Century Building, Chicago School skyscraper in Loop Retail Historic District, US
The Century Building is a 16-story office structure made of steel and terracotta located on South State Street in the Loop business district. Its facade displays vertical lines and ornamental details that reference Portuguese architectural traditions.
The structure was designed in 1915 by architects Holabird & Root during a transitional period from Chicago School to Art Deco style. This construction phase marked a shift in how commercial buildings were designed throughout the city.
The building displays facades with Portuguese-inspired ornamental details that set it apart from typical steel structures of its era. These decorative elements shape the visual character and mark this place as a sign of early twentieth-century design in the downtown area.
The building sits centrally on South State Street and is easily accessible by public transportation. The architecture and ornamental details are visible from street level and readily observable from the sidewalk.
Among the skyscrapers of the Loop, this is one of the few buildings that incorporates Portuguese-inspired decorative elements. This uncommon stylistic choice makes it a notable example in the Midwest often overlooked by passersby.
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