Chicago, IL: 1973 Willis/Sears Tower

(3D Satellite)

This is the second "Sears Tower" in Chicago. The first one was part of their 1904 Mail Order Plant on Homan Avenue. The tower provided a good view of the railroad yards that used to be south of the loop.

Michael Wesolowski posted
July 27, 1970 – Sears, Roebuck and Company, the largest retailer in the world, announces its plans to build the world’s tallest building on South Wacker Drive between Adams Street and Jackson Boulevard. With 4.4 million square feet of interior space, the $100-million-dollar building will be the largest privately-owned office building in the world. Gordon Metcalf, the chairman and chief executive officer of Sears, says that the building’s 1,451 feet is as high as the Federal Aviation Administration will permit. About 16,000 workers are expected to work in Sears Tower with Sears initially occupying less than two million square feet, leasing the remainder of the building. Mayor Daley greets the news enthusiastically, saying, “On behalf of the people of Chicago, I want to thank Sears for the confidence they are showing in the future, in planning and designing the building which will adorn the west side.” [Chicago Tribune, July 28, 1970]. Sears Tower will rise on a two-block piece of land that has been assembled by private developers over a five-year period, beginning in 1964. A total of 15 “grime blackened” buildings, purchased from 100 owners, will be torn down to make way for the project. Sears will also pay the city $2.7 million to vacate Quincy Street between Franklin Street and Wacker Drive. The architecture firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill will design the tower with Bruce Graham acting as lead designer on the project. These are heady times for the company as sales in 1969 reached $8.9 billion with net income totaling more than $440 million. Metcalf says that the company expects to increase sales by a billion dollars in 1970. It is expected that the project will increase the redevelopment of the south branch of the river, where momentum for change has gained headway with the development of the Gateway Center on the opposite where two 20-story buildings are already complete and a 35-story tower is under construction. The photo shows Sears Tower in 1973 as it begins to come out of the ground.
[There are several comments about why they went downhill.]
Jim Whaley: That photo was almost certainly taken earlier, possibly in 1971 but certainly no later than early 1972. I began my apprenticeship in October 1972 installing metal Curtainwall and at that time we were in the 60th floor range.
Brian Bram: The Sears Tower was, in fact, the tallest building in the world (taller than the World Trade Center in NYC) for almost 25 years. It stayed the tallest building in the western hemisphere for 41 years until 2013.
Robert Moynihan: I worked installing the elevators from the 20’th floor up to topping off the building. Westinghouse put in the original elevators. Many of our men died installing the elevators along with a few iron workers. I’m sure there were others I’ve long forgotten about. RIP you hard working men.
Paul Kuhn: Robert Moynihan Five workers died: https://www.reference.com/.../many-people-died-building...
Robert Moynihan: Paul Kuhn thank you Paul. I worked at Sears for 1 1/2 years and wouldn’t you know it that I woke up sick but went to work anyway. I got all the way to the building and ended up getting sick right out front and went back home. Our superintendent called my moms house asking where I was, he saw my hard hat in the locker and couldn’t believe I didn’t come to work. He actually told my mom to go in my bedroom and physically touch me then explain why I was at home. My mom asked why and all he told her was to turn on out tv cause there was a bad accident. I guess God had different plans for me that day. The guys that died were on the rail washing gang which if I would have showed up late I would have been on that crew. After OSHA reopened the building another helper came up to me and hugged me telling me that since I stayed home he went with my mechanic that day and he’s alive cause I was sick. That always stayed with me.

Jeff Incrocci posted
Sears Tower Happy Fiftieth Anniversary

Historic Chicago posted
Sears Tower under construction (1971)
Ronny posted
Sears Tower under construction (1971)
Mike Glazik: That’s plumbed with all cast iron, poured lead joints and copper plumbing. Probably all Extra Heavy Cast which is very impressive. Probably up to 15” inch in Diameter I’m guessing. Crazy! Maybe even galvanized threaded piping too.
Philip Gmann: Mike Glazik today pvc n pex. Lol
Mike Glazik: Philip Gmann nope, their still pouring lead joints and using all M copper for DWV and Potable in those buildings.

