Become a part of the continuing story of an icon.
The Jewelers Building
opened its doors in 1927
Upon completion, it reigned as the tallest building in the world outside New York City, a testament to the city’s ambition and optimism. Originally home to Chicago’s bustling jewelry trade, the building even featured a unique car lift that carried jewelers and their precious cargo directly to their offices – a forward-thinking safety feature that set it apart.
Chicago’s Crown Jewel
Its magnificent crown dome soon became a familiar sight on the skyline, rumored in lore to have hosted a secret speakeasy, adding to the building’s mystique (in reality, the dome later housed the elegant Stratosphere Club restaurant in the 1930s).
Nearly a century since its construction, the building’s legacy endures – a living monument to Chicago’s history of innovation and style.
The Pinnacle of Chicago
Over the decades, 35 East Wacker has been known by many names (from the Pure Oil Building to the North American Life Building) and has witnessed the city transform around it. Through it all, this architectural masterpiece has retained its glamour. In 1978, The Jewelers Building was recognized as a contributing property in the Michigan-Wacker Historic District, and in 1994 it earned official status as a Chicago Landmark.
