The Monadnock
53 West Jackson Boulevard
Burnham & Root, architects
Burnham & Root, architects
Audio Tour
Continue walking south on Dearborn to Jackson Boulevard, then turn west -- or right -- on Jackson. On the southwest corner of Dearborn and Jackson sits our next stop -- The Monadnock.
Designed by John Root of Burnham & Root and completed in 1891, The Monadnock is a 16-story, 200-foot tall structure made entirely of dark brown brick and is named after a mountain in New England. To support the structure, the load bearing walls are six-feet thick at its base. The Monadnock is the largest commercial building using this load bearing technology, and its minimalist styling surely influenced the design of the modern 20th century skyscraper. If open, walk inside the building to see how the architects brought the feel of the street to the ground floor interior.
It's interesting to compare the thick walls, heaviness, and bulk of The Monadnock with the slender airiness of the Reliance Building. If you recall, the Reliance Building -- which we saw earlier in the tour -- was also a John Root designed building. Completed four years after The Monadnock, the Reliance Building was the world's first steel and glass skyscraper with a skeletal steel frame that bears the weight of the building.
For more information on The Monadnock, tap the blue button on this page.
Designed by John Root of Burnham & Root and completed in 1891, The Monadnock is a 16-story, 200-foot tall structure made entirely of dark brown brick and is named after a mountain in New England. To support the structure, the load bearing walls are six-feet thick at its base. The Monadnock is the largest commercial building using this load bearing technology, and its minimalist styling surely influenced the design of the modern 20th century skyscraper. If open, walk inside the building to see how the architects brought the feel of the street to the ground floor interior.
It's interesting to compare the thick walls, heaviness, and bulk of The Monadnock with the slender airiness of the Reliance Building. If you recall, the Reliance Building -- which we saw earlier in the tour -- was also a John Root designed building. Completed four years after The Monadnock, the Reliance Building was the world's first steel and glass skyscraper with a skeletal steel frame that bears the weight of the building.
For more information on The Monadnock, tap the blue button on this page.
SIDE TRIP! If you're looking to extend your loop area explorations, take a side trip by continuing south on Dearborn Street, crossing Ida B. Wells (formerly Congress Parkway), to historic Printers Row.
Printers Row is centered on the three-block stretch of Dearborn just south of Ida B. Wells Parkway. This area was once the nation's printing center, hence the name Printers Row. Those days are long gone, but the area commemorates its past with the annual Printers Row Lit Fest and Book Fair each year. The large building with the tower at the base of Dearborn and Polk was one of several freight and passenger train depots that once dotted the South Loop.
Today the area is a unique mix of residential lofts, bars, restaurants, and shops. For a healthy, home-cooked breakfast, lunch or dinner, Meli Cafe (500 S. Dearborn) is a top-notch diner. If you're a knitter or crocheter -- or want to learn -- Yarnify! (633 S. Plymouth Court) is the place for you! This amazing shop with knowledgeable and passionate staff offers an incredible selection of yarns, craft tools, books, magazines, and notions.
If you took the side trip, retrace your steps back north on Dearborn to The Monadnock when done exploring.
When ready to move to the next stop, tap the "Next" button.
Printers Row is centered on the three-block stretch of Dearborn just south of Ida B. Wells Parkway. This area was once the nation's printing center, hence the name Printers Row. Those days are long gone, but the area commemorates its past with the annual Printers Row Lit Fest and Book Fair each year. The large building with the tower at the base of Dearborn and Polk was one of several freight and passenger train depots that once dotted the South Loop.
Today the area is a unique mix of residential lofts, bars, restaurants, and shops. For a healthy, home-cooked breakfast, lunch or dinner, Meli Cafe (500 S. Dearborn) is a top-notch diner. If you're a knitter or crocheter -- or want to learn -- Yarnify! (633 S. Plymouth Court) is the place for you! This amazing shop with knowledgeable and passionate staff offers an incredible selection of yarns, craft tools, books, magazines, and notions.
If you took the side trip, retrace your steps back north on Dearborn to The Monadnock when done exploring.
When ready to move to the next stop, tap the "Next" button.