Macy’s

Gazing up at Macy’s, it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe. This isn’t just a department store; it’s a Chicago icon. Macy’s, originally Marshall Field & Company, stands proudly on State Street, a testament to a bygone era of retail grandeur. Macy’s occupies an entire city block, bordered by State, Washington, Wabash, and Randolph Streets. Originally built in stages between 1902 and 1906, the building is a marvel of the Beaux-Arts and Commercial architectural styles, designed by the legendary Daniel Burnham. Imagine, back in 1897, Marshall Field himself installing the first of the store’s iconic clocks on the corner of State and Washington. These clocks weren’t mere timepieces; they were beacons, meeting points in a bustling city. “Meet me under the clock at Macy’s” became a common Chicago phrase. Inside, Macy’s boasts stunning architectural details. The Louis Comfort Tiffany mosaic vaulted ceiling, crafted from 1.6 million pieces of iridescent glass, is a breathtaking work of art. It’s the largest glass mosaic of its kind, a sparkling jewel in Macy’s crown. And then there’s the Walnut Room, the first in-store restaurant of its kind. It was born from a simple act of kindness, a clerk sharing her chicken pot pie with a weary shopper. This act inspired Field to create a space where women could dine comfortably while shopping, a revolutionary idea in the 19th century. Macy’s has a rich history of innovation. It was the first store with a bridal registry, the first to offer personal shoppers, and the first to use escalators. Even today, as Macy’s, the store continues the beloved tradition of elaborate holiday window displays. Every Christmas, a majestic three-story tree graces the store’s interior, a symbol of the holiday spirit. Macy’s on State Street isn’t just a shopping destination; it’s a living piece of Chicago history. It’s a place where the past meets the present, a place where the echoes of Marshall Field’s legacy still resonate within its grand halls.