Second Leiter Building: A Chicago Architectural Landmark

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Explore the Second Leiter Building, a pioneering example of Chicago School architecture and a landmark of early skyscraper design in the heart of the Loop.

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Second Leiter Building

The Second Leiter Building, a National Historic Landmark in Chicago's Loop, exemplifies the Chicago School of architecture. Designed by William Le Baron Jenney in 1891, it's renowned for its early use of a steel skeleton frame, a design that allowed for large open spaces and expansive windows.

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, noting the grid-like pattern created by the steel frame and large windows.
Visit during daylight hours to best see the architectural details and the play of light on the pink granite exterior.
Combine your visit with a tour of other nearby architectural landmarks in the Chicago Loop.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Art Institute of Chicago, walk west along East Adams Street, then turn left onto State Street. Continue south for two blocks. The Second Leiter Building will be on your right, occupying the block between East Ida B. Wells Drive and East Van Buren Street. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.
Public Transport

Take any CTA train to the Adams/Wabash station. Exit the station and walk east on Adams Street, then turn right onto State Street. Walk south for two blocks. The Second Leiter Building will be on your right. Alternatively, take the Red Line to Monroe station and walk south on State Street. A single ride on CTA costs $2.50 and can be paid using a Ventra card.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Request a taxi or ride-share to 401 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605. From Millennium Park, a taxi ride will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on traffic. Note that taxi rates in Chicago start at $3.25, plus additional charges per mile and time elapsed.
Driving

Drive to 401 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605. Parking is available in nearby garages, such as AMA Plaza at 401 N State St, with hourly rates ranging from $8 for 20 minutes to $57 for 12-24 hours. Early bird and evening rates are also available. Be aware that parking in the Loop can be limited, especially during peak hours.

Discover more about Second Leiter Building

Located at 401 S State St in Chicago, the Second Leiter Building stands as a testament to innovative architecture and Chicago's commercial history. Constructed in 1891 by architect William Le Baron Jenney, it is celebrated as one of the earliest commercial buildings to utilize a metal skeleton frame. This groundbreaking design allowed for expansive windows and open floor plans, making it ideal for retail use. The building initially housed the Siegel, Cooper and Company department store, followed by Sears, Roebuck and Company from 1931 to 1986. Sears modernized the space in 1931, but the building's structure remained. The eight-story structure occupies an entire block, featuring a pink granite facade with nine bays separated by wide pilasters. Its simple yet elegant design reflects the functional aesthetic of the Chicago School of architecture. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and a Chicago Landmark in 1997, the Second Leiter Building remains an important example of early skyscraper design. Its location on State Street, in the heart of the Loop, places it among other historic buildings and cultural attractions. While the building's interior has been altered over the years, its exterior remains largely unchanged, offering visitors a glimpse into Chicago's architectural past.