Fisher Building
Burnham, Daniel Hudson

Download1A1-BC-FA-A3_cp.jpg (600.0Kb)
Date
1895-1896Description
Close view of the upper southwest corner; "Cladding this early skyscraper with Gothic-inspired, terra-cotta tracery was not a casual stylistic choice. Its designers looked for inspiration to the early Gothic cathedrals of Europe, which shared common characteristics of tallness and often having more glass than masonry. Eagles and mythical beasts decorate the upper stories, and aquatic creatures and seashells--a visual pun on the name of the building's original owner, Lucius G. Fisher--are found at the base. A later addition to the north is largely a repetition of the original design, except for the absence of bay windows." Source: Chicago Landmarks [website]; http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/ (accessed 12/1/2007)
Type of Work
office building; skyscraperSubject
architectural exteriors, Chicago School
Rights
Rights Statement
Licensed for educational and research use by the MIT community only