 

Vintage Frames posted
View from Wacker Drive of the Sears Tower under construction. (1972)
Zeina Suleiman shared

Historic Chicago posted
View from the Sears Tower, under construction. (1972)
James Torgeson shared
The American Bridge Division of US Steel erects the Sears Tower in Chicago.
[This steel mill share has some interesting comments.]

Jeff Incrocci posted
Sears Tower

 

Glen Miller posted
Workers on top of the Shedd Aquarium with Sears Tower construction in the distance. Looks like an Erecter set. c. 1972
Glen Miller shared with the comment: "Cool photo!"
Windy Krapowicz posted
Workers on top of the Shedd Aquarium with Sears Tower construction in the distance. Looks like an Erecter set. c. 1972

Beauty of America posted
The Sears Tower, now known as the Willis Tower, during its construction phase in 1972 was an incredible sight to behold. It was a symbol of Chicago's growth and development into one of the most iconic cities in America.
[In the right background, the AON Center/Amoco/Standard Oil building is also being built.]

 

Historic Chicago posted
The Sears Tower during construction (1972)

TheSkydeck

This building pioneered "tubular design."

wikiarquitectura

I presume that since the broadcast antennas were added 11 years after the building opened, they would not be considered spires no matter how fancy they made them look. I wonder why the FAA changed its mind about the allowed height. I also wonder where 1,729' would rank in the world today.

SkyscraperCenter
It is #3 in the US and #23 in the world. This site has 16 photos.

WillisTower
They did a "revitalization" in 1985 and started a $500m redevelopment in 2018.

WillisTower

 

Jeff Incrocci posted
My favorite Sears Tower
Dawn Wilson: I worked in that building and you could hear it creaking in a strong wind and I swear it would sway. Freaked me out!
Janice Covetta Bernard: Dawn Wilson You were right, it did sway in the wind. https://www.discovery.com/.../World-Famous-Chicago...

Michael Brandt posted
Check out this great shot of the Sears Tower construction.

Barry Butler Photography posted
Another view of the massive lightning strike at 10pm tonight [Apr 4, 2023] in Chicago. BOOM!
WGN TV posted a cropped version of this photo

Albeast One posted

Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. (later True Value) Warehouse

(Satellite (University of Chicago Graduate School of Business), demolished in early 1989)

Maria Canzoneri posted

Don’t know anything about this business, found in an album of my dads things.....

Kimberly Lawler Hibard was a very large hardware chain. True Value bought them out.
Jeff Slo http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/2700.html
Jeff Slo https://chicagology.com/skyscrapers/skyscrapers021/
Bob Knack I think the building was once used as the main Chicago library.
Dennis DeBruler That is also a nice view of the Kraft plant, https://industrialscenery.blogspot.com/.../waker-drive...
Dennis DeBruler C&NW State Street Yard, https://industrialscenery.blogspot.com/.../cn-state...

Dennis DeBruler commented on Maria's post
The trapezoid shape makes it easy to spot in a 1938 aerial photo, http://clearinghouse.isgs.illinois.edu/.../0bwq08007.jpg

Carson Prairie Scott Warehouse

(Satellite)

Bill Molony posted
The Alton Railroad class P-13A 4-6-2 Pacific-type #5268 at Chicago in July, 1936.
Bob Lalich 18th St bridge and the Carson Pirie Scott warehouse in the background.
Dennis DeBruler I thought this was a cold storage building. I did not realize it was a retail warehouse. So the locomotive is westbound heading south and we see the south end of Pennsy's yard under the bridge.
Bob Lalich I am trying to determine when CPS&Co stopped using the building. By 1956, they were using a newer warehouse located at Clearing switched by BRC.

Street View, west elevation

While taking a photo of the pagoda in Ping Tom Park, I happened to get the building in the background.

20150502 0708, east elevation

And I got a clear shot of a big chunk of it when grabbing a photo of a tourist boat. The tower on the left is the north tower of the South Branch Bridge.

