New York Life Building

Address: 37-43 S. LaSalle St. Year Built: original building, 1893-1894; east addition, 1898; additional story, 1903 Architect: Jenney & Mundie Date Designated a Chicago Landmark: July 6, 2006

This building is the work of Jenney & Mundie, whose senior partner, William Le Baron Jenney, was one of the City's most important 19th-century architects. It is an important surviving example of an early Chicago School high-rise construction. It is one of the oldest buildings on LaSalle Street, historically the center of finance and banking in Chicago. Its terra-cotta facade is an excellent example of Classical Revival-style architecture, while its marble-clad lobby is one of downtown Chicago's most visually distinctive historic lobbies. The building was built in stages, with the original 12-story building facing LaSalle St. built in 1893-94. In 1898, a 13-story addition was built east of the original building, which received a one-story rooftop addition. Then, in 1903, an additional 14th floor was added to the entire building.