{"title":"Historic Building Terra Cotta","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"original-c-1907-exterior-michael-reese-hospital-gardenesque-terra-cotta-building-facade-frieze-fragment","title":"original c. 1907 exterior michael reese hospital \"gardenesque\" terra cotta building facade frieze fragment","description":"c. 1907 exterior \"gardenesque\" terra cotta fragment salvaged from prairie school style michael reese hospital (old main building). fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta co., chicago, il. contains a speckled black slip glaze finish darkened over time. the terra cotta fragment exhibits a unique interplay between strongly geometric forms, accentuated with gothic style trefoils. the building's ornament was designed by hugh garden, who was greatly influenced by the work of his chicago style contemporaries, wright and sullivan. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907. built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden's architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term \"gardenesque.\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669351239978,"sku":"UR-11086-11","price":5000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20110808-20110808-026m_2.jpg?v=1760232717"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-museum-quality-michael-reese-hospital-gardenesque-exterior-terra-cotta-frieze-fragment","title":"early 20th century museum-quality michael reese hospital \"gardenesque\" exterior terra cotta frieze fragment","description":"c. 1907 exterior \"gardenesque\" terra cotta fragment (two similar fragments from the frieze panel exist in the bldg. 51 museum) salvaged from prairie school style michael reese hospital (old main building). fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta co., chicago, il. contains a speckled black slip glaze finish darkened over time. the terra cotta fragment exhibits a unique interplay between strongly geometric forms, accentuated with gothic style trefoils. the building's ornament was designed by hugh garden, who was greatly influenced by the work of his chicago style contemporaries, wright and sullivan. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907. built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden's architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term \"gardenesque.\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669448429866,"sku":"UR-12033-11","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20111115-001m_2.jpg?v=1760323449"},{"product_id":"rare-late-19th-century-american-exterior-chicago-bank-building-terra-cotta-figural-lion-head-with-weathered-patina","title":"rare late 19th century american exterior chicago bank building terra cotta figural lion head with weathered patina","description":"very unique and hard to find late 19th century american exterior white glazed terra cotta figural lion head salvaged from the facade of a chicago bank building built around 1890-1900. the highly detailed lion head is finished on all sides, with a hollow cavity interior. the figural building artifact exhibits naturally aged surface characteristics, in the form of allover crazing and sporadic discoloration caused from prolonged exposure to soot, etc. with the exception of the missing lower jaw (lost long ago), the figural lion head remains largely intact. possibly designed and modeled by fritz albert, who for several years was the head modeler at northwestern terra cotta co., chicago, il. founded in chicago in 1878 by a group of investors including john r. true, the northwestern terra cotta company became a major producer of terra cotta ornament used by the construction industry. the studios draftsmen (including the highly skilled fritz albert) transformed architectural blueprints into comprehensive shop drawings that identified exactly where and how each puzzle-like piece would be secured to its supporting structure. by the early 1890's, when northwestern terra cotta employed approximately 500 men, annual sales approached $600,000. by 1910, its large (still extant) plant at clybourn and wrightwood avenues had about 1,000 workers. the popularity of placing terra cotta moldings on building facades peaked in the 1920's, and northwestern terra cotta led the way, in chicago and around the country. around this time, the company opened plants in st. louis and denver. beginning with louis sullivan earlier in the century, prominent chicago architects like frank lloyd wright had extensive contracts with the company. included among the many landmark chicago buildings for which northwestern supplied extensive decorative moldings were the civic opera house, the chicago theater, the wrigley building, and the randolph tower. northwestern's operations in chicago declined alongside the construction industry during great depression and never returned to their 1920's levels. in 1965, northwestern terra cotta co.'s only remaining plant, in denver, closed","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669603029290,"sku":"UR-13390-12","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120329-007m_2.jpg?v=1760150665"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-michael-reese-hospital-gardenesque-exterior-building-facade-sill-course-terra-cotta-fragment-with-speckled-finish","title":"early 20th century michael reese hospital \"gardenesque\" exterior building facade sill course terra cotta fragment with speckled finish","description":"largely intact early 20th century michael reese hospital \"old main\" building terra cotta sill course fragment featuring two recessed panels containing low-relief volutes paired with angular abstract geometric shapes. the \"gardenesque\" terra cotta fragment contains a speckled black slip glaze finish darkened over time. the building's ornament was designed by hugh garden, who was greatly influenced by the work of his chicago style contemporaries, wright and sullivan. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907. built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden's architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term \"gardenesque.\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669663027498,"sku":"UR-13942-12","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120526-009m_2.jpg?v=1760415970"},{"product_id":"very-unique-and-unusual-oversized-c-1907-michael-reese-hospital-exterior-terra-cotta-figural-lion-head-fragment-with-speckled-glaze-finish","title":"very unique and unusual oversized c. 1907 michael reese hospital exterior terra cotta figural lion head fragment with speckled glaze finish","description":"unusual early 20th century michael reese \"old main\" hospital building exterior figural lion head partial fragment with original speckled black slip glaze finish darkened over time. the oversized lion head was the only one of its kind (much smaller heads were found on each end of the window sills). the building's ornament was designed by hugh garden, who was greatly influenced by the work of his chicago style contemporaries, wright and sullivan. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907. built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden's architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term \"gardenesque.\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669663093034,"sku":"UR-13943-12","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120526-007m_2.jpg?v=1760415987"},{"product_id":"late-19th-century-exterior-reliance-office-building-white-glazed-terra-cotta-fragment-containing-deeply-embossed-floral-quatrefoils","title":"late 19th century exterior reliance office building white glazed terra cotta fragment containing deeply embossed floral quatrefoils","description":"19th century white glazed terra cotta building facade fragment removed from the historically important reliance building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style fragment with deeply embossed quatrefoil floral rosettes, contains a subtle allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. priced for the set. make for ideal bookends. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel. measures 15 x 5 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669747241258,"sku":"UR-14658-12","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120806-015m_2.jpg?v=1760154270"},{"product_id":"pair-of-late-19th-century-exterior-bunham-atwood-cream-colored-reliance-building-gothic-style-terra-cotta-fragments","title":"pair of late 19th century exterior bunham \u0026 atwood cream-colored reliance building gothic style terra cotta fragments","description":"genuine 19th century white glazed terra cotta architrave building facade fragments removed from the historically important reliance building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style fragments contain a subtle allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. priced for the set. make for ideal bookends. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel. measure 12 x 7 x 4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669759430954,"sku":"UR-14803-12","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120821-20120821-007m_2.jpg?v=1760330885"},{"product_id":"largely-intact-19th-century-chicago-prairie-school-exterior-reliance-building-cream-colored-terra-cotta-corner-block-with-allover-crazed-finish","title":"largely intact 19th century chicago prairie school exterior reliance building cream-colored terra cotta corner block with allover crazed finish","description":"genuine 19th century white glazed terra cotta architrave building facade corner panel or block removed from the historically important reliance building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style fragment contains a subtle allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel. measure 12 x 7 x 4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669759660330,"sku":"UR-14804-12","price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120821-20120821-010m_2.jpg?v=1760330909"},{"product_id":"original-late-19th-century-american-prairie-school-ornamental-exterior-reliance-building-facade-panel-with-cream-colored-glazed-finish","title":"original late 19th century american prairie school ornamental exterior reliance building facade panel with cream-colored glazed finish","description":"genuine 19th century white glazed terra cotta exterior building facade fragment removed from the historically important reliance building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style fragment with opposing corner beds contains a subtle allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669759856938,"sku":"UR-14806-12","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20120821-008m_2.jpg?v=1760418350"},{"product_id":"historically-important-c-1930-s-american-art-deco-exterior-nortown-theater-facade-comedy-figural-glazed-terra-cotta-frieze-panel-with-marbleized-finish","title":"historically important c. 1930's american art deco exterior nortown theater facade \"comedy\" figural glazed terra cotta frieze panel with marbleized finish","description":"visually distinctive early 1930's american art deco exterior speckled glaze exterior terra cotta frieze panel salvaged from the non-extant nortown theater facade prior to demolition. the large single-sided ornamental panel features a striking chevron motif with \"comedy\" mask surrounded by by elegant scrolls and floral motifs. the original off-white marbleized finish remains largely intact, with surface discoloration evident from years of exposure to the elements. the panel was fabricated by the american terra cotta company, chicago, il. the multitude of cavities on the backside have been cleaned from brick and mortar. the steel anchors were carefully removed as well. the atmospheric nortown theater was designed and built in 1931 by architect j.e.o. pridmore and the paschen brothers as general contractors. containing over 2000 seats, the auditorium was modeled after the mediterranean region of europe, with an italian courtyard overlooking the sea. the walls gave off an illusion of a seascape and garden scene containing the exteriors of villas with tile rooftops. the audience was seated in full view of the ocean, with lighthouse effect and ships passing in the offing. the nortown was considered the first theater given a pronounced marine treatment. the auditorium ceiling was designed to emulate an \"april constellation,\" with astronomy professor j.c. penn of the armour institute, commissioned to arrange the stars in their proper places to insure an authentic layout. located in chicago, the theater was torn down in 2007. urban remains salvaged the interior and exterior ornament for nearly half a year.