Some times I catch part of it when I turn and take a photo of the train bridge because I have heard a horn sound. In this photo, the train is not yet visible. With the cheapness of digital photos, I take shots first, ask questions later.

20150513 1453

For the next shot, I had time to zoom in. The boat is waiting for someone to answer his radio calls about raising the bridge so that he can continue down the river. The train was two UP locomotives running light. They are probably going to Canalport Yard.

Note that as UP leaves the bridge on the left, NS is entering it on the right. The Amtrak dispatcher evidently hold the freights so that when a window is made for freight traffic, multiple trains can use that window. Note the dispatcher still hasn't let that boat, which was waiting when I arrived, have a window.

And NS has a two boxcar train.

The boxcars would be coming from Continental Paper Grading Co.

Satellite

Philco

In addition to several Zenith plants, Chicago was home to another large electronics manufacture --- Philco. It also had a retail outlet.

Chad Brown posted five photos with the comment:

Long before the Apple store opened on North Michigan Ave, it was once home to a pair of the nation's (at the time) largest electronics manufacturers. Zenith & Philco. Once located at 643 North Michigan was the Philco Showroom. Known for its many iconic radios and television sets including the "Baby Grand" which was a wooden cathedral shaped radio, the Predicta television receiver set and the "Safari" portable tv. In 1949, Philco departed their showroom. Today Philco, depending on the regional market, is either owned by the Philips or Electrolux brands.

Deborah Corcoran They also made refrigerators. My parents had one when I was a child.
Michael Buenrostro Don't forget Philco was once a subsidiary of Ford motor co.
Raymond Zygmuntowicz Phillips is still big in medical equipment

I remember that Phillips acquired Magnovox as well, a company I worked for one summer in Fort Wayne, IN. At one time Philips and Lucent Technologies (Bell Labs + Western Electric after AT&T was broke up) created a joint venture to try to stay in the phone making business. During that period, I was able to buy Magnavox equipment at company store prices.

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Former Spiegel Headquarters Building

(Satellite, Streetview)

Lance McCalla posted
Always knew I was getting close to to Comiskey Park passing Spiegels overpass!!
[There are lots of comments about loving the catalog.]
Debbie Ramdhanie: Spiegel had an outlet store in that building. You could find incredible bargains on TOP designers if you were willing to go through racks and racks of merchandise. Which I did on many occasions.
Renata Props: Debbie Ramdhanie so did I! But it was far less organized. No clothes on rack just piles on tables, floor, in corners. And I was BLAZING HIT there in the winter! Rolled up sleeves and dive in. Day-long event .
Rodjer Pennick: Warehouse on the left. Offices on the left [right] of photo.
Denny Earley: I worked in the warehouse on Persing.
Robert N Dawn Chiko: Shopped there every weekend.
[I also found this photo on pinterest]
Thomas Mitchell posted
Spiegel was founded in Chicago in 1865 by Joseph Spiegel. The company ceased operations in 2019.

David M Laz posted
Speigel's warehouse on W. 35th st when it was Speigel's

Many refer to it as a warehouse because it is a loft style building. But it was Speigel's headquarters building built "so that different parts of the building could be reconfigured easily." The original two-story building was occupied in 1937 and expanded in 1942. "Spiegel had 11 buildings in the area, with 2.5 million square feet of space." It is "one of the few Art Moderne industrial buildings remaining in Chicago. The building was designed in the Art Moderne style to compliment the catalog’s 1930 transition from discounter back to high-end goods, where it started when it was founded as a store on Wabash Avenue in 1865." (ChicagoArchitecture)
 This building was vacated in 1995. "Spiegel was one of the first — and largest — tenants of the original Central Manufacturing District and a neighbor to companies like Wrigley, Ford, Pullman Couch, Pacific Lumber and Westinghouse Electric." (DNAinfo2016)

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks bestowed the building — part of the mail order company's construction spree in the Central Manufacturing District — with landmark status in 2010. (DNAinfo2014)

