The Field Building: An Art Deco Masterpiece

The Field Building, also known as the LaSalle National Bank Building and Bank of America Building, is a significant landmark in Chicago's Loop. Completed in 1934, it represents the height of Art Deco design and incorporates many innovations that were advanced for the time. The building was designed by the architectural firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst & White.Rising 535 feet (163.1 m) with 45 stories, the Field Building is characterized by its vertical profile, stepped silhouette, and sleek two-story lobby. The exterior features black granite at the base and limestone in the upper stories, with polished aluminum window frames. The building's design emphasizes height through vertically grouped and recessed windows. The lobby includes a multi-level arcade that allows pedestrian access between LaSalle and Clark Streets, enhancing its integration with the urban environment.Built by the estate of department store founder Marshall Field, the Field Building was the last major office building completed before the construction hiatus caused by the Great Depression and World War II. The building was officially designated a Chicago Landmark on February 9, 1994. It stands on a site that was previously occupied by several buildings, including the Home Insurance Building, considered the world's first skyscraper. The Field Building incorporated high-speed elevators, air conditioning, and concealed radiation.