In a city that is internationally known for its architecture, the Monroe Building at 104 S. Michigan Avenue stands out as one of Chicago’s most distinguished buildings and one with an especially impressive ancestry. Completed in 1912, the Monroe Building has a distinctive presence among the architectural masterpieces that stand side-by-side along Michigan Avenue across from historic Grant Park. Mo
st were built between 1880’s and 1930, a fertile time in Chicago’s architectural history. Because these buildings prominently faced “Chicago’s front yard” and were highly visible symbols of the city itself, the developers and architects gave these buildings their best. Looking today along this stretch of the Michigan Avenue Boulevard, it almost seems as if the collective work of some of Chicago’s most distinguished architects have lined up for a group portrait. It’s not hard to notice the Monroe Building amidst its distinguished neighbors along Michigan Avenue across from Millennium Park and the historic Art Institute of Chicago dating back to the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition. Its strong grid-like exterior is in the best tradition of Chicago’s innovative skyscraper designs of the period and honestly expresses the supporting metal skeleton within. At the same time, its geometry is softened by a delicate exterior skin of granite and molded terra cotta, a stylistically eclectic composition that was described at the time of completion as being “Gothic” in origin. The Monroe Building was designed by Holabird & Roche in 1912. The renovation of the building was completed by successor Holabird & Root in 2012 on the 100th anniversary of the opening of the original building. The building, sited prominently within Chicago’s Michigan Avenue Boulevard Historic District, was initially designed to complement the adjacent University Club. Together, these buildings create an architectural gateway to the City’s Central Business District. The design of the renovation was charged with both the accurate restoration of the exterior elements and interior public spaces, along with the renovation of tenant spaces and infrastructure to provide amenities to businesses that are competitive with new real estate on and around Michigan Avenue. building in 2006 she saw the potential of this architectural gem and committed to a complete renovation and restoration of the building on a scale rarely attempted. The historic elements of the building were repaired or restored to the highest level of preservation standards. Original drawings, historic photos and found fragments provided the information to direct the design of public areas toward the original design intent of the building. The building façade’s deteriorated or missing terra cotta units were replaced in kind to match the original pieces in size, varied textures and the complex triple-spot glazing. The environmental cleaning process removed the carbon and atmospheric pollution from the building elevations to reveal the subtle horizontal striped pattern in the coursing. The cast-iron entrances and ornamental fan shaped iron work was recreated per the original drawings and photographs. The green Spanish clay arched tile roof was replaced to match the original and the skylights were reestablished in their original locations. The interior renovation included restoration of the ground floor lobby. Rookwood tile walls and vaults, as well as the entire floor, were restored by replacement tile, which were manufactured by the Rookwood Tile & Pottery Company to match the original materials. Tenant elevator lobbies were restored throughout the building, reestablishing the original cast iron elevator grillages and Rookwood tile floors. The Monroe Building is honored to house the award winning Pritzker Military Museum & Library on floors two through four. Dedicated to the story of the Citizen Soldier in American history, the Museum & Library is open to the public with a collection of books and gallery exhibits, along with live events in a two-story lecture hall and broadcast center. The design of the Library and display of the special artifacts and materials are part of this one-of-a-kind collection. The fourth floor of the building and Library includes two spacious conference rooms that are ideal for executive meetings of any size. Both rooms are fully-equipped with state-of-the-art teleconferencing and multimedia projection capabilities. Rental inquiries are welcome for these and other library facilities. Just in time for its centennial, the Monroe Building has undergone a faithful restoration led by a committed new owner. This classic building enters a new century with a full complement of the features tenants want most:
• Unobstructed lake, park and city views
• All new building, security and IT systems, HVAC, electric and plumbing
• A full-service data center with server hosting
• Indoor bike storage
• New fitness center and conference facilities
• Discounted indoor parking adjacent to the building
• Convenient access to public transportation