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670089109802,"sku":"UR-16743-13","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130225-20130225-033c_2.jpg?v=1760249099"},{"product_id":"original-c-1931-american-depression-era-art-deco-style-exterior-historic-nortown-theater-figural-tragedy-speckle-glazed-terra-cotta-frize-panel","title":"original c. 1931 american depression era art deco style exterior historic nortown theater figural \"tragedy\" speckle glazed terra cotta frize panel","description":"exceptional early 1930's american art deco exterior speckeled glaze exterior terra cotta frieze panel salvaged from the non-extant nortown theater facade prior to demolition. the large single-sided ornamental panel features a striking chevron motif with a figural \"tragedy\" mask flanked by elegant scrolls and floral motifs. the original off-white marbleized finish remains largely intact, with surface discoloration evident from years of exposure to the elements. the panel was fabricated by the american terra cotta company, chicago, il. the multitude of cavities on the backside have been cleaned from brick and mortar. the steel anchors were carefully removed as well. the atmospheric nortown theater was designed and built in 1931 by architect j.e.o. pridmore and the paschen brothers as general contractors. containing over 2000 seats, the auditorium was modeled after the mediterranean region of europe, with an italian courtyard overlooking the sea. the walls gave off an illusion of a seascape and garden scene containing the exteriors of villas with tile rooftops. the audience was seated in full view of the ocean, with lighthouse effect and ships passing in the offing. the nortown was considered the first theater given a pronounced marine treatment. the auditorium ceiling was designed to emulate an \"april constellation,\" with astronomy professor j.c. penn of the armour institute, commissioned to arrange the stars in their proper places to insure an authentic layout. located in chicago, the theater was torn down in 2007. urban remains salvaged the interior and exterior ornament for nearly half a year.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670089175338,"sku":"UR-16744-13","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130225-20130225-032z_2.jpg?v=1760249136"},{"product_id":"late-1890-s-original-exterior-downtown-chicago-historic-reliance-building-documented-white-glazed-terra-cotta-facade-section","title":"late 1890's original exterior downtown chicago historic reliance building documented white glazed terra cotta facade section","description":"genuine 19th century white glazed terra cotta exterior building facade fragment removed from the historically important reliance building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style fragment with opposing corner beds contains a subtle allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel. measures 11 x 11 x 4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670140260650,"sku":"UR-17292-13","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130430-018z_2.jpg?v=1760162165"},{"product_id":"19th-century-louis-sullivan-designed-exterior-schiller-building-facade-terra-cotta-block-featuring-richly-embellished-and-highly-detailed-foliage","title":"19th century louis sullivan-designed exterior schiller building facade terra cotta block featuring richly embellished and highly detailed foliage","description":"original late 19th century intricately designed and deeply embossed ornamental terra cotta building fragment designed by notable chicago prairie school architect louis h. sullivan for the schiller (later garrick ) building completed in 1891-2. the exterior corner block features a richly embellished leaf in high relief. the original cream-colored finish has darkened considerably due to prolonged exposure to soot and other air pollutants over the decades. the terra cotta fragment was fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago, il. the non-extant late 19th century terra cotta-clad schiller theatre building was designed by architects louis sullivan and dankmar adler of the firm adler \u0026amp; sullivan for the german opera company. at the time of its construction, it was one among the tallest buildings in downtown chicago. The building’s focal point was an elaborately designed 1,300-seat theater noted for its highly organic-themed plaster ornament and remarkable acoustics. opened in 1892, the schiller theater was originally funded by german investors and was projected to be used for german-language operas and cultural events. one of the more tangible references to its german heritage was a series of terra cotta busts of prominent german figures integrated within the second story arcade. the theater changed its name and duties over the following decades. it was briefly known as the dearborn theater from 1898 to 1903, until finally settling on the name garrick theater. after german investors backed out of the project in the late 1890’s, it ceased its german performances, and exhibited touring stage shows. in the 1930’s the theater was acquired by balaban \u0026amp; katz and subsequently used as a television studio and movie theater. after a long decline that began during the depression, the garrick was razed in 1960 and replaced with a parking structure. the demolition instigated a large outcry and is considered to be one of the first wide scale preservation efforts in chicago. photographer and historical preservationist richard nickel spearheaded an effort to document and rescue hundreds of architectural artifacts from the building shortly before and during its demolition. 8\" x 12\" x 12\".","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670409122090,"sku":"UR-17874-13","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130809-051m_2.jpg?v=1760340077"},{"product_id":"elegantly-designed-late-19th-century-ywca-building-exterior-glazed-terra-cotta-entrance-surround-frieze-panel-with-salmon-colored-finish","title":"elegantly designed late 19th century ywca building exterior glazed terra cotta entrance surround frieze panel with salmon-colored finish","description":"distinctive late 19th century american ornamental glazed terra cotta frieze panel salvaged from the non-extant ywca building entrance surround during the winter of 2009. the deeply embossed floriated panel features a rather unusual salmon-colored glazed finish. the terra cotta block has been reconfigured by removing the hollow cavities on the backside to significantly reduce the overall weight and  make it more \"wall-friendly\" and\/or manageable for display purposes. the block is attributed to notable terra cotta fabricator northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. surface wear and residual paint evident. the seven-story red brick and terra cotta ywca hotel (located at 830 south michigan avenue) was designed by chicago architect john m. van osdel ii, nephew of prominent chicago architect john mills van osdel ii. construction of the property was completed in 1895. the late19th century hotel is one of the oldest ywca buildings in the country, and was the first to be built in the city of chicago. the ywca originally used to house working women newly arriving in the city following the 1893 world's fair. located near the illinois central railroad station and within a reasonable distance to the heart of the loop, it was was designed to take advantage of views along michigan avenue and the lake, with projecting triangular bay windows on the top floors and a renaissance inspired loggia dressed in ornamental terra cotta on the second floor. in 1929, the building became  the south michigan hotel. in the 1970's the hotel was purchased by johnson publications and converted into offices. the badly dilapidated and structurally compromised building was essentially abandoned for nearly thirty years. the building finally succumbed to the wrecking ball in 2009. urban remains salvaged much of the exterior and interior ornament prior to, and during demolition.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670616346922,"sku":"UR-18413-13","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140513-015n_2.jpg?v=1760341916"},{"product_id":"george-grant-elmslie-designed-thomas-a-edison-school-building-snowflake-terra-cotta-exterior-ornament-with-red-slip-glaze-finish","title":"george grant elmslie-designed thomas. a edison school building \"snowflake\" terra cotta exterior ornament with red slip glaze finish","description":"resized 1936 natural beige clay ornamental single-sided terra cotta panel salvaged from the non-extant thomas a. edison school located at calumet ave. \u0026amp; 170th street in hammond, in. the \"sullivanesque\" style exterior terra cotta frieze panel was originally located along the upper band course of the school building's facade cornice. the symmetrically-arranged terra cotta block consists of strong geometric designs combined with intricate organic elements. the unique and distinctive \"snowflake\" design element was used above the school's entrance, in the form of a perforated ornamental cast aluminum grille. fabricated by the midland terra cotta company, chicago, il. the school's principal architect was william hutton, with george grant elmslie designing the decorative elements. the clay modeler was fritz albert. the \"snowflake\" cornice panel contains a muted red slip glaze finish, with crazing and surface evident. the hallowed cavities on the backside have been removed to make the terra cotta block more manageable for display purposes. measures 27 x 23 1\/2 x 3\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670652719402,"sku":"UR-18744-13","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20131031-007m_2.jpg?v=1760255606"},{"product_id":"early-1890-s-documented-antique-american-exterior-reliance-building-white-glazed-terra-cotta-curtain-wall-fragment-with-quatrefoil","title":"early 1890's documented antique american exterior reliance building white glazed terra cotta \"curtain wall\" fragment with quatrefoil","description":"historically important 19th century white glazed terra cotta exterior building facade fragment removed from the downtown chicago extant reliance building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style fragment contains a single quatrefoil. the allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670659764522,"sku":"UR-18810-13","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20131113-022swe_2.jpg?v=1760343496"},{"product_id":"wall-friendly-original-american-19th-century-exterior-cream-colored-reliance-building-terra-cotta-fragment-with-rear-cavity-removed","title":"\"wall-friendly\" original american 19th century exterior cream-colored reliance building terra cotta fragment with rear cavity removed","description":"single late 19th century white glazed terra cotta architrave building facade fragment removed from the historically important reliance building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style fragment contain a subtle allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. the lightweight fragment has been altered by removing the rear cavity that created additional weight and \"dead space.