Frank Lemond posted
There's a ghost sign for Spiegel, which evidently operated in the Central Manufacturing District. The operation was just south of 1919 W. Pershing Road. Spiegel went defunct in 2019.
Donald Nowaczyk: Spiegel had a warehouse on Pershing rd. They also had buildings on 35th street and Aberdeen.
Bob Marszewski: Donald Nowaczyk and a gigantic warehouse in Bensenville.
Harvey Ruttenberg: Spiegel eventually moved to Oakbrook and then to Downers Grove. Their catalogs looked like fashion magazines and were considered the fashion leaders during their day.
Bob Marszewski: Harvey Ruttenberg that was corporate.
Linda Starr: Most of Spiegel's warehouses were on 35th with large merchandise warehoused on Pershing Road. Spiegel Corporate was located at 23d and Rockwell until they moved to Oak Brook. My husband and I were buyers at Spiegel until the late 80’s.I started as a copywriter for the fabulous Spiegel Catalog in 1962.
John Chodor: SPIEGEL'S WAS ON 35th RACINE. PART OF THE DISTRICT....
Frank Lemond: John Chodor I think you're right about that, but I took that photo behind 1919 W. Pershing Road, so they must've had at least 2 locations in Chicago.
Frank Lemond: John Chodor I think you're right about that, but I took that photo behind 1919 W. Pershing Road, so they must've had at least 2 locations in Chicago.
Bob Marszewski: Frank Lemond they did. I worked on 39th Street for 17 years and in Bensenville for the final 9 before they moved their warehouse operations to Columbus, Ohio.
Billy DeAngelo: Bob Marszewski I knew they were on Pershing, but where did they have the warehouse in Bensenville?
Bob Marszewski: Billy DeAngelo 854 Golf Lane Road. It was a one square block warehouse they operated from 1984 til June of 1996 when they left Illinois.
Billy DeAngelo: Bob Marszewski ok, I know that warehouse, very large. Did it have a railroad siding that entered the building on the east side? It’s been divided up since, multiple occupants now.
Bob Marszewski: Billy DeAngelo that was the warehouse across the street. The complex Spiegel had was eight connecting warehouses.
Mike Michaels: Their main data center was in Westmont

Marshall Field's Buildings

Mike Tuggle posted

Looking north on State Street from Washington in 1902.
On the northeast corner is the previous Marshall Field & Co.
Brad Cornelius The current building (from 1907) certainly makes
a statement... but this previous one was far prettier, in my opinion.

When I started this blog, I was thinking more about railroads, canals, and smokestack industries. But I'm learning in terms of number of employees, size of buildings, and number of buildings; retail is a big industry.

In addition to these pictures of their flagship retail store in the Chicago Loop, Marshal Field built the Merchandise Mart as a "wholesale store."

Brad Cornelius posted
Marshall Field's fleet of delivery wagons in 1897. Despite how orderly and efficient this looks It's easy to imagine the noises and smells weren't quite as pleasant.

MWRD posted
A view looking north at the intersection of State and Washington Streets on July 9, 1916.
Darryl Chiostri: On the top of the building across from Fields and further north, there is a sign which appears to be advertising “Edelweiss Beer”, brewed in Chicago by the Schoenhofer Brewery. From its appearance, it might have been illuminated at night. 
Charles Lough: “Meet Me Under The Clock”
Jim Wynne: Photo was taken at 7:40 AM on a Sunday.

 

US City Views posted
A view of Marshall Field & Company at State and Washington Streets in Chicago (1972) In 1972, Marshall Field & Company’s flagship store at the corner of State and Washington Streets in Chicago stood as a symbol of retail elegance and luxury. The iconic department store, with its Beaux-Arts architecture and famous Tiffany ceiling, was a premier shopping destination, known for its high-quality merchandise and exceptional customer service. By the early 1970s, the store had become a beloved institution, attracting shoppers from across the city and beyond. The building's grand façade and interior spaces reflected Chicago’s status as a major retail hub, and Marshall Field's continued to play a central role in the city's commercial life.

John P Keating Jr posted
Marshal Field's on State Street 2006
[When I first saw this photo, I wondered what is the big deal about a corner of the building. Then I realized it was the name "Marshall Field." The store is now owned by Macy.]

