Chicago Board of Trade Building

Amidst the towering giants of Chicago’s skyline, the Chicago Board of Trade Building stands as a testament to a bygone era. The Chicago Board of Trade Building isn’t just a building. It’s a story etched in stone and steel, a narrative of commerce, ambition, and resilience. The Chicago Board of Trade Building opened its doors in 1930, a beacon of Art Deco design amidst the burgeoning city. The architects, Holabird & Root, envisioned a structure that would embody the modern, streamlined world. They achieved this through cubic forms, geometric ornament, and sleek surface materials. The building’s verticality is striking, especially the north facade that dramatically terminates LaSalle Street. Inside, the two-story lobby remains a prime example of the era’s opulent design. The Chicago Board of Trade Building isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about the pulse of trade that has resonated within its walls for decades. The Chicago Board of Trade has called this site home since 1885. The current structure replaced an earlier building designed by William W. Boyington, which itself held the title of Chicago’s tallest until 1895. The current building, with its 44 stories and height of 604 feet, claimed that title until 1965, when the Daley Center was completed. Look closely, and you’ll see more than just stone and steel. You’ll see the stories told through intricate artwork. Alvin Meyer’s sculptures on the facade depict the trading activities within. On either side of the large clock facing LaSalle Street, hooded figures—a Babylonian holding grain and a Native American holding corn—stand guard. Above, the aluminum statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain, watches over the city, a symbol of the building’s agricultural roots. The trading floor, once the world’s largest, has seen fortunes made and lost. Originally a bustling hub of open outcry trading, it has been modernized over the years, adapting to the changing times. The building itself has undergone expansions and renovations. A 23-story addition in 1980 and a further expansion in 1997 have ensured the Chicago Board of Trade Building remains a vital part of the city’s financial landscape. The Chicago Board of Trade Building has also played a role in popular culture. It has been featured in movies such as “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and served as the headquarters of Wayne Enterprises in “Batman Begins.” More than just a backdrop, the building itself is a character, adding to the narrative of these stories. Today, the Chicago Board of Trade Building remains a vibrant hub, home to not only trading activities but also a variety of businesses. As you stand before it, remember, you’re not just looking at a building. You’re looking at a piece of Chicago’s history, a symbol of its enduring spirit and ambition.