\" the fragment can be easily hung flush against the wall. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel. measures approximately 5 1\/2 x 5 x 12 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670669070634,"sku":"UR-18897-13","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20131125-004n_2.jpg?v=1760343871"},{"product_id":"very-distinct-and-highly-detailed-american-19th-century-northwestern-railway-lake-front-depot-building-exterior-red-terra-cotta-grotesque-corbel","title":"very distinct and highly detailed american 19th century northwestern railway \"lake front\" depot building exterior red terra cotta grotesque corbel","description":"highly unique and exceptionally detailed american 19th century exterior slip glaze red terra cotta figural grotesque face corbel salvaged from the chicago and northwestern railway \"lake front\" depot prior to demolition in the late 1960's. built in 1889–1890 by the chicago and north western railway, the lake front train depot was located near the shore of lake michigan at the end of east wisconsin avenue, by today's milwaukee county war memorial. the structure was designed and built by charles sumner frost in the romanesque style, and had a tallclock tower which reached 234 feet  the depot cost $200,000 to build at the time, and eventually served 98 trains per day. charles sumner frost worked for the firm of peabody and stearns in boston after graduating from the massachusetts institute of technology. he moved to chicago in 1882, where he began a partnership with henry ives cobb. together, they established the firm cobb and frost, which was active from 1882 to 1898. after the partnership ended, he worked alone, and eventually partnered with alfred hoyt granger to form the firm of frost and granger. frost and granger were known for their designs of train stations and terminals. after frost and granger dissolved, frost continued to work independently, designing such structures as chicago's navy pier, minneapolis great northern depot, milwaukee road depot and milwaukee road passenger depot to name a few.chicago and north western owned the depot until 1946 when milwaukee county bought the structure and surrounding land for $7 million, with the intent to use the land for park purposes and a freeway. c\u0026amp;nw continued to use the depot until may 15, 1966 when trains were moved to the new union station (now the milwaukee intermodal station) after it was built by the chicago, milwaukee, st. paul and pacific railroad (milwaukee road). the milwaukee road had itself vacated its old everett street depot the previous year. the depot succumbed to the wrecking ball in 1968. the sinister-looking grotesque contains a nicely aged surface finish, with the red turning to black due to prolonged exposure to weather and air pollutants (i.e., coal, etc.). the corbel was likely fabricated by either the american or northwestern terra cotta company of chicago, il. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e the terra cotta fabricator is not known. the depot was demolished in the 1960's.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670684504362,"sku":"UR-19066-13","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130807-002n_2.jpg?v=1760256935"},{"product_id":"remarkable-all-original-late-1920-s-american-art-deco-style-polychrome-terra-cotta-richman-brother-building-figural-roofline-ornament","title":"remarkable all original late 1920's american art deco style polychrome terra cotta richman brother building figural roofline ornament","description":"single historically important and highly unusual art deco style exterior polychrome terra cotta figural richman brothers building roofline figural bird, exhibiting combined characteristics of a hawk, “phoenix” bird and “huxwhukw” (man-eating bird). the slightly faded but largely intact polychrome enameled terracotta finial was carefully salvaged from the extant richman brothers downtown clothing store (formerly known as the bee hive dry goods store constructed in 1884 by the architectural firm of adler and sullivan). traces of the original facade were wiped away when in 1929, when the building underwent an extensive remodel or “facadectomy” consisting of a glazed polychrome enameled terra cotta curtain wall and\/or facade fashioned in typical art deco design motifs. two identical figural endcaps rested along the building’s roofline which also contained uniquely designed deco style owls, stylized leafage and flowing scrollwork or volutes. the entire terra cotta cornice was removed by urban remains after the discovery of structural instability and\/or severe corrosion of steel support members. the surface wear and discoloration or darkened surface areas were caused by prolonged exposure to air pollutants. the oversized figural bird was possibly fabricated by either the american terra cotta company or midland terra cotta company - both based in chicago at the time. the single remaining bird resides in the bldg. 51 museum collection. great overall condition, considering age.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670776877354,"sku":"UR-19643-14","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140309-20140309-027x_2.jpg?v=1760170276"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-original-historically-important-michael-reese-hospital-old-main-speckled-terra-cotta-sill-course-panel","title":"early 20th century original historically important michael reese hospital \"old main\" speckled terra cotta sill course panel","description":"historically important early 20th century michael reese hospital \"old main\" building terra cotta sill course panel replete with an unusual combination of flowing volutes or scrollwork and abstract rigid geometric design motifs. the \"gardenesque\" terra cotta symmetrical panel contains a speckled black slip glaze finish that has darkened considerably over time. the building's ornament was designed by hugh garden, who was greatly influenced by the work of his chicago style contemporaries, wright and sullivan. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907. built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden's architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term \"gardenesque.\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670788215082,"sku":"UR-19689-14","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140317-20140317-143z_2.jpg?v=1760259625"},{"product_id":"original-19th-century-american-antique-y-w-c-a-building-exterior-salmon-colored-glazed-terra-cotta-panel-with-meander-or-greek-fret-design","title":"original 19th century american antique y.w.c.a. building exterior salmon-colored glazed terra cotta panel with meander or greek fret design","description":"museum-quality late 19th century american ornamental salmon-colored lazed terra cotta frieze panel salvaged from the non-extant y.w.c.a. building entrance surround during the winter of 2009. the simple, yet elegant panel features a meander or greek fret design motif with a grooved line field pattern. the unusually colored terra cotta block has been reconfigured by removing the hollow cavities on the backside to significantly reduce the overall weight and make it more \"wall-friendly\" and\/or manageable for display purposes. the block is attributed to notable terra cotta fabricator northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. surface wear, allover crazing and residual paint evident. the seven-story red brick and terra cotta ywca hotel (located at 830 south michigan avenue) was designed by chicago architect john m. van osdel ii, nephew of prominent chicago architect john mills van osdel ii. construction of the property was completed in 1895. the late19th century hotel is one of the oldest ywca buildings in the country, and was the first to be built in the city of chicago. the ywca originally used to house working women newly arriving in the city following the 1893 world's fair. located near the illinois central railroad station and within a reasonable distance to the heart of the loop, it was was designed to take advantage of views along michigan avenue and the lake, with projecting triangular bay windows on the top floors and a renaissance inspired loggia dressed in ornamental terra cotta on the second floor. in 1929, the building became the south michigan hotel. in the 1970's the hotel was purchased by johnson publications and converted into offices. the badly dilapidated and structurally compromised building was essentially abandoned for nearly thirty years. the building finally succumbed to the wrecking ball in 2009. urban remains salvaged much of the exterior and interior ornament prior to, and during demolition. the decorative neoclassical style panel measures 17 x 13 1\/4 x 3 3\/4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670825079082,"sku":"UR-19860-14","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140410-20140410-035x_2.jpg?v=1760348322"},{"product_id":"late-19th-century-original-exterior-reliance-building-interlocking-facade-curtain-wall-white-glazed-terra-cotta-panels-accentuated-with-beads-or-buttons","title":"late 19th century original exterior reliance building interlocking facade curtain wall white glazed terra cotta panels accentuated with beads or buttons","description":"completely documented and all original late 19th century american white glazed terra cotta curtain wall building facade vertically aligned interlocking panels removed from the historically important reliance commercial building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style terra cotta curtain wall section contains surface wear and an allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. hairline cracks and general surface wear attest to the fact that the facade was not well-maintained throughout much of its existence. only after exhaustive documentation and restoration of the facade was the level of damage fully realized. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. the multi-panel section contains rear cavities that have been hallowed to reduce the overall weight. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670836908330,"sku":"UR-19944-14","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140423-021x_2.jpg?v=1760171726"},{"product_id":"original-19th-century-museum-quality-schiller-theater-later-known-as-the-garrick-building-sectional-terra-cotta-slip-glaze-geometric-flower-border-panel","title":"original 19th century museum-quality schiller theater (later known as the garrick) building sectional terra cotta slip glaze \"geometric flower\" border panel","description":"museum-quality 19th century all original and unrestored deep relief exterior slip glaze terra cotta border segmented or sectional panel salvaged from the schiller building's (later known as the the garrick theater) central tower during demolition of the building in 1960. the massive exterior panel is comprised of four equally-sized sections with the loose morar and brick removed from the rear cavities (also known as \"webbing\", which substantially strengthened the load-bearing capacity of the hollow terra-cotta block without greatly increasing its weight). the \"geometric flower\" pattern panel was thought to have been designed by draftsman (at the time) frank lloyd wright - who later occupied the 16th floor in 1893. the original cream or buff-colored glazed finish has darkened considerably due to prolonged exposure to soot and other air pollutants over the decades. the terra cotta fragment was fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago, il. the non-extant late 19th century terra cotta-clad schiller theatre building was designed by architects louis sullivan and dankmar adler of the firm adler \u0026amp; sullivan for the german opera company. at the time of its construction, it was one among the tallest buildings in downtown chicago. The building’s focal point was an elaborately designed 1,300-seat theater noted for its highly organic-themed plaster ornament and remarkable acoustics. opened in 1892, the schiller theater was originally funded by german investors and was projected to be used for german-language operas and cultural events. one of the more tangible references to its german heritage was a series of terra cotta busts of prominent german figures integrated within the second story arcade. the theater changed its name and duties over the following decades. it was briefly known as the dearborn theater from 1898 to 1903, until finally settling on the name garrick theater. after german investors backed out of the project in the late 1890’s, it ceased its german performances, and exhibited touring stage shows. in the 1930’s the theater was acquired by balaban \u0026amp; katz and subsequently used as a television studio and movie theater. after a long decline that began during the depression, the garrick was razed in 1960 and replaced with a parking structure. the demolition instigated a large outcry and is considered to be one of the first wide scale preservation efforts in chicago. photographer and historical preservationist richard nickel spearheaded an effort to document and rescue hundreds of architectural artifacts from the building shortly before and during its demolition.