Marquette Building, Chicago
Much like a well-fitted slipcover on a sofa, the Marquette, erected in 1895, conceals its structural steel frame beneath a clean, geometric facade. While its base showcases roughly cut stone and an ornate cornice crowns its summit, the majority of the building reflects the framework upon which it was constructed. All the offices, aligning with the building's arms, have a window either facing the street or the light well. This design, combined with the structural and aesthetic wall treatment, ensures abundant natural light within the interior.
Named in tribute to Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit priest and explorer, the building draws inspiration from his 1674–75 journal, which provided the first European description of Chicago's site. Owen F. Aldis, a real estate developer, amateur historian, and original owner, translated Marquette's journal in 1891, serving as the catalyst for the building's name and decorative theme. While exterior relief sculptures depict events related to Marquette's expedition, the intimate two-story lobby resembles a true jewel box. Shimmering bronze fixtures contrast with a Tiffany glass mosaic portraying the adventures of the French missionary while, nearby, bronze reliefs above the elevator doors depict French explorers and Native Americans. If you continue through the lobby, you'll find an exhibition on the structure's history and recent restoration, sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, a prominent tenant.
Architects Holabird and Roche, who first met as draftsmen in the office of pioneering skyscraper designer William L. B. Jenney, established their firm in the early 1880s. Renowned for their work in the Chicago commercial style, they left an indelible mark on this edifice.
Named in tribute to Jacques Marquette, a Jesuit priest and explorer, the building draws inspiration from his 1674–75 journal, which provided the first European description of Chicago's site. Owen F. Aldis, a real estate developer, amateur historian, and original owner, translated Marquette's journal in 1891, serving as the catalyst for the building's name and decorative theme. While exterior relief sculptures depict events related to Marquette's expedition, the intimate two-story lobby resembles a true jewel box. Shimmering bronze fixtures contrast with a Tiffany glass mosaic portraying the adventures of the French missionary while, nearby, bronze reliefs above the elevator doors depict French explorers and Native Americans. If you continue through the lobby, you'll find an exhibition on the structure's history and recent restoration, sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation, a prominent tenant.
Architects Holabird and Roche, who first met as draftsmen in the office of pioneering skyscraper designer William L. B. Jenney, established their firm in the early 1880s. Renowned for their work in the Chicago commercial style, they left an indelible mark on this edifice.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chicago. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Marquette Building on Map
Sight Name: Marquette Building
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chicago, USA (See walking tours in Chicago)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chicago, Illinois
Create Your Own Walk in Chicago
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chicago is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Millennium and Grant Parks Walking Tour
The city of Chicago is renowned for its outdoor green spaces. One such “forever free and open” space, is called Grant Park and was established in 1844. In fact, upon foundation, it was called Lake Park, but was renamed in 1901 after the American Civil War General and United States President, Ulysses S. Grant.
Popularly referred to as “Chicago's front lawn,” this lakefront park is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Popularly referred to as “Chicago's front lawn,” this lakefront park is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Chicago Old Town Walking Tour
Settled in 1850 by German immigrants, Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood is a popular destination for locals and visitors who cater to the entertainment venues, restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and boutiques – all of which have turned an area once referred to as the “Cabbage Patch” into an attraction that rivals Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Magnificent Mile.
Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Start your Old Town walking... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Chicago Navy Pier Walking Tour
Additional to scenic views of the lake, the boats, and the city skyline, the Navy Pier offers a variety of attractions on the waterfront – for kids as well as adults – that draw nearly ten million people annually, making this Chicago's most visited spot. Yes, some may see it as a “tourist trap”, but it is worth the time and money to spend some time here, so take this self-guided walk... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
The Magnificent Mile Walking Tour
The stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Lake Shore Drive, otherwise known as the Magnificent Mile, is regarded as one of the world’s great avenues – or Chicago’s version of Fifth Avenue. Take this self-guided walk to explore its whole stretch and surrounding area, featuring a wide selection of amazing stores/malls, world-known museums, restaurants and spectacular... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Loop District Architecture Walking Tour
Chicago features an outstanding architectural legacy, having long been connected with some of architecture's most important names: Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, Holabird & Root, and others. The multi-layered Loop District, in particular, offers an extensive number of Chicago’s famous architectural “must-sees” – from modern skyscrapers to historic buildings... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Chicago Chinatown Walking Tour
Tucked away just south of the Loop, the Chinatown of Chicago was established in 1912 and is considered one of the best examples of American Chinatown. While it may be one of Chicago’s smallest neighborhoods geographically, it is big on character, colors, sights, sounds, and flavors. Here, you’ll find a wide range of unique boutiques, specialty shops, religious sights, authentic Chinese... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
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