Coca-Cola Building

The Coca-Cola Building is an office structure located on South Wabash Avenue featuring limestone facades trimmed with ornamental ironwork and a decorated terra cotta cornice running along its top edge. The structure contains multiple floors with classical elements typical of Chicago's early commercial architecture.

The structure was built between 1903 and 1904 by architect Frank Abbott and served as The Coca-Cola Company's Chicago headquarters until 1928. Additional floors were added in 1913 to expand production and office space.

The building showcases Chicago School design from the early 1900s, a style that emphasized both commercial function and industrial strength. Its appearance reflects how major American companies used architecture to project stability and progress during that era.

The building sits in an active commercial area with good access via public transportation and is easy to explore on foot. The neighborhood contains several other historic structures from the same era that can be discovered while walking around.

This is the only surviving Coca-Cola production facility built before World War II outside of Atlanta, where the company originated. The fact that this building has endured makes it a remarkable testament to the company's early expansion beyond its home city.

Location: Chicago

GPS coordinates: 41.86500,-87.62610

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:46