Richard J. Daley Center, Government skyscraper and courthouse in Loop District, Chicago, United States.

The Richard J. Daley Center is a 648-foot (198 m) courthouse and office tower on Randolph Street, completed in 1965. Its sheer rectangular form is clad in Cor-Ten steel, whose rusted surface gives the facades a dark brown tone; narrow vertical ribs and horizontal bands frame recessed windows across all sides. Inside are more than 120 court and hearing rooms, and the flat top makes it the tallest flat-roofed building in the world with fewer than 40 stories.

The building was completed in 1965 and stood as Chicago's tallest structure until 1969, when the John Hancock Center surpassed it. This period marked an important moment in the city's architectural development and competition for height.

Daley Plaza takes its nickname from the open granite courtyard south of the tower, where the 50-foot untitled Picasso sculpture has stood since 1967. The city's longest-running weekly farmers' market is held here on Thursdays from May through October, alongside ethnic festivals, and Chicago's Critical Mass ride meets on the plaza.

The building occupies the block bounded by Randolph, Washington, Dearborn and Clark streets, with the granite-paved plaza on its southern half. The plaza is open to walkers and is where the Picasso stands; the courthouse floors above are working courtrooms, so entry is for court business. The plaza also hosts the Thursday farmers' market from May through October.

The distinctive brown exterior color comes from intentional oxidation of Cor-Ten steel, which creates a protective patina layer. This self-weathering process strengthens the material and prevents further corrosion, extending the building's lifespan.