Chicago Board of Trade Building, Chicago

The Chicago Board of Trade Building stands as a commanding symbol of Chicago's financial district. This 45-story skyscraper, a paragon of Art Deco design, was conceived during the height of the Art Deco era by architects John A. Holabird and John Wellborn Root Jr., both prominent figures in architectural history. Completed in 1930, the building reflects the bold and dynamic spirit of its time, asserting its importance in both the cityscape and the economy.

The Chicago Board of Trade Building's design showcases key Art Deco features, including a striking vertical emphasis achieved through its use of gray Indiana limestone piers and dark, recessed windows. The building's streamlined, geometric ornamentation and abstract details exemplify the era's aesthetic, while its throne-like massing reinforces its grandeur and authority. These elements work together to create a facade that is both monumental and elegant, encapsulating the sophistication of Art Deco.

Topping the building is a distinctive pyramidal roof adorned with a faceless aluminum statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, crafted by artist John Storrs. The statue’s machine-like appearance and the clean lines of her garment further embody the Art Deco emphasis on stylization and modernity.