Ludington Building, Commercial building in Chicago Loop, United States.
The Ludington Building is an eight-story commercial structure on South Wabash Avenue with steel frame construction and terra cotta details. The exterior facade displays crafted ornaments that work together with the steel frame to create both strength and visual interest.
The building was completed in 1892 for Mary Ludington Barnes to house publishing operations of the American Book Company. It marked a turning point in how structures were built in Chicago by combining new materials in an innovative way.
This structure exemplifies the Chicago School movement, where steel and terra cotta combined to create a new look for commercial buildings. Visitors can see today how this blend of function and crafted detail shaped urban design.
The building is now part of Columbia College Chicago campus and offers access to instructional areas and preserved architectural details. Visitors should plan their visit during school hours and respect publicly accessible areas.
It was the first building in Chicago to use terra cotta tile as the primary exterior cladding on a steel frame structure. This detail made it a model for future buildings across the city.
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