35 East Wacker: Chicago's Jewelers Building
Admire the architectural grandeur of Chicago's 35 East Wacker, a historic landmark once known as the Jewelers Building, in the heart of the Loop.
Located at the intersection of Wabash Avenue and East Wacker Drive, 35 East Wacker is a prominent feature of the Chicago skyline. Constructed between 1925 and 1927, the building stands 523 feet (159 meters) tall and was designed by Joachim Giæver and Frederick P. Dinkelberg. Originally known as the Jewelers Building, it earned its name because it housed many jewelers and diamond merchants. A unique feature was its car elevators, which allowed tenants to securely transport their valuable merchandise directly to their offices on the lower 22 floors. The building's exterior is clad in decorative terra cotta, showcasing a classical design inspired by the City Beautiful movement. The building has also been known as the Pure Oil Building and the North American Life Insurance Building, reflecting its diverse tenancy over the years. The French-American Chamber of Commerce in Chicago is currently a tenant. The building's dome once housed a restaurant called the Stratosphere Club. 35 East Wacker was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing property to the Michigan-Wacker Historic District in 1978 and was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1994.
Local tips
- Look for the large clock on the northeast corner of the building, a well-known timepiece donated by the Elgin National Watch Company.
- Observe the intricate terra cotta detailing on the building's facade, a hallmark of the City Beautiful movement.
- Note the building's distinctive dome, which originally housed the Stratosphere Club restaurant.
A brief summary to Thirty Five E Wacker
- 35 E Wacker Pl #260, Chicago, Chicago Loop, Illinois, 60601, US
- +1312-624-8249
Getting There
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Public Transport
35 East Wacker is easily accessible via Chicago's public transportation system. Several bus lines, including 135, 136, 146, 147, and 148, stop near the building. The nearest 'L' train stations are State/Lake (all lines) and Clark/Lake (Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines). A single ride on the 'L' or bus costs $2.50.
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Walking
From Millennium Park, walk north along Michigan Avenue to East Wacker Drive, then turn right. The building is a few blocks east, on the left. From the Chicago Riverwalk, take the stairs or elevator up to Wacker Drive and walk east to the building. There are no costs associated with walking.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Chicago. A short taxi ride from a nearby location, such as the Willis Tower, to 35 East Wacker will typically cost between $5 and $10, depending on traffic. Note that taxi fares include a base fare, mileage fee, and potential surcharges for additional passengers.
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Parking
Several parking garages are located near 35 East Wacker. Options include 60 E Lake Street, 166 N Wabash Ave, and 19 W Lake St. Parking rates vary, but typically range from $15 to $35 for a few hours. It is recommended to reserve a spot in advance using services like SpotHero or ParkWhiz.
