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Second Leiter Building: A Chicago Architectural Landmark

Explore the Second Leiter Building, a pioneering example of steel-frame architecture in Chicago's historic Loop district.

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The Second Leiter Building, located in Chicago's Loop, is a landmark of the Chicago School of architecture. Designed by William Le Baron Jenney in 1891, it's renowned for its early use of steel-frame construction and its simple yet elegant design.

A brief summary to Second Leiter Building

  • 401 S State St, Chicago, Chicago Loop, Illinois, 60605, US

Local tips

  • Take a walk around the block to appreciate the building's facade from all angles.
  • Visit nearby architectural landmarks in the Chicago Loop to compare different styles.
  • Check out the Harold Washington Library across the street, another architectural gem.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Art Institute of Chicago, walk west along Adams Street for three blocks until you reach State Street. Turn left and walk south for one block. The Second Leiter Building will be on your right. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the CTA Red Line to Monroe Station. Exit the station and walk south on State Street for two blocks. The Second Leiter Building will be on your right. A single fare on the 'L' is $2.50.

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Discover more about Second Leiter Building

The Second Leiter Building, situated at 401 S State St in Chicago, Illinois, stands as a testament to innovative architecture and the city's commercial history. Designed by William Le Baron Jenney and built in 1891, it is celebrated as one of the earliest commercial buildings in the United States to utilize a metal skeleton frame. This construction method allowed for larger windows and open interior spaces, making it ideal for retail use. The eight-story structure occupies an entire block on State Street, between Ida B. Wells Drive and Van Buren Street. Its facade features a grid-like pattern with wide pilasters and simple capitals, showcasing a design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The building's exterior is clad in pink granite, and the large windows provide ample natural light. Originally commissioned by Levi Leiter, the building was first leased to the Siegel, Cooper and Company department store. Later, it became the flagship store of Sears, Roebuck and Company in 1932, remaining a retail hub until 1986. From 1998 to 2020, it housed the Chicago campus of Robert Morris University. The Second Leiter Building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and a Chicago Landmark in 1997.

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