After founders William Holabird and Martin Roche died in the late 1920s, John Holabird (William’s son) and John Wellborn Root, Jr (son of John Wellborn Root, Sr.) stepped into leadership roles and renamed the firm Holabird and Root.
The newly renamed Chicago firm was soon well-established and specialized in designing tall office buildings and smaller cultural institutions. Their work reflected a sleeker, more stripped-down aesthetic. The Chicago Board of Trade building, the Chicago Motor Club, 333 North Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Daily News Building highlight the firm’s Art Deco style work during this period. The firm is now headquartered in the Marquette Building and is known for educational and fine arts facilities around the country.