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670837104938,"sku":"UR-19946-14","price":8500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20100526-20100526-023z_2.jpg?v=1760260916"},{"product_id":"historically-important-late-19th-or-early-20th-century-original-exterior-white-glazed-terra-cotta-schlesinger-mayer-department-store-building-stringcourse-panel","title":"historically important late 19th or early 20th century original exterior white glazed terra cotta schlesinger \u0026 mayer department store building stringcourse panel","description":"original late 19th or early 20th century museum-quality exterior white glazed terra cotta stringcourse panel or block removed from the schlesinger \u0026amp; mayer department store during extensive renovations of the building's facade - which included the dramatic return of a newly-created 12th floor colonnade and cornice. the terra cotta block was designed by louis h. sullivan and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company under the direction of master or chief sculptor. the rectangular-shaped block contains curvaceous lines surrounded by bursts of intricate leafage. the terra cotta block contains surface wear, loss of glaze, discoloration - all consistent with age or prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the rear cavities or \"webbing\" have been removed. the schlesinger \u0026amp; mayer building (later known as the carson, pirie, scott and company building) is an extant commercial building designed by architect louis sullivan for the retail firm schlesinger \u0026amp; mayer. in 1898, schlesinger and mayer decided to demolish the original building located on state and madison streets and replace it with a new structure designed by sullivan. the architectural plans drawn up by sullivan consisted of both a nine and twelve-story proposal. they eventually started with a nine-story portion of the building that was made on the madison street side next to the original portion of the adler and sullivan renovations executed years earlier. in 1902 schlesinger and mayer came back to sullivan wanting a twenty-story building on state and madison, eventually settling for the final twelve stories. the madison street portion that was added earlier did not structurally support twelve stories so it was left as is. sullivan came up with a three-stage plan to finish the new building and allow schlesinger and mayer to keep their business running during the christmas season. the building is remarkable for its steel-framed structure, which allowed a dramatic increase in window area created by bay-wide windows, which in turn allowed for the greatest amount of daylight into the building interiors. this provided larger displays of merchandise to outside pedestrian traffic creating the idea of the sidewalk showcase. in between the windows were lavish bands of terra cotta that replaced the earlier plan for white georgia quarries because it was light weight and inexpensive. another reason for the change in what type of marble they would use in construction was that stonecutters were having a strike in 1898 during the time of construction. the lavish bronze-plated cast-iron ornamental work above the rounded tower was also meant to be functional because it was to be as resilient as a sheet of copper. both the use of bronze and terra cotta was important to setting the building apart from others because it was essentially fire resistant. it created a sense of monumentality. sullivan thought the building would be an asset to the city for a long period of time. to ensure this great building would last and be resilient against the threat of fire, there was a 40 ft. water tower installed on the roof to supply the sprinkler system with enough water, after the city of chicago had the great fire. sullivan designed the corner entry to be seen from both state and madison, and that the ornamentation, situated above the entrance, would be literally attractive, which would give the store an elegant unique persona important to the competitiveness of the neighboring stores.the building is one of the classic structures of the chicago school. the ornate decorative panels on the lowest stories of the building are now generally credited to george grant elmslie who was sullivan's chief draftsman after frank lloyd wright left the firm. these ornamental additions originated from the influence of celtic metalwork. the way this technique was used by elmslie on the lower floors of the building were so elaborate that it used the natural lighting and shadows to seem almost as if it were magically floating above the ground. the top floor of the 1899 and 1904 sections of the building were recessed to create a narrow loggia topped by an intricately detailed cornice that projected beyond the facade of the building. this was removed around 1948 and the 12th floor redesigned to replicate the lower floors. subsequent additions were completed by daniel burnham in 1906 and holabird \u0026amp; root in 1961. the downtown chicago building has been used for retail purposes since 1899, and has been a chicago landmark since 1975. it is part of the loop retail historic district.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670850769194,"sku":"UR-20061-14","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140513-016m_2.jpg?v=1760261296"},{"product_id":"original-c-1905-07-american-prairie-school-style-speckle-glazed-michael-reese-hospital-terra-cotta-stringcourse-thistle-rosette-fragment","title":"original c. 1905-07 american prairie school style speckle glazed michael reese hospital terra cotta stringcourse \"thistle\" rosette fragment","description":"early 20th century historically important michael reese hospital \"old main\" building exterior terra cotta stringcourse fragment replete with a sharp and highly detailed thistle design motif contained within a rigid geometric border. the \"gardenesque\" terra cotta panel contains a speckled black slip glaze finish that has darkened considerably over time. the fragment was originally apart of the string or belt course located below the elaborate frieze panel. the building's ornament was designed by hugh garden, who was greatly influenced by the work of his chicago style contemporaries, wright and sullivan. the south side chicago michael reese hopsital was erected on the ground of the former hospital constructed in 1880. the hospital was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on june 16th, 1907 (laying of the building cornerstone commenced on july 4th, 1905). built at a cost of nearly a million dollars, the hospital was considered the most modern and best equipped in the city during time of construction. the building itself was six stories in height, constructed of solid masonry, steel and tile, with the most approved \"system of heating, lighting and ventilation.\" the interior originally accommodated 240 beds, included sixty private rooms. there were three operating rooms , along with special provisions for isolating patients in the surgical, medical gynecological and maternity departments. the hospital was designed by the architectural firm of schmidt and garden and martin. although known primarily for their commercial and industrial designs, the firm also designed several residential buildings, more than 300 hospitals and a few public structures. richard ernest schmidt studied architecture at the massachusetts institute of technology and worked for a number of architects (adolph cudell and charles sumner frost) before starting his own practice in 1887. eight years later, he asked hugh gorden garden to join him as chief of design. a native of toronto, canada, garden had moved to chicago in the late-1880's, apprenticing with several architectural firms, including flanders \u0026amp; zimmerman, henry ives cobb, and shepley, rutan \u0026amp; coolidge. he then became a freelance renderer, which brought him jobs with howard van doren shaw, louis sullivan, and frank lloyd wright. in 1906, the schmidt-garden partnership was formalized under the name of richard e. schmidt, garden \u0026amp; martin. the third partner was edgar d. martin, who later joined the firm of pond \u0026amp; pond. schmidt brought business acumen and social connections to the partnership, while garden brought the imagination, inventiveness, and sensitivity of a creative designer and versatile draftsman. martin was an extremely skilled structural engineer who was able to solve technical problems associated with large industrial buildings and modern materials, such as the montgomery ward \u0026amp; co. catalog house, one of the first buildings to be constructed of reinforced concrete. garden helped evolve the firm's progressive approach to design, much in the way that his contemporaries, sullivan and wright, had done. the style and details of garden's architectural designs were so unique and distinctive that they often are referred to with the term \"gardenesque.\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670873116970,"sku":"UR-20272-14","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140609-018x_2.jpg?v=1760262416"},{"product_id":"remarkable-c-1927-nautical-themed-lakeshore-drive-athletic-club-swimming-pool-room-wall-mount-polychromatic-slip-glaze-faience-earthenware-tile","title":"remarkable c. 1927 nautical-themed lakeshore drive athletic club swimming pool room wall-mount polychromatic slip glaze faience earthenware tile","description":"original late 1920's american made historically significant nautical-themed figural wall-mount tile fabricated by the mosiac tile company, zanesville, oh. the designer of the tile is not known. the brightly colored baked enameled tile was salvaged from the lakeshore athletic club building completed in 1927. the backside of the baked red clay tile contains the \"mtc\" encircled monogram lightly incised into the surface. any and all mortar has been removed. slight surface crazing evident. the tile represents one in a series of seven used along the walls of the pool room. the historically important 19-story towering beax-arts style lakeshore athletic club building was designed by renowned chicago architect jarvis hunt in 1927. the extant chicago landmark is located on a prominent corner along the shores of lake michigan. the interior boasted a gargantuan marble-clad lobby, with ornamented bronze chandeliers and gilded plasterwork. in addition, the building contained stunning ballrooms, a reading room and a pool room bedecked with nautical-themed polychromatic enamel tiles found along the walls and floors surrounding the pool. in 1928, the lakeshore athletic club received national attention when it hosted the 1928 olympic swimming trials, where gold medalist and future holywood actor johnny weissmuller qualified for the olympic games being held in amsterdam. during the late 1970's (and after falling into disrepair), the outdated building was purchased by northwestern university for use as a dormitory for their students for the next several years. after changing ownership again in 2008-9, the then-abandoned building received a major overhaul in preparation for conversion into luxury apartments.