Supreme Life Building, Commercial landmark building in Douglas, Chicago, US.
The Supreme Life Building is a commercial structure on South Martin Luther King Drive with a modernized facade of porcelain-metal panels covering its classical design underneath. It now houses the Bronzeville Visitor Information Center, offering information about the neighborhood's background and significance.
The structure became the headquarters of Liberty Life Insurance Company in 1921, the first African-American owned insurance enterprise in northern United States. This marked a pivotal moment for Black business growth in the region.
The building represents the entrepreneurial spirit of Black business owners within the Black Metropolis-Bronzeville Historic District, where African-American companies thrived during the early 20th century. Visitors can experience this legacy through the spaces and stories that shaped the neighborhood.
Visitors can reach the building while walking through Bronzeville, with the Visitor Information Center accessible directly from the street level. The best time to visit is on weekdays when staff are available to answer questions about the area.
During the Great Depression, the company that operated from this location was among the few major Black-owned businesses that stayed active in the area. Its resilience during that hard time shows how essential it was to the Black community.
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