ceiling. There is also a 28-foot-tall bronze sculpture. A checkerboard floor made of black and white marble completes the picture.
Then, there is 10 South La Salle. The first four floors retain the original marble from the Otis Building. The rest of the facade is a striking cobalt blue. Bright green details add a pop of color.
La Salle Street also has a cinematic history. It has appeared in movies like “Batman Begins”, “The Dark Knight”, and “Payback”. Its impressive skyline has been featured in “The Untouchables”, “Public Enemies”, and “Transformers 3”. Even “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” captured its essence.
La Salle Street once had a tunnel under the Chicago River. It was built in 1869-71. The tunnel was an escape route during the Great Chicago Fire. It was later used for cable cars. The tunnel closed for good in 1939. This closure was to make way for subway construction.
Today, La Salle Street continues to evolve. There are plans to convert office spaces into residential units. This includes affordable housing options. So, La Salle Street is not just about finance. It is a living, breathing part of Chicago. It has history, architecture, and a bit of Hollywood magic.