Sullivan Center, Chicago

The Sullivan Center, also known as the Carson Pirie Scott & Co. Building, stands as a testament to Louis Sullivan’s innovative approach to architecture. Located at the bustling intersection of State and Madison Streets in Chicago, the building embodies Sullivan’s theories of organic architecture and his influence on the design of American department stores. Designed in 1898 for the Schlesinger & Mayer Department Store, the structure represents a grand synthesis of aesthetics and functionality that defined Sullivan’s career.

The Sullivan Center is notable for its use of steel skeletal construction, which not only enhanced the building's fireproofing but also allowed for expansive, light-filled interiors. The building’s exterior features a distinctive white terra cotta facade with a tripartite division that reflects the structural grid of piers and spandrels. This design choice not only highlights the underlying framework but also facilitates future expansions, showcasing Sullivan's practical approach to architectural design.

One of the building’s most striking aspects is its organic ornamentation, which Sullivan derived from the natural forms of Midwestern prairie plants. The lower floors are adorned with dark green cast iron cladding, which is richly embellished with intricate foliated patterns. The corner entrance rotunda, a focal point of the building, is further accentuated with ornate details and crowned by a decorative cornice, highlighting Sullivan’s penchant for blending structural elements with artistic embellishments.