Boyce Building, Northeastern Illinois Travel Guide

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Explore the historic Boyce Building in Chicago's River North, a landmark of early 20th-century architecture and publishing history.

The Boyce Building, a 12-story historical landmark in Chicago's River North, was built between 1911 and 1923 for publisher William D. Boyce. Designed by D.H. Burnham & Co. and Christian Eckstrom, it's a prime example of early 20th-century commercial architecture and once housed Boyce's publishing empire and his penthouse residence.

A brief summary to Boyce Building

54 W Illinois St, Chicago, Near North Side, Illinois, 60654, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Boyce Building.

Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience.
Capture the intricate architectural details with your camera, especially during the golden hours.
Stroll through the surrounding River North neighborhood for dining and shopping.

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Explore Boyce Building on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Boyce Building, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Boyce Building is easily accessible via public transportation. Several bus routes stop near the intersection of Illinois Street and Dearborn Street. You can also take the 'L' train to the Grand/State station (Red Line) or the Chicago/State station (Red Line) and walk a few blocks west. A single ride on CTA buses or trains costs $2.50.
Walking

The Boyce Building is located in the River North neighborhood, a short walk from many downtown attractions. From the Magnificent Mile, walk west on Illinois Street for about 10-15 minutes. From Navy Pier, walk west on Illinois Street for about 20-25 minutes. The building is on the north side of Illinois Street, at the corner of Dearborn Street.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in downtown Chicago. A short ride from the Loop or Magnificent Mile to the Boyce Building typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and surge pricing.
Parking

Several parking garages are located near the Boyce Building. Some nearby options include Greenway Self Park (66 W Illinois St) and Grand Plaza Garage (21 W Ohio St). Hourly parking rates typically range from $12 to $20. Be aware that parking availability can be limited, especially during peak hours.

Discover more about Boyce Building

The Boyce Building, located at 54 W Illinois St in Chicago, stands as a testament to the city's architectural heritage. Constructed in stages from 1911 to 1923, it was commissioned by William D. Boyce as the headquarters for his W. D. Boyce Publishing Company. This company was a leading North American magazine publisher in the early 20th century, known for titles like “The Saturday Blade” and “The Chicago Ledger”.The building, designed by D.H. Burnham & Co. and Christian Eckstrom, is a 12-story structure that was once the tallest office building north of the Chicago River and west of Michigan Avenue. Its architecture reflects the Chicago School style, featuring a steel-frame construction and large windows. The exterior is clad in light gray Vermont granite and red brick.Boyce himself occupied the penthouse as his personal residence, calling it his “sky bungalow”. He was also a founder of the Boy Scouts of America, and the building served as the North American headquarters for the Lone Scouts of America from 1915 to 1924. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. Today, the Boyce Building houses office tenants and restaurants.