What marks the very heart of a city? Is it a bustling square, a grand monument, or perhaps a place whispered about in hushed tones? In Chicago, it’s a building. Right before your eyes, stands the Chicago Building, an unassuming giant holding a secret within its walls. This isn’t just any skyscraper. Completed in 1905, the Chicago Building, originally the Chicago Savings Bank Building, is a proud example of the Chicago School of architecture. Look around you. See those large windows, the prominent bays, and the intricate terracotta cladding? These are hallmarks of that style, a style that birthed the modern skyscraper.
But the Chicago Building holds a secret, a hidden gem that connects every address in this sprawling metropolis. It’s on the third floor, tucked away in a corner, almost missed if you don’t know where to look. It’s a simple stone, unassuming yet monumental: the cornerstone of Chicago. This is where it all begins, the 0-0 degree point from which every single address in Chicago originates.
Now, imagine the city as a giant grid, stretching out in all directions, and this building, this very spot, is where the lines converge. From the grand avenues to the quiet residential streets, every address, every location, can trace its roots back to this cornerstone in the Chicago Building. It’s a silent testament to the city’s history, a hidden thread connecting every corner of its vibrant tapestry.