Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Building

Click for Larger View     Address: 1 S. State St.
Year Built: 1898-99 and 1902-04; 1905-06, twelve-story south addition; 1960-61, eight-story south addition
Architect: Louis H. Sullivan; twelve-story south addition, D. H. Burnham Co.; eight-story south addition, Holabird & Root
Date Designated a Chicago Landmark:
November 5, 1970

Detail of ornamental ironwork One of the most important structures in early modern architecture, famed for its influential modular construction and design. Visionary architect Louis Sullivan shaped this commercial building--originally built for the Schlesinger and Mayer department store--into a dramatically animated structure that inseparably merges beauty and function. The ornament of the lower two stories is frozen in cast iron, while at the same time giving the impression of being in fluid motion. It is an excellent example of Sullivan's genius for architectural ornament.

Windows

Louis Sullivan
 
Early Skyscrapers
Terra Cotta
The Loop
 
1.Exterior View, circa 1904
2.Detail of ornamental ironwork, photo by Bob Thall
3.Windows, photo by Richard Nickel