McClurg Building

The McClurg Building is a nine-story commercial structure on Wabash Street in the Loop with an extensive glass facade. The front is organized by terra cotta piers that frame the windows and express the vertical emphasis typical of Chicago School architecture.

The building was designed in 1899 by the architectural firm Holabird & Roche as part of the early Chicago commercial boom. It received recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, marking its value as a historic structure.

The building houses dance studios and other arts-related organizations that serve the local community. These cultural tenants chose this space because of its spacious rooms and central location in the city.

The building houses multiple organizations and office tenants on different floors, so exploration varies by location. Since it remains an active workplace, some areas are not open to the public, and visitors should plan accordingly when visiting.

The front facade contains nearly 10,000 square feet of windows because the building is squeezed between neighboring structures with no side windows. This extensive glazing was a smart solution to maximize light in a tight urban setting.

Location: Illinois

Architects: Holabird & Root

Architectural style: Chicago School

GPS coordinates: 41.87889,-87.62611

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:46