Reid, Murdoch & Co. Building

The Reid, Murdoch & Co. Building is a seven-story office structure along the Chicago River, distinguished by a three-story clock tower that rises prominently from its center. The edifice sits between LaSalle Street and Clark Street and displays the red brick and stone detailing typical of the Chicago School style.

Designed by architect George C. Nimmons in 1914, the structure originally housed offices and warehouse operations for the Reid, Murdoch & Company business. The building gained further recognition when added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, preserving its role in the city's commercial past.

The name comes from the grocery and supply company that originally operated here in the early 1900s. The building's strong red brick facade and distinctive tower remain recognizable landmarks along the river where locals and visitors pass through daily.

The building sits along the Chicago River near pedestrian bridges, making it easily accessible and offering good vantage points from the riverwalk. The area is walkable and visitors can view the architecture from both street level and from the water's edge.

In 1915, the building served as an emergency hospital for survivors of the S.S. Eastland disaster, a ship that capsized near the riverfront. This unexpected role shows how the structure became vital to the community during a critical moment in the city's history.

Location: Illinois

Architects: George C. Nimmons

Architectural style: Chicago School

Floors above the ground: 7

GPS coordinates: 41.88800,-87.63180

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47