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Carbide and Carbon Building
Luxurious, exuberant and dramatic, the Carbide and Carbon Building is a metaphor for the sumptuous décor of 1920s America.
Photo by Eric Allix Rogers
Photo by Eric Allix Rogers
The Carbide and Carbon Company, which developed the first dry cell battery, needed a regional headquarters to house its rapidly expanding business. Company executives wanted the building to make a statement, to communicate the firm's success and to attract clients. They commissioned the Burnham Brothers (sons of the deceased Daniel Burnham), who completed the structure in 1929.
All Deco’d Out
A dazzling building on Chicago’s skyline, the Carbide and Carbon Building epitomizes the lavish excitement of Art Deco. The facade is composed of luxurious polished black granite, green and gold terra cotta and gold leaf with bronze trim. The building’s interior is known for its extravagant lobby, originally used to display the company’s products. Frosted glass fixtures and Belgian marble greet visitors at its Michigan Avenue entrance.
The building’s cap is ornamented with genuine 24 karat gold, though it is only one five-thousandths of an inch thick.
A second life
All good things must come to an end, as they say. With the market crash of 1929, a planned sister building to the Carbide and Carbon Building was cancelled. The building was landmarked in 1994 and in 2004 it underwent a $106 million restoration. Now a boutique hotel, the Carbide and Carbon still stands out as one of the most unique structures on the city’s skyline.
Did you know?
To recognize the Carbon and Carbide building's contribution to Chicago’s rich architectural history, the city keeps the gold spire permanently lit. Only a handful of buildings receive this distinction.
Did you know?
The building’s brilliant blue cyanotype blueprints were in storage for decades, only to be revealed in 2008 for an exhibition at ArchiTech gallery in Chicago.
Did you know?
Imitation gold leaf was originally considered for the Carbon & Carbide building’s top, but ultimately rejected in favor of the real thing.
Did you know?
Interlocking C’s are still present on the building’s façade as a remembrance of the building’s original owners.
Did you know?
The stylized leaf ornamentation on the exterior is a reference to the prehistoric origins of subterranean carbon deposits from decaying ancient plants.
Did you know?
Because of the zoning laws at the time of the building’s construction, its tower is setback to allow more sunlight to reach street level.
A Docent Perspective
Its warm and sensuous materials make the Carbide and Carbon building unique among Chicago’s towering skyscrapers. Every tour I give where this Chicago landmark can be seen, a tour taker will ask about it. The Carbide and Carbon delights and awes.
Marcia Matavulj CAC Docent, Class Of 2008
