Former Chicago Historical Society Building

The Former Chicago Historical Society Building is a granite structure featuring Romanesque arches and substantial stonework located at the intersection of Dearborn and Ontario streets. The design showcases thick stone walls and pronounced architectural details characteristic of the era when it was built.

Architect Henry Ives Cobb designed this building in 1892 following the destruction of the Chicago Historical Society's original home in the Great Chicago Fire. The new structure provided the institution with a secure location for its collections.

The building demonstrates how institutions in the late 1800s expressed their importance through massive stone construction and bold design choices. Such structures shaped the visual identity of the city for generations.

The building sits at an easily accessible corner in the Near North Side with multiple transit options nearby. The area is open to visitors exploring the neighborhood, which has shops and restaurants within walking distance.

The building served as home to the Chicago Institute of Design between 1946 and 1956, then housed recording studios that shaped the city's music history. These uses show how the structure adapted to community needs while supporting various artistic movements.

Location: Chicago

Inception: 1892

Architects: Henry Ives Cobb

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

Made from material: granite

Address: 632 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654

GPS coordinates: 41.89359,-87.62996

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23