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670984724778,"sku":"UR-20857-14","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140919-017s_2.jpg?v=1760441048"},{"product_id":"rare-early-20th-century-single-sided-midland-terra-cotta-plate-77-lithographed-cardstock-sullivanesque-style-stock-terra-cotta-informational-diagram","title":"rare early 20th century single-sided midland terra cotta \"plate 77\" lithographed cardstock \"sullivanesque\" style stock terra cotta informational diagram","description":"single rare and highly sought after original early 20th century single-sided \"plate 77\" black and white lithographed cardstock diagram depicting a heavily ornamented \"sulllivanesque\" white glazed \"stock\" terra cotta cartouche with highly detailed specifications. the oversized informational diagram is part of a large collection of detailed plates depicting cataloged terra cotta ornament along with suggested installations of the company's ornament on any number of facades. the cartouche on this plate is by far one of the very best sectional terra cotta pieces executed by the midland terra cotta company. the detailing draws heavily from the hands of notable chicago architect, louis h. sullivan and his former chief draftsman george grant elmslie. nearly every installation that incorporated this massive cartouche into their facade were finished in a uniform white glaze. the exact printing company is not known, but the midland terra cotta company may have very well executed the plates and packaging themselves. this plate belongs to a complete series with original envelope and the stamped name of the client and\/or recipient.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50670992752938,"sku":"UR-20875-14","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140922-020x_2.jpg?v=1760353563"},{"product_id":"c-1927-original-documented-wall-mount-interior-lakeshore-drive-athletic-club-pool-room-wall-mount-pelican-figural-tile-with-baked-enameled-finish","title":"c. 1927 original documented wall-mount interior lakeshore drive athletic club pool room wall-mount \"pelican\" figural tile with baked enameled finish","description":"historically-important c. 1920's original brightly colored enameled earthenware flush mount \"pelican\" tile designed and fabricated by the mosaic tile company, zanesville, oh. the unusual tile was salvaged from the lakeshore drive athletic club pool room walls. residual mortar from the backside of the fired clay tile has been removed. the original monogrammed stamp remains intact. the single red clay tiles remains in great overall condition, considering age. minor surface wear evident from one tile to the next. very limited number available for sale. the historically important 19-story towering beax-arts style lakeshore athletic club building was designed by renowned chicago architect jarvis hunt in 1927. the extant chicago landmark is located on a prominent corner along the shores of lake michigan. the interior boasted a gargantuan marble-clad lobby, with ornamented bronze chandeliers and gilded plasterwork. in addition, the building contained stunning ballrooms, a reading room and a pool room bedecked with nautical-themed polychromatic enamel tiles found along the walls and floors surrounding the pool. in 1928, the lakeshore athletic club received national attention when it hosted the 1928 olympic swimming trials, where gold medalist and future holywood actor johnny weissmuller qualified for the olympic games being held in amsterdam. during the late 1970's (and after falling into disrepair), the outdated building was purchased by northwestern university for use as a dormitory for the ir students for the next several years. after changing ownership again in 2008-9, the then-abandoned building received a major overhaul in preparation for conversion into luxury apartments. each earthenware tile with polychromatic enameled glaze contain nautical-themed scenes featuring various sea creatures in vibrant colors. the tiles were configured in \"sets\" of 7 continuous tiles in the order depicted below. the flush mount wall tiles were on each of the walls facing the pool. after we carefully removed mortar from one of the salvaged tiles, we found a lightly incised encircled monogram that turned out to be the mark of the mosaic tile company of zanesville, oh. the company was established in 1894 by karl langerbeck and herman mueller. notable potter, frederick hurten rhead, work for the company from 1922-23. a vast selection of ornamental and plain tiles were fabricated in their factories until 1959. the company ultimately closed in 1967. measures 4 x 4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671002976554,"sku":"UR-20913-14","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140919-021c_2.jpg?v=1760441624"},{"product_id":"late-1920-s-important-original-and-documented-interior-lakeshore-drive-athletic-club-wall-mount-polychromatic-nautical-themed-red-clay-figural-tile","title":"late 1920's important original and documented interior lakeshore drive athletic club wall-mount polychromatic nautical-themed red clay figural tile","description":"exceptional c. 1920's original brightly colored enameled earthenware flush mount \"mythical fish\" tile designed and fabricated by the mosaic tile company, zanesville, oh. the unusual tile was salvaged from the lakeshore drive athletic club pool room walls. residual mortar from the backside of the fired clay tile has been removed. the original monogrammed stamp remains intact. the single red clay tiles remains in great overall condition, considering age. minor surface wear evident from one tile to the next. very limited number available for sale. the historically important 19-story towering beax-arts style lakeshore athletic club building was designed by renowned chicago architect jarvis hunt in 1927. the extant chicago landmark is located on a prominent corner along the shores of lake michigan. the interior boasted a gargantuan marble-clad lobby, with ornamented bronze chandeliers and gilded plasterwork. in addition, the building contained stunning ballrooms, a reading room and a pool room bedecked with nautical-themed polychromatic enamel tiles found along the walls and floors surrounding the pool. in 1928, the lakeshore athletic club received national attention when it hosted the 1928 olympic swimming trials, where gold medalist and future holywood actor johnny weissmuller qualified for the olympic games being held in amsterdam. during the late 1970's (and after falling into disrepair), the outdated building was purchased by northwestern university for use as a dormitory for the ir students for the next several years. after changing ownership again in 2008-9, the then-abandoned building received a major overhaul in preparation for conversion into luxury apartments. each earthenware tile with polychromatic enameled glaze contain nautical-themed scenes featuring various sea creatures in vibrant colors. the tiles were configured in \"sets\" of 7 continuous tiles in the order depicted below. the flush mount wall tiles were on each of the walls facing the pool. after we carefully removed mortar from one of the salvaged tiles, we found a lightly incised encircled monogram that turned out to be the mark of the mosaic tile company of zanesville, oh. the company was established in 1894 by karl langerbeck and herman mueller. notable potter, frederick hurten rhead, work for the company from 1922-23. a vast selection of ornamental and plain tiles were fabricated in their factories until 1959. the company ultimately closed in 1967. measures 4 x 4 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671003042090,"sku":"UR-20914-14","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140919-019c_2.jpg?v=1760176890"},{"product_id":"diminutive-late-19th-century-charles-atwood-designed-white-glazed-exterior-terra-cotta-fragment-salvaged-from-the-historically-important-reliance-building","title":"diminutive late 19th century charles atwood-designed white glazed exterior terra cotta fragment salvaged from the historically-important reliance building","description":"very lightweight and diminutive white glazed terra cotta exterior curtain wall and\/or facade fragment removed from the historically-important reliance building, located in downtown chicago. the curtain wall fragment does contain gothic style tracery throughout. allover crazing and discoloration attest to the fact that the facade was not well-maintained throughout much of its existence. only after exhaustive documentation and restoration of the facade was the level of damage fully realized. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671012577578,"sku":"UR-20973-14","price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20141112-20140922-032x_2.jpg?v=1760354071"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-seldom-found-traveling-salesman-heavy-card-stock-plate-46-lithographed-terra-cotta-installation-schematic","title":"original early 20th century seldom found traveling salesman heavy card stock \"plate 46\" lithographed terra cotta installation schematic","description":"all original and intact rare and highly sought after c. 1910-20 single-sided \"plate 46\" black and white lithographed cardstock diagram or schematic depicting heavily ornamented \"sullivanesque\" white glazed \"stock\" terra cotta building facade components with highly detailed specifications and\/or recommended installation arrangements. the oversized heavy cardstock informational diagram is part of a large collection of detailed plates depicting cataloged terra cotta ornament along with suggested installations of the company's ornament on any number of facades. the exterior terra cotta depicted on this plate represent some of the more notable sectional terra cotta pieces executed by the midland terra cotta company. the detailing draws heavily from the hands of notable chicago architect, louis h. sullivan and his former chief draftsman george grant elmslie. nearly every installation that incorporated this massive cartouche into their facade were finished in a uniform white glaze. the exact printing company is not known, but the midland terra cotta company may have very well executed the plates and packaging themselves. this plate is a duplicate belonging to a complete series with original envelope and the stamped name of the client and\/or recipient. the asking price is for the plate only.