Second Leiter Building: A Chicago Architectural Landmark
Explore the Second Leiter Building, a pioneering skyscraper and landmark of Chicago's innovative architecture and commercial history.
The Second Leiter Building, a National Historic Landmark in Chicago's Loop, stands as a testament to early skyscraper design with its innovative steel-frame construction. Designed by William Le Baron Jenney in 1891, it showcases the Chicago School of architecture and the city's pioneering spirit.
A brief summary to Second Leiter Building
- 401 S State St, Chicago, Chicago Loop, Illinois, 60605, US
Local tips
- Take a walk around the building to appreciate its architectural details, including the pink granite facade and large windows.
- Visit nearby architectural landmarks in the Chicago Loop to see how the Second Leiter Building influenced later designs.
- Explore State Street, once a bustling retail thoroughfare, and imagine the Second Leiter Building as a flagship department store.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Harold Washington Library-State Street 'L' station, walk one block south on State Street. The Second Leiter Building occupies the block between Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly Congress Parkway) and Van Buren Street on the east side of State Street.
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Public Transport
Take any 'L' train to the Harold Washington Library-State Street station (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, or Purple lines). Exit the station and walk one block south on State Street. Several bus routes also stop near the building, including the #20, #146, and #148. Check the CTA website or app for real-time schedules and fare information; a single ride is $2.50.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Ask your driver to take you to 401 S State St, Chicago. Be aware of potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours. A short ride within the Loop should cost approximately $8-$15, excluding surge pricing.
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