Chicago, IL: 1923 London Guarantee and Accident Building (360 N Michigan Avenue)

(3D Satellite)

London House
[This is one of the better views of the railroad freight facilities that I have seen by the IC tracks. You can also see C&NW's State Street Yard on the right side of the photo. It also gives one an idea of what they had to tear down to build Wacker Drive.]
James M. Knox posted
The London House, at Michigan and Wacker Drive. Used to be a Jazz/music performance venue. Last was there for a live jazz performance in the 70’s (I remember because I had a 1971 Renault 16).

I'm posting about this building because it is neat looking, still exists, and shows up in so many skyline photos and helps me orient myself as to where the photographer is standing. I need to get down there and get my own pictures because it has a bakery and because I want to visit the bridge museum in a Michigan Ave. Bridge Tower.

It was designed by Alfred S. Alschuler and built between 1922-23. It is 23 stories with a height of 371 feet. (ChicagoArchitecture) It is built on the original site of Fort Dearborn. In 2013 it was redeveloped as the luxury hotel London House. As part of the redevelopment, they turned a parking lot into a 22-story glass tower to add hotel features such as ballrooms, spa, restaurants, etc.

Historic Chicago posted
The London Guarantee Building (1950)
Anna Bruno: From the 1960s through the 1980s, the studios of Chicago's WLS (AM) radio were located on the fifth floor of the building.
US City Views posted

The London Guarantee Building Chicago (1950)

In 1950, the London Guarantee Building was a prominent feature of Chicago’s skyline, located at the intersection of North Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. This Beaux-Arts style building, completed in 1923, was known for its elegant architecture, with a distinctive dome and intricate detailing. Originally housing the London Guarantee and Accident Company, the building was a symbol of Chicago’s financial prowess and architectural grandeur. Its location at the gateway to the Magnificent Mile made it a key landmark in the city’s commercial district. By 1950, the London Guarantee Building had become an integral part of Chicago’s architectural heritage, admired for its beauty and historical significance. Today, the building has been repurposed as part of a luxury hotel, preserving its historic character while contributing to the ongoing revitalization of Chicago’s downtown area.

Eric Paulsen: WLS did indeed broadcast from there for years, 4th & 5th floors, I believe... often saying "from high atop the downtown Burger King" which was at street level for a while.

 

US City Views posted

Chicago Skyline (1930)

In 1930, the Chicago skyline was an impressive display of the city's architectural prowess and rapid growth. This period marked the emergence of Chicago as a major urban center, with iconic buildings like the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and the newly completed Board of Trade Building standing tall against the sky. The skyline reflected the city's ambition and its role as a hub of commerce, culture, and innovation during the early 20th century. The architectural styles were varied, from the Gothic Revival of the Tribune Tower to the Art Deco of the Board of Trade, showcasing the eclectic nature of Chicago's urban landscape. This skyline was a testament to the city's resilience and its ongoing evolution as a leader in American architecture.

Greg Richards: Wonderful picture! FYI, "US City Views" is an AI bot-written and managed Group. Just remember that when you try to interact with the author.

A rare view from the other direction.

US City Views posted

Michigan Avenue Chicago (1947)

In 1947, Michigan Avenue was a bustling thoroughfare, epitomizing the elegance and commercial vitality of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Post-World War II optimism fueled economic growth, and Michigan Avenue was at the heart of this resurgence. The street was lined with upscale department stores, boutiques, and iconic buildings such as the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower. Shoppers and tourists flocked to the avenue, enjoying its vibrant atmosphere and architectural splendor. The avenue's wide sidewalks and well-maintained public spaces made it a premier destination for both commerce and leisure. Michigan Avenue in 1947 captured the spirit of a city on the rise, blending tradition with modernity.

Street View

 

Taylor Rosen posted

Art Deco skyscrapers in Chicago, Illinois.

333 N. Michigan building on left (Holabird & Root, 1928) was the first Art Deco skyscraper in Chicago.

London Guaranty building, center.

Mather Tower, right.

Image by Kauffman & Fabry.

Erich Griessmann: All of these buildings are still standing.

Historic Chicago posted
London Guarantee Building on Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. (1979)
Beauty of America posted
Situated in the heart of Downtown Chicago, along Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive lies the iconic London Guaratee building in 1979 boasting an impressive Post Modern style that has made it synonymous to Chicago's skyline.
US City Views posted

London Guarantee Building on Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive Chicago (1979)

In 1979, the London Guarantee Building at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive was a prominent fixture of Chicago’s architectural landscape. This Beaux-Arts style building, completed in 1923, stood as a testament to the city’s architectural grandeur. Its distinctive dome and ornate façade were notable features, adding to the elegance of the Michigan Avenue streetscape. Located at the northern end of the Magnificent Mile and overlooking the Chicago River, the London Guarantee Building was strategically positioned, offering breathtaking views and housing prestigious offices. By 1979, it remained a symbol of Chicago’s historic and architectural heritage.

The Chicago Tribune has a collection of 14 photos concerning this building.

Glen Miller posted
From left to right in 1920: 333 N Michigan Ave, London Guarantee Building and Mather Tower. Carbide and Carbon Building will be built eight years later.

"Then and now" photos looking south from the Tribune Tower have other views of these buildings.

Matt Cabens posted
[The dark building in the center background is the Carbide and Carbon Building.]

David Daruszka commented on a posting
Buildings identified.

David Daruszka commented on a posting
Jeff Bransky Wacker Drive project underway.
Dennis DeBruler I noticed the Wacker Drive construction when I looked closer at the two barges docked there on the river.

Brian Evans shared a Chicago Tribune photo

Mister Kelly's Chicago posted three photos with the comment: "When a fire broke out on the third floor of the London Guarantee Building on May 26, 1965, London House briefly ceased operations to assess the damage but, luckily, reopened soon after."

Adam Carston shared

Mark Braun: Remember that fire because WLS had to sign off the air. They were in the London Guarantee/Stone Container building (360 N. Michigan).

Patrick McGowan: Yes, The Big 89 studios were on the 5th floor.

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MWRD shared
John Tkalec posted
Looking southwest from the north bank of the Chicago River. Right to left foreground, Michigan Ave Bridge, London Guarantee Building, 333 N Michigan Building, IC Railyard. Circa 1928.
Marisa Schwartz The building on the right is now the London House hotel.
John Tkalec I think that's the Mather Tower directly behind the London Guarantee Building.
Daniel Adams That's correct, John Tkalec. It wasn't too long ago - ten years, I believe, the terra cotta top was demolished and replaced with an identical part. They fabricated it in two sections, out of weather resistant materials,, and utilized an aircrane helicopter to transport it off a barge in the Chicago River, and gingerly mount it to its new home.

John Whuite commented on John's post
I remember that.

Mathew Tyler Wilson Those barges haven't changed much. Wonder if that one is still in use...

Dennis DeBruler They've changed. They no longer have a wood deck. And the cargo compartment extends much closer to the sides of the barge.
20190615 9219

Eric J. Nordstrom posted
original photographic print (dated 1927) of downtown chicago looking east along wacker drive from clark street.
herbert hugh riddle's 38-story mather tower (1928) is under construction to the right of london guaranty and accident building (1923).
courtesy of bldg. 51 archive.