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671039381802,"sku":"UR-21062-14","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140922-019_2_-2c_4.jpg?v=1760177706"},{"product_id":"exceptional-original-early-20th-century-original-sullivanesque-midland-terra-cotta-plate-45-lithographed-cardstock-diagram-of-a-sectional-white-glazed-medallion","title":"exceptional original early 20th century original \"sullivanesque\" midland terra cotta \"plate 45\" lithographed cardstock diagram of a sectional white glazed medallion","description":"all original and intact rare and highly sought after c. 1910-20 single-sided \"plate 45\" black and white lithographed cardstock diagram or schematic depicting variation of the heavily ornamented \"slllivanesque\" white glazed \"stock\" terra cotta building facade circular-shaped medallion with highly detailed specifications and\/or recommended installation arrangements. the oversized heavy cardstock informational diagram is part of a large collection of detailed plates depicting cataloged terra cotta ornament along with suggested installations of the company's ornament on any number of facades. the exterior terra cotta medallion depicted on this plate represent one of the most notable sectional terra cotta pieces executed by the midland terra cotta company. the detailing draws heavily from the hands of notable chicago architect, louis h. sullivan and his former chief draftsman george grant elmslie. nearly every installation that incorporated this massive cartouche into their facade were finished in a uniform white glaze. the exact printing company is not known, but the midland terra cotta company may have very well executed the plates and packaging themselves. this plate is a duplicate belonging to a complete series with original envelope and the stamped name of the client and\/or recipient. the asking price is for the plate only.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671039447338,"sku":"UR-21063-14","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20140922-022_2_c_2.jpg?v=1760266252"},{"product_id":"very-rare-c-1880-s-original-and-unsent-double-sided-highly-stylized-heavy-card-stock-early-northwestern-terra-cotta-company-work-order-united-states-postal-card","title":"very rare c. 1880's original and unsent double-sided highly stylized heavy card stock early northwestern terra cotta company work order united states postal card","description":"all original and well-maintained unsent united states postal card printed specifically for the northwestern terra cotta company and true, brunkhorst \u0026amp; company. the postcard is comprised of heavy cardstock with double-sided black print. the card design is attributed to  p.c. lautrup, who did catalogs and brochures for true, brunkhorst \u0026amp; company, which eventually merged with the northwestern terra cotta works. the unique and early terra cotta advertising postcard dates to the 1880's. the unsent work order postcard remains in good condition, with wear along the edges and discoloration. founded in chicago in 1878 by a group of investors including john r. true, the northwestern terra cotta company became a major producer of terra cotta ornament used by the construction industry. the studios draftsmen (including the highly skilled fritz albert) transformed architectural blueprints into comprehensive shop drawings that identified exactly where and how each puzzle-like piece would be secured to its supporting structure. by the early 1890's, when northwestern terra cotta employed approximately 500 men, annual sales approached $600,000. by 1910, its large (still extant) plant at clybourn and wrightwood avenues had about 1,000 workers. the popularity of placing terra cotta moldings on building facades peaked in the 1920's, and northwestern terra cotta led the way, in chicago and around the country. around this time, the company opened plants in st. louis and denver. beginning with louis sullivan earlier in the century, prominent chicago architects like frank lloyd wright had extensive contracts with the company. included among the many landmark chicago buildings for which northwestern supplied extensive decorative moldings were the civic opera house, the chicago theater, the wrigley building, and the randolph tower. northwestern's operations in chicago declined alongside the construction industry during great depression and never returned to their 1920's levels. in 1965, northwestern terra cotta co.'s only remaining plant, in denver, closed.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671138865450,"sku":"UR-21909-15","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150310-img_0033drtyui_2.jpg?v=1760358523"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-exterior-white-glazed-terra-cotta-sullivanesque-style-exterior-chicago-garage-salvaged-facade-element-with-discoloration","title":"original early 20th century exterior white glazed terra cotta \"sullivanesque\" style exterior chicago garage salvaged facade element with discoloration","description":"largely intact early 20th century \"sullivanesque\" style white glazed terra cotta fragment salvaged from a chicago automotive garage constructed with terra cotta designed and fabricated by the midland terra cotta company, chicago, ill. several fragments were recently acquired by urban remains from a demolition contractor retiring from the business. the single-sided panel is discolored and crazed from prolonged exposure to the elements. dates to 1921-1924. only one available. measures 13 1\/2 x 20 1\/2 x 31 1\/2 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671199879466,"sku":"UR-22390-15","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150608-img_0022_2.jpg?v=1760184613"},{"product_id":"original-c-1918-american-prairie-school-exterior-chicago-building-facade-white-glazed-stock-terra-cotta-block-with-centrally-located-diamond-and-allover-crazing","title":"original c. 1918 american prairie school exterior chicago building facade white glazed \"stock\" terra cotta block with centrally located diamond and allover crazing","description":"\u003cp\u003esingle american prairie school style white glazed terra cotta \"sullivanesque\" exterior building facade ornamental fired clay diminutive block designed and fabricated by the midland terra cotta company, chicago, ills. the nicely aged chicago building block features a centrally located diamond against a simple grid field pattern. the salvaged terra cotta block exhibits an altered surface patina featuring allover crazing and coal soot accumulation gives the blocks a distinctive discoloration and surface characteristics caused from pronged exposure to the elements. the \"webbing\" or rear cavities are intact and free from damage. the chicago warehouse that was outfitted with white glazed \"sullivanesque\" terra cotta ornament was constructed at a cost of $18,000 in 1918. the brick garage was built for c.c. anderson, who resided at the reaper block by architect w.p. whitney with offices on south michigan avenue. the contractor and\/or mason was identified as one h.l. schroeder according to a 1918 issue of the american contractor. several terra cotta blocks from the facade were removed and\/or recovered during the building's demolition. \"sullivanesque\" terra cotta is becoming increasingly more difficult to come by. several ornamented blocks available. all priced individually unless otherwise noted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMeasures: 8.25 x 8.25\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671215608106,"sku":"UR-22469-15","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150617-img_0048_2.jpg?v=1760449599"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-single-stock-white-glazed-terra-cotta-chicago-building-facade-ornamental-block-featuring-intricate-floral-motifs-surrounded-by-raised-edges","title":"early 20th century single \"stock\" white glazed terra cotta chicago building facade ornamental block featuring intricate floral motifs surrounded by raised edges","description":"\u003cp\u003esingle american prairie school style \"stock\" white glazed terra cotta exterior building facade ornamental fired clay rectangular-shaped block designed and fabricated by the midland terra cotta company, chicago, ills. the nicely aged chicago building block features a slightly recessed field pattern consisting of intricate floral motifs. the salvaged terra cotta block exhibits an nicely aged surface patina featuring allover crazing and coal soot accumulation. the \"webbing\" or rear cavities are intact and free from damage. the chicago warehouse that was outfitted with white glazed \"sullivanesque\" terra cotta ornament was constructed at a cost of $18,000 in 1918. the brick garage was built for c.c. anderson, who resided at the reaper block by architect w.p. whitney with offices on south michigan avenue. the contractor and\/or mason was identified as one h.l. schroeder according to a 1918 issue of the american contractor. several terra cotta blocks from the facade were removed and\/or recovered during the building's demolition. \"sullivanesque\" terra cotta is becoming increasingly more difficult to come by. several ornamented blocks available. all priced individually unless otherwise noted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMeasures: 10x8\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671217901866,"sku":"UR-22482-15","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150618-img_0017dfgrgh_2.jpg?v=1760273779"},{"product_id":"unusual-c-1880-s-original-red-glazed-antique-victorian-era-exterior-chicago-building-facade-terra-cotta-panel-featuring-a-richly-ornate-floral-motif","title":"unusual c. 1880's original red glazed antique victorian era exterior chicago building facade terra cotta panel featuring a richly ornate floral motif","description":"largely intact and visually striking original exterior chicago building facade terra cotta panel attributed to the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago, ills. the distinctive medium-sized panel and\/or building fragment features a high relief floral motif against a slightly angled or faceted unornamented panel with a heavily darkened patina. the antique american building fragment is largely intact. the exact building or architect is not known. the northwestern terra cotta company was founded in chicago in 1878 by a group of investors including john r. true. this company became a major producer of terra cotta trimmings used by the construction industry. by the early 1890's, when northwestern terra cotta employed approximately 500 men, annual sales approached $600,000. by 1910, its large plant at clybourn and wrightwood avenues had about 1,000 workers. the popularity of placing terra cotta moldings on building facades peaked in the 1920s', and northwestern terra cotta led the way, in chicago and around the country. around this time, the company opened plants in st. louis and denver. beginning with louis sullivan earlier in the century, prominent chicago architects like frank lloyd wright had extensive contracts with the company. included among the many landmark chicago buildings for which northwestern supplied extensive decorative moldings were the civic opera house, the chicago theater, the wrigley building, and the randolph tower. northwestern's operations in chicago declined alongside the construction industry during great depression and never returned to their 1920's levels. in 1965, the northwestern terra cotta company's only remaining plant, located in denver, closed.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671239823658,"sku":"UR-22598-15","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20150608-img_0026_2.jpg?v=1760185583"},{"product_id":"original-late-19th-or-early-20th-century-cream-colored-exterior-wrightesque-square-shaped-terra-cotta-panel-salvaged-from-a-notable-and-historically-important-chicago-building","title":"original late 19th or early 20th century cream-colored exterior \"wrightesque\" square-shaped terra cotta panel salvaged from a notable and historically important chicago building","description":"very unique and visually striking original cream-colored decommissioned museum exterior terra cotta fragment salvaged from a notable 19th or early 20th century building (research ongoing). the square-shaped panel contains a custom-built welded joint steel frame designed to mount the panel against a wall for display. the strongly geometric design contains elements used in burnham and root, sullivan and adler, or perhaps schmidt, garden and martin buildings. the oversized terra cotta block remains in great overall condition. the finish is lightly speckled throughout. 