Masonic Temple, Office building at Randolph Street and State Street, Chicago, United States
The Masonic Temple was an office building at the intersection of Randolph Street and State Street in Chicago, rising 21 stories with a central courtyard. Retail spaces occupied the lower levels while the upper floors contained offices and gathering halls.
Designed by John Wellborn Root, this building was constructed in 1892 and remained Chicago's tallest structure from 1895 through the 1920s. Its prominent height made it a defining feature of the city's skyline during that era.
The top floors contained meeting rooms for Masonic gatherings, which also functioned as theater spaces for various performances and community events.
The building contained a complex elevator system that struggled during events with large crowds gathering in the upper floors. The retail areas on lower levels were easily accessible from street level and served foot traffic throughout the day.
The building was demolished in 1939, and the site underwent several changes afterward. A two-story pharmacy first occupied the space before the location was eventually developed into other uses.
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