Richard Pitchford posted
Helen Sarros operates the new pneumatic tube cash collecting system at Marshall Fields, 1947. These tubes were used to send cash from the sales floor to this location (most likely in the basement), then back to the cashier with change and a receipt.
Historic Photographs posted
The Pneumatic Tube Room at department store Marshal Fields in Chicago, IL. Tubes whisks transaction in 90 seconds, 1947.

Sheila Kirby posted

Shelila's comment: "Pedestrians looking at Marshall Fields Window C1909 Chicago by Chicago past.com."


When our girls were young, taking them to see the windows, buy some mints, and eat in the Walnut Room with the big Christmas Tree was always a treat for the family. The windows had animated displays so that when you started at one end they told a story.

Richard Pitchford posted

Looking east on Washington from State, 1890, Chicago. Marshall Field’s is on the left.

Ryerson and Burnham Archives, Art Institute of Chicago.

Tiffany Foster-Grant posted a couple of collections of pictures of the State Street Store in a public group: 1, 2.

Sheila Kirby posted
[The tree in the upper-left corner confirms the atrium has been decorated for the Holiday Season.]

US City Views posted
Inside Marshall Field’s Chicago at Christmas time (1978) In 1978, the interior of Marshall Field's during the Christmas season was a sight to behold, filled with festive decorations, holiday displays, and the famous Frango Mints. The store's lavish holiday windows and the towering Great Tree in the Walnut Room were annual traditions that drew crowds of visitors, creating a magical atmosphere for holiday shopping. The interior of the store, with its ornate design and bustling activity, embodied the spirit of the season, making it a cherished destination for Chicagoans of all ages. Christmas at Marshall Field's was more than just a shopping experience; it was a beloved holiday ritual that created lasting memories for generations.

 

US City Views posted
Marshal Fields Chicago during the Holidays (1941)

Bolet Babu posted

Looking straight down into Marshall Field’s back in the day. Loved this place and it’s Christmas window decorations.

Seafoodsta posted

Daring to look straight down in the original Marshall Fields

 

Tim Murphy commented on Seafoodsta's post
straight back up!

John Enos commented on Seafoodsta's post
Walnut Room at Christmastime
[Seeing the windows and eating in the Walnut Room was a tradition for use when the kids were young.]

Pam Munsell commented on Seafoodsta's post
And looking straight up at the Tiffany tiled ceiling. So beautiful!

Scott Rothschild commented on Seafoodsta's post
The other direction

Debbie Coe commented on Seafoodsta's post
So sad......and now this. All the class and charm of Marshal Fields is gone.

David Holmes commented on Seafoodsta's post
Here's the opposite view:

 

Facebook Reel

10 photos

Marshall Field River Warehouse

Jeff Nichols posted
Chicago River, view from Taylor, 1909. Pitt.
Tom McGrath Looking north. Grand central station/terminal is on the right.
Victor StLawrence Yup. And Marshall Field warehouse on the left.
[The curve in the river reminds one that 1909 was before the river was straightened. Note the coal smoke haze. You can barely see that the Polk Street bridge just this side of the MF warehouse is in the up position. I'm surprised how few boats are on the river.]

Mike Franklin comment

4000 Diversity Avenue Warehouse

 (3D Satellite)

Street View

I learned of this warehouse from a Chicago Tribune article on Jan 14, 2018 on page 3 in the Business Section. The developer Hubbard Street Group plans to build 123 loft apartments on the east side of this 1.5m sq ft property on 22 acres now called The Fields. They will develop 1444,000 sq ft by converting the second floor into parking and building apartments in the third-fifth floors. They will also develop the roof as a deck and other amenities such a fitness center. This is pushing the fashionable residential area even further from downtown.

Early 20th Century

I spotted at least two buildings in this map.

David Daruszka commented on Jeff's posting

And another one in this one.

David Daruszka commented on Jeff's posting

Before the Fire

Historic Chicago posted
The original Marshall Field Department Store (then called the Field and Leiter Store) at the corner of State and Washington (1868)