18 5\/8 x 18 5\/8 x 4 1\/2\"","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671370338602,"sku":"UR-23013-15","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20130412-20130412-010c_2.jpg?v=1760364516"},{"product_id":"historically-important-original-and-documented-late-19th-century-daniel-burnham-reliance-skyscraper-building-curtain-wall-glazed-terra-cotta-fragment-with-allover-crazing","title":"historically important original and documented late 19th century daniel burnham reliance skyscraper building curtain wall glazed terra cotta fragment with allover crazing","description":"single late 19th century white glazed terra cotta architrave building facade fragment removed from the historically important reliance building during extensive renovations completed in the late 1990's. the gothic style fragment contain a subtle allover crazed finish, likely caused from prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. the lightweight fragment has been altered by removing the rear cavity that created additional weight and \"dead space.\" the fragment can be easily hung flush against the wall. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671464448298,"sku":"UR-23489-15","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20151127-img_0071c_2.jpg?v=1760190139"},{"product_id":"original-and-historically-important-late-nineteenth-century-ephemera-in-the-form-of-a-monthly-statement-and-customized-card-or-stationary-sheet-from-the-northwestern-terra-cotta-company","title":"original and historically important late nineteenth century ephemera in the form of a monthly statement and customized card or stationary sheet from the northwestern terra cotta company","description":"single original and collectible antique c.1890's ephemera associated with the northwestern terra cotta company in chicago, il. a folded card or stationary features detailed black and white lithographed illustraions of a stonework facade, and of a scene labeled as the \"main office \u0026amp; works cor. clybourn \u0026amp; wrightwood aves. \/ city offic 1118 rookery bldg\". the company name is displayed in ornate font with surrounding ornament and a shadow effect outlining the lettering. the upper corners of the paper lis g. hottinger and h. rothkam as president and vice president respectively, as well as the treasurer and secretary. a line of text with blanks for filling in reads, \"chicago, ___189___\". accompanying this promotional material is a monthly statement from the company, dated april 29, 1895 to the hennen bldg in new orleans. the page includes a company header above graphed lines of cursive penned handwriting detailing costs. this sheet bears the same intricate lithograph of the company's main headquarters, depicting a block of buildings emitting stacks of smoke and surrounded by a train, and various street life. the main building rendered has signage with the company name stretching across the facade. both illustrations have diminutive text directly below, reading \"goes lith.co.chicago\". the statement has a company header \"in account with \/ the north western \/ terra-cotta co. \/ office room, 1118 rookery bldg. \/ works, co. clybourn \u0026amp; wrightwood aves. \/ branch works, cor. w. 15th \u0026amp; laflin sts.\". the delicate paper remains intact and in good condition considering age. the northewestern terra cotta company was founded in chicago in 1877 by a group of investors that included john r. true. the company became a major producer of terra cotta trimmings used by the construction industry. by the beginning of the 20th century, architectural terra cotta was firmly established as america's premier material for detailing commercial structures, especially the new, steel-framed skyscrapers then rising in chicago and new york city. after the devastating chicago fire of 1871, the fireproof qualities of this ancient, baked-clay form propelled its acceptance as a less expensive and lightweight alternative stone. to direct both production and installation, the studio’s draftsmen transformed architectural blueprints into comprehensive \"shop drawings\" that identified exactly where and how each puzzle-like piece would be secured to its supporting structure. favored by such international architectural luminaries as louis h. sullivan, daniel burnham, frank lloyd wright, and albert kahn, the company ultimately contributed to thousands of buildings across the country in a wide array of styles. by the early 1890s, when northwestern terra cotta employed approximately 500 men, annual sales approached $600,000. it was during this era that the company successfully recruited european craftsmen to join the firm as sculptors in its modeling shop. these highly skilled artists could earn three or four times as much as a less skilled laborer at the same factory. by 1910, its large plant at clybourn and wrightwood avenues covered 24 acres and had about 1,000 workers. the popularity of placing terra cotta moldings on building facades peaked in the 1920s, with northwestern terra cotta leading the way, in chicago and around the country. around this time, the company opened plants in st. louis and denver. from the nineteenth century on, prominent chicago architects had extensive contracts with the company; included among the many landmark chicago buildings for which northwestern supplied extensive decorative moldings were the civic opera house, the chicago theater, the wrigley building, and the randolph tower. northwestern terra cotta targeted its client base by advertising in trade journals such as american architect and they  wasted no time promoting its involvement in the construction of the distinctive wrigley building—the first skyscraper completely clad \"from sidewalk to searchlight\" in terra cotta. not only was the gleaming white-enamel office tower chicago's tallest structure at that time, it was the first of a series that inaugurated new development north of the chicago river. northwestern's operations in chicago declined alongside the construction industry during the great depression, and was eclipsed by modernist curtain walls of glass, exposed steel, and concrete. in 1965, northwestern terra cotta co.'s only remaining plant in denver closed.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671478898986,"sku":"UR-23538-15","price":800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20151207-img_0056_2.jpg?v=1760367370"},{"product_id":"matching-set-of-museum-quality-early-20th-century-antique-american-sullivanesque-exterior-white-glazed-terra-cotta-finial-a510-roofline-endcap-finials","title":"matching set of museum quality early 20th century antique american sullivanesque exterior white glazed terra cotta \"finial a510\" roofline endcap finials","description":"matching set of hard to find and highly sought after museum quality early 20th century american antique \"sullivan stock\" or sullivanesque style white glazed exterior roofline terra cotta finials designed and fabricated by the midland terra cotta company, chicago, il. the visually distinctive oversized finials with integrated endcaps borrow geometric and organic design elements popularized by notable architects louis h. sullivan and his chief draftsman, george grant elmslie. prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements have left the finials with a lightly weathered and allover crazed finish or patina.  the decorative sullivanesque\" building finials was identified as \"finial a510\" in midland's terra cotta stock product catalog. the roofline endcaps were salvaged from a chicago commercial building constructed during the early 20th century. priced for the pair. measures 21 x 17 x 24 inches.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671500296490,"sku":"UR-23685-16","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20151223-20151223-img_0020_2.jpg?v=1760367854"},{"product_id":"documented-c-1890-s-original-allover-crazed-exterior-cream-colored-historic-reliance-building-ornamental-terra-cotta-curtain-wall-panel-designed-by-charles-atwood-for-daniel-burnham","title":"documented c. 1890's original allover crazed exterior cream-colored historic reliance building ornamental terra cotta curtain wall panel designed by charles atwood for daniel burnham","description":"single original and well documented white glazed terra cotta exterior curtain wall and\/or facade fragment removed from the historically-important reliance building, located in downtown chicago. the elaborate curtain wall panel contains an allover crazing and discoloration. during restoration of the facade many panels and pieces ere removed and replaced, which attested to the fact that the facade was not well-maintained throughout much of its existence. only after exhaustive documentation and restoration of the facade was the level of damage fully realized. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671522021674,"sku":"UR-23777-16","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20160114-img_0074_2.jpg?v=1760280119"},{"product_id":"pair-of-all-original-and-intact-c-1920-s-antique-american-diminutive-exterior-white-glazed-terra-cotta-sullivanesque-style-chicago-facade-blocks","title":"pair of all original and intact c. 1920's antique american diminutive exterior white glazed terra cotta \"sullivanesque\" style chicago facade blocks","description":"two matching original c. 1920's antique american richly designed sullivanesque style \"stock\" white glazed terra cotta diminutive blocks fabricated by the midland terra cotta company, chicago, ills. the lightly crazed glazed terra cotta auto garage facade panels were known simply as \"a503\" in the company's product catalogs. the square-shaped blocks were designed to accentuate the larger panels or area of face brick along the facade. the blocks feature design elements heavily inspired by both louis h. sullivan and george grant elmsie. the rear cavity for each block has been carefully cleaned and any and all brick and mortar removed. the masonry and terra cotta garage was constructed in the mid-1920's. located on the west side of chicago, the building was demolished in january of 2016 to make way for condo development. several pieces in various configurations available from this salvage.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671572615466,"sku":"UR-23836-16","price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20160128-img_0004x_2.jpg?v=1760280392"},{"product_id":"historically-important-glazed-polychrome-ornamental-terra-cotta-r-r-donnelley-printing-plant-exterior-facade-shield-with-open-book-and-crown","title":"historically important glazed polychrome ornamental terra cotta r.r. donnelley printing plant exterior facade shield with open book and crown","description":"original historically important polychromatic terra cotta date shield or plaque salvaged from the r.r. donnelley printing plant (extant). the polychromed glazed terra cotta building facade plaque was fabricated by the midland terra cotta (chicago, ills.). the shield features an open book with a crown above. the printing plant facility was considered the largest of its kind upon completion in 1929. r.r. donnelley \u0026amp; sons company, was founded in 1864 by richard robert donnelley, who first came to chicago when offered a partnership by publishers goodman and church. at the time of the great chicago fire of 1871, the new firm, which had become the largest publishing house in the west, lost nearly everything in the inferno. subsequent financial troubles delayed donnelly’s return to prominence by nearly a decade, but in 1883, he regained prominence in printing when he founded r.r. donnelley \u0026amp; sons. the firm's operations grew steadily until well into the 20th century and by 1922, necessitated the commission of a massive west side chicago structure that was the largest printing facility in america at the time of its completion, with over 1 million square feet of floor space and daily production reaching hundreds of thousands of books, magazines, and journals.  