Century Building

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.

Location: Chicago

Inception: 1915

Architects: Holabird & Root

Architectural style: Chicago School

Floors above the ground: 16

Made from material: steel, terracotta

Address: 202 South State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60604

GPS coordinates: 41.87933,-87.62800

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:01