Oliver Building

Oliver Building is an office structure at 159 N. Dearborn Street featuring a cast iron exterior decorated with typewriter-related ornaments and patterns. The facade is broken up by large vertical windows that define the architectural approach of Chicago's early 20th-century commercial style.

The building was constructed from 1907 to 1908 for the Oliver Typewriter Company by architects Holabird & Roche. The same firm added two more floors in the 1920s, bringing it to its current form.

The structure displays a blend of industrial design and crafted details typical of Chicago's early 20th-century commercial spaces. Its cast iron ornaments and tall windows show how architects of that era designed working buildings.

The original facade along Dearborn Street has been preserved and remains easy to view after 1990s renovations. You can observe the building from the street to see its decorative details and overall structure.

The company name remains engraved beneath the central window panes on the facade, marking its original purpose. This detail preserves the building's connection to the typewriter industry for visitors who take time to notice it.

Location: Illinois

Architectural style: Chicago School

GPS coordinates: 41.88472,-87.62931

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22