the building, which was designed by architects howard van doren and charles klauder, remained operational until 1991, when the sears mail order catalog, its last client, went out of business.  in 1993 the building was bought and converted into a data hotel - a virtually unmanned building filled entirely with supercomputers that continue to host some of chicago’s, and the world’s, largest and most complex data networks, including the chicago mercantile exchange .the r.r donnelley printing plant was built between 1912 and 1929 to house the operations of the r.r. donnelley printing company. the building supported printing operations for the company and remained donnelley's headquarters until 1991 when they moved the headquarters to 77 west wacker drive. the building was to be a fireproof design of poured reinforced concrete columns and an open-shell concrete floor. although considered to be expensive by the standards of that time, t.e. donnelley agreed that the support would be needed for the many tons of paper they used and large presses they operated. supported by 4,675 steel-reinforced concrete columns, this type of construction not only served donnelly well, but also provided the perfect infrastructure for future tenants. to further the building’s support structure, reinforcing bars, normally laid perpendicular, were laid at various angles enabling the floors to bear loads of at least 250 pounds per square foot. the brightly colored polychromatic exterior ornaments terra cotta shields, exhibit  symbols of printing history. the terra cotta shield were fabricated by the midland terra cotta company, chicago, ills. examples, featuring date of construction contain a 24-karat gold finish. portions of the building, including the interior memorial library, were designed by architect charles klauder.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671708045610,"sku":"UR-24843-16","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20161213-img_1381z_2.jpg?v=1760459792"},{"product_id":"original-1890-s-historically-important-charles-atwood-designed-reliance-skyscraper-building-exterior-ornamental-white-glazed-terra-cotta-panel","title":"original 1890's historically important charles atwood-designed reliance skyscraper building exterior ornamental white-glazed terra cotta panel","description":"single original and well documented white glazed terra cotta exterior curtain wall and\/or facade fragment removed from the historically-important reliance building, located in downtown chicago. the elaborate curtain wall panel contains an allover crazing and discoloration. during restoration of the facade many panels and pieces ere removed and replaced, which attested to the fact that the facade was not well-maintained throughout much of its existence. only after exhaustive documentation and restoration of the facade was the level of damage fully realized. the reliance building's terra cotta facade or curtain was designed by charles atwood and executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago. il. in 1890, real estate speculator william hale commissioned architects daniel burnham and john wellborn root to draw up plans for a new building located at the corner of state and washington streets (hale became acquainted with burnham \u0026amp; root from his other real estate projects, such as the rookery building). the architectural firm of burnham \u0026amp; root were renowned locally for designing several commercial buildings found throughout downtown chicago. root developed the floating raft system, which enabled designers to build large, steel-frame buildings on a reinforced concrete foundation, a necessity in chicago's moist soil. root and hale agreed that the new building needed to have large glass windows on the first floor with large, open spaces. hale intended to have several stories dedicated to smaller tenants, with offices for doctors and dentists on the uppermost floors. he also specifically emphasized the need for natural lighting on each and every floor. the plan for the reliance building was consistent with the growing concept of the chicago school of architecture, which emphasized the importance of designing to address the function of a building. carson pirie scott \u0026amp; co. was the first tenant of the reliance building, opening a dry goods store on the first floor once it was completed in 1891. after root's untimely death, daniel burnham recruited boston architect charles b. atwood to complete the building with e. c. shankland as lead engineer. atwood was able to implement his own design for the rest of the structure, using white glazed architectural terra-cotta cladding (on the two street facades) fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company of chicago. burnham's building contractor of choice was george a. fuller, who had built the majority of chicago's tall office building throughout the latter half of the 19th century. the slender sixteen story steel frame skeleton was erected with unusual rapidity (completed over fifteen days in 1894). the reliance building, so named for its functionality, opened in march 1895. it was one of the first skyscrapers to offer electricity and phone service in all of its offices. in its first few decades, it provided office space for merchants and health professionals. the interior contained four passenger elevators located close to the entrance. the german gothic style elevator cages and surrounding grillework, comprised of ornamental iron with bower-barff finish, were fabricated by the winslow brothers of chicago. dark-stained mahogany woodwork was used throughout the building. the stairway, including newel posts, balustrade panels, stringers and risers are made of cast iron, with designs corresponding to and\/or harmonizing with the existing ornamentation (all subjected to the bower-barff process). the building struggled during the great depression, and slowly became dilapidated. subsequent commercial alterations and signage greatly disfigured the lower floors. the original projecting cornice was removed around 1948. after caron pirie scott \u0026amp; co. left the building for the merchandise mart, the first floor was occupied by karroll's, a menswear store. however, the building struggled to maintain tenants on the upper floors. the building continued to fall into disrepair, as the small size of its retail spaces were not appealing to business interests in the late 20th century. the city of chicago made a commitment to revitalize the structure, but city hall could not agree on a plan. the debate became particularly polarized after the 1989 demolition of the nearby mccarthy building, which angered preservationists but satisfied business interests by providing space for a modern office building. finally, in 1994, the mcclier corporation collaborated with the baldwin development company to restore the reliance building; these two groups had recently worked together to rehabilitate the rookery building. the reliance building's rehabilitation was completed in 1999. the former retail space was ultimately converted into a boutique hotel.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671709684010,"sku":"UR-24857-16","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20161220-img_1986d_2.jpg?v=1760373336"},{"product_id":"original-historically-important-c-1888-red-slip-glaze-presbyterian-hospital-daniel-a-jones-building-exterior-ornamental-terra-cotta-frieze-panel-fragment","title":"original historically important c. 1888 red slip glaze presbyterian hospital daniel a. jones building exterior ornamental terra cotta frieze panel fragment","description":"19th century salvaged chicago heavily ornamented single-sided exterior presbyterian hospital complex red slip glaze terra cotta panel fragment fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago, ills. the panel fragment was removed from the facade of the daniel a jones building during its demolition by heneghan wrecking. urban remains later purchased several pieces of ornament from rush hospital. the american victorian floral pattern is richly designed ans finely executed. the partially blackened surface patina caused by prolonged exposure to coal soot-infested air and\/or acid rain over several decades. the 1888 hospital building was designed by architect stephen v. shipman at a cost of 120,000, with the majority of the funds donated to the hospital by daniel a. jones, who died in 1886. eight years after rush medical college completed its new buildings on chicago's west side, it was determined that another hospital, in addition to the already existing cook county hospital was needed to handle the residents of the west side, which accounted for nearly half of the city's population. with a charter granted in july of 1883, Presbyterian hospital was founded, and in January of 1884 an agreement was reached among the trustees and faculty of rush to erect the ross building, the hospitals first building, with a capacity of 45 beds. in 1887, the hamill wing was built, followed by the daniel a jones building, which was completed at a cost of 120,000 in 1888-89. by 1908, the private pavilion wing increased the bed count to 435 and in 1912, the jane murdock memorial replaced the original ross and hamill wings. completion of the sprague home for nurses and the rawson laboratory followed shortly thereafter.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671827288362,"sku":"UR-24981-17","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20170106-20170106-img_0156_2.jpg?v=1760285557"},{"product_id":"historically-important-late-19th-century-american-unrestored-exterior-louis-h-sullivan-designed-chicago-stock-exchange-building-facade-terra-cotta-fragment","title":"historically important late 19th century american unrestored exterior louis h. sullivan designed chicago stock exchange building facade terra cotta fragment","description":"museum quality 19th century historically-important exterior buff-colored terra cotta fragment salvaged from the non-extant chicago stock exchange building demolished in 1972. the ornamental frieze panel fragment has darkened considerably over time from prolonged exposure to air pollutants (e.g., coal ash, etc.). the rear cavities or \"webbing\" have been removed to lessen the weight and make the louis h. sullivan-designed fragment more displayable. the terra cotta frieze panel fragment was fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago, il. between 1881 and 1895 louis henry sullivan and engineer dankmar adler designed a series of office towers, including the chicago stock exchange building (extant from 1894 to 1972), their largest building and perhaps most important commission. noteworthy for the firm's inspired solution to the newly arisen issue of an appropriate form for the \"tall building,\" it was replete with some of louis sullivan's finest organic ornamental detailing. built on the site of the first brick building in chicago (1837), the 13 story steel frame chicago stock exchange building was constructed by the general contracting firm of falkenau \u0026amp; company. the building was completed in 1894 at a total cost of $1,131,555.16. the stock exchange contained 13 stories with the single basement containing both pile and caisson foundations (the latter were used don the west party wall). the building contained 480 offices. the stock exchange was the second largest commission awarded to sullivan and adler (the largest being the auditorium hotel and theater). the building's exterior was outfitted with ornamental buff-colored terra cotta designed by sullivan and fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company. the structural system consisted of fireproofed steel framing. the first floor was treated on the exterior as basement, with the second and third floors as an arcade, bay windows extended from the fourth through the twelfth floor and the thirteenth contained a colonnaded ribbon of windows topped by a projecting cornice with a richly worked surface. the interior contained shops