Benson & Rixon Building

Stepping inside Chicago’s bustling Loop, take a moment to admire the Benson & Rixon Building at 230 S. State Street. This isn’t just another building. It’s a survivor, a testament to changing times and shifting fortunes. The Benson & Rixon Building first opened its doors in 1937. It was the brainchild of Alfred S. Alschuler, a prominent architect who embraced the sleek lines of Streamline Moderne design. Imagine the excitement on opening day, October 12, 1937, as shoppers flocked to the new Benson & Rixon men’s clothing store. The company had invested heavily in this new flagship location, a testament to their success and ambition. Their previous store, just across Quincy Street in the Consumers Building, couldn’t contain their growing business. The Benson & Rixon Building was a symbol of progress and modernity on State Street. The company even boasted the “world famous” two-pants suit, a revolutionary idea conceived on a road trip in 1913 by George R. Benson. This innovation, along with their commitment to style, helped establish Benson & Rixon as a leading men’s clothier. The building itself also housed a women’s ready-to-wear section and offices on the upper floors. This shows the store wasn’t just about suits and ties. It catered to a wider clientele, reflecting the changing fashion landscape of the time. But the story of the Benson & Rixon Building isn’t just about one company. It’s woven into the fabric of Chicago’s history. In the late 1970s, Cirilo McSween opened a McDonald’s franchise within the building. This marked a significant milestone. It became the first African-American owned business on the State Street Mall, a beacon of progress and entrepreneurship. This McDonald’s wasn’t just any fast-food joint. By 1983, it had become the top-grossing McDonald’s in the entire country, a testament to McSween’s business acumen and the building’s prime location. The Benson & Rixon Building even played a role in the heightened security measures following 9/11. In 2005, the General Services Administration acquired it and neighboring buildings to increase security around the Dirksen Federal Building. This act of eminent domain highlights the building’s strategic location in the heart of the city. The Benson & Rixon Building stands as a reminder of Chicago’s dynamic past. From its Streamline Moderne origins to its time as a bustling retail hub, it has witnessed the city’s evolution firsthand. So, the next time you find yourself on State Street, pause and appreciate the Benson & Rixon Building. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living piece of Chicago’s history.