Wonder why the Singer Building stands out? It is a ten-story skyscraper. The Singer Building is located at 120 S. State St. in Chicago. We are standing in the Loop community area.
This building has a unique story. The Singer Building was built from 1925 to 1926. Mundie and Jensen designed it. They created a beautiful Gothic Revival design.
Notice the terra cotta decorations. Look at the piers at the corners. See the sets of three double-hung windows. They are separated by two thin piers on each story.
The Singer Corporation used this building for office space. Later, it had many owners. It almost faced demolition in the 1970s. Today, FDN Network owns it.
This building’s history is special. The Singer Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. That happened on February 10, 1983.
It embodies features of its time. The Singer Building displays the Neogothic style.
The Singer Building underwent a major restoration. This occurred in 1997. Hasbrouck Hendersen Architects did the work.
Let’s talk about State and Washington Streets. The Singer Building I was there. It existed from 1873 to 1877. Edwin Shannon Jennison was the architect.
In 1874, the Lakeside Annual Directory mentioned it. It was located at State near Washington.
The Chicago Tribune wrote about it in 1871. It spoke of Chicago’s elasticity. It praised the city’s business leaders. Field, Leiter & Co. was highlighted. Their new store opened quickly after the fire.
The article described the store’s features. It mentioned the convenient entrances and lighting. Departments for silks, gloves, and dress goods were detailed. A perfect system for examining goods was praised.
The second floor catered to ladies. Shawls, cloaks, and upholstery were sold there. Special care was given to customers and employees. Lunch rooms and lavatories were provided.
The Singer Building plans were decided soon. The Singer Sewing Machine Company planned to build there. Twelve Chicago architects competed for the work. The building was expected to cost $400,000.
In June 1872, The Land Owner described the Singer Building. It was called elaborate and expensive. It rivaled great hotels in beauty. E.S. Jennison’s designs were chosen.
The building was seven stories high. It measured 138 feet. A French roof of iron was planned. Statues of bronze were to be added.
The general design was Renaissance. Every window was to have French plate glass. The cost was estimated at $500,000.
The Singer Company wanted to see Chicago rebuilt perfectly. They invested in the city. Their sewing machine was known worldwide.
The Singer Building had a visible effect. Real estate values increased nearby. Businesses competed for leases.
The Chicago Evening Post mentioned a rumor in 1892. J. V. Farwell & Co. was said to occupy Peter Page’s new building. This was not true. Mr. Farwell remained committed to his location.
Another rumor concerned Field Leiter & Co. Negotiations with the Singer Company were supposedly broken off. This was also false. The firm planned to return to their old site.
The Singer Building fire occurred. The Chicago Evening Mail reported it in 1873. The fire originated in the elevator passage. Firefighters faced difficulties. The loss was estimated at $75,000 to $100,000.
The Chicago Tribune noted the fire anniversary. It coincided with Field, Leiter & Co.’s reopening. The new store was larger than the old one. A glass dome provided light. The arrangement resembled a vast audience-room.
The building had stationary tubes for water. Mr. Field believed no major fire could occur. About 500 employees worked there.
The fire of Field, Leiter & Co. occurred. It caused universal excitement. The destruction was considered a dire calamity. People crowded the scene.
The alarm sounded at 8:04 PM. The fire was located on the fifth story. The fire spread rapidly.
The Singer Building I existed here. This location is the northeast corner of State and Washington Streets. The building marks an important place in Chicago’s history.