Wainwright Building, Saint Louis

The Wainwright Building is one of the most influential office buildings in the history of modern architecture. Completed in 1891 for brewer and financier Ellis Wainwright, it was designed by architect Louis Sullivan with structural engineer Dankmar Adler. Widely regarded as one of the world's first true skyscrapers, the building introduced a new approach to tall-office design by emphasizing vertical proportions rather than disguising the height of its steel-frame structure.

In 1968, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in recognition of its architectural importance. Rising 10 stories, the building is distinguished by its clearly defined three-part composition resembling a classical column. The lower two floors form a solid base clad in brown sandstone, while the middle stories emphasize height through continuous red-brick vertical piers. The richly decorated upper section features intricate floral and geometric terra-cotta ornamentation designed by Sullivan. The entrance and cornice display some of his best-known decorative work, reflecting his belief that modern commercial buildings should combine structural innovation with artistic craftsmanship.

Long used as offices for Missouri state government agencies, the building was sold at auction in late 2024 to a local development fund. State employees began relocating in 2025 to allow for the landmark's adaptive reuse and modernization. Although the interior is not generally open to visitors, the exterior remains one of the finest examples of early skyscraper design. The Wainwright Building continues to be studied by architects and historians for its lasting influence on modern architecture and the development of the American skyscraper.