Railway Exchange Building, Office building at Michigan Avenue, Chicago, United States
The Railway Exchange Building is a 17-story office structure on Michigan Avenue with a white-glazed terracotta exterior and steel-frame construction. The structure features large windows and projecting bays that characterize its appearance, and houses office spaces along with educational facilities.
The structure was built between 1903 and 1904 by D.H. Burnham & Company and originally served as headquarters for multiple railroad companies downtown. Its construction marked a turning point in how tall buildings were designed in the city.
The structure exemplifies the Chicago School with its blend of modern steel construction and classical details that defined early 1900s design. This approach is visible throughout the facade, where large windows and projecting bays characterize its appearance.
The structure sits at 224 South Michigan Avenue near downtown and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors can explore the lobby and exterior, though interior spaces are largely used for professional and academic purposes.
A penthouse was added to the rooftop specifically to serve as a workspace for developing an influential city plan. This space allowed two prominent architects to craft a visionary blueprint for the city's future.
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