Ciere Boatright commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) | City of Chicago Website
Ciere Boatright commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) | City of Chicago Website
The Rector Building in Chicago's Loop may soon be designated as an official city landmark. Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced a proposal to the City Council for this designation.
Constructed in 1905 at 79 W. Monroe by Charles E. Rector, the building stands as the oldest surviving commercial high-rise designed by architect Jarvis Hunt. The 14-story structure showcases a blend of classical and modernist Prairie School design elements. It was home to several financial institutions during the 1900s, including Bell Savings & Loan Association, which installed the well-known "weather bell" sign in 1951.
The landmark status aims to safeguard the building while it undergoes a $64.2 million renovation by R2 Development LLC, aligning with the City's LaSalle revitalization plan. This project will transform 11 floors of unused office space into 117 mixed-income residential units and retail areas.
The proposed designation seeks to preserve all exterior elevations and rooflines of the building.
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