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Window Bay Fragment from Home Insurance Building

Specifications

Window Bay Fragment from Home Insurance Building

Category

Art, Architecture, and Design

Classification

CHENHALL - Built Environment Objects - Building Components - Supporting Elements - Column
CHENHALL - Built Environment Objects - Building Components - Supporting Elements - Beam
CHENHALL - Built Environment Objects - Building Components - Supporting Elements - Lintel
CHENHALL - Built Environment Objects - Building Components - Door & Window Elements - Mullion
CHENHALL - Built Environment Objects - Building Components - Construction Materials - Brick

Object Origin
Architect:

Jenney, William Le Baron

Date Built:

1885

Place of Production:

Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Original structural elements of a skyscraper building including two (2) vertical rectangular columns, one (1) vertical mullion [decorative middle element], two (2) vertical round columns, two (2) horizontal lintels, two (2) horizontal I beams, one (1) horizontal c channel beam, one (1) decorative terracotta facade panel, various bricks for facade. Not all elements on view.

Measurements: Current Installation:
    Height: 10 ft 1 in, Length: 12 ft, Depth: 19 in
    Weight: 5,762 lbs

Credit

Gift of Marshall Field Estate, 31.927

Display Status

On Exhibit

Window Bay Fragment from Home Insurance Building

About: Window Bay Fragment from Home Insurance Building

About: Window Bay Fragment from Home Insurance Building

Chicago’s Home Insurance Building is considered the world’s first skyscraper. Designed by architect William Le Baron Jenney (1832-1907), this 11-story building stood on the corner of Adams and LaSalle Streets in Chicago from 1885 until its demolition in 1931.


The building marks an important milestone in the growth of America’s cities, representing the transition from iron to structural steel at the end of the 19th century through Jenney’s use of both cast iron and Bessemer steel beams. Because steel was lighter, stronger and more durable than iron, buildings could soar even higher above the street level.

Additional information

Copyright information

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