Second Leiter Building, River Bend Travel Guide

Located at 401 S State St in Chicago's Loop, the Second Leiter Building is an architectural gem renowned as one of the most important early examples of skeletal-frame commercial architecture. Designed by William Le Baron Jenney, considered the 'father of the skyscraper,' and built in 1891, it embodies the principles of the Chicago School of architecture.Commissioned by Levi Leiter, who sought a flexible design for either a single department store or multiple retail spaces, the building initially housed Siegel, Cooper and Company. Later, it became the flagship store of Sears, Roebuck and Company from 1931 to 1986. The eight-story structure occupies an entire block, featuring a pink granite facade with nine bays separated by wide pilasters. Its simple yet striking gridiron pattern, created by piers, colonnettes, and spandrels, distinguishes it from other buildings of the era.The Second Leiter Building is not to be confused with the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower. The Building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and a Chicago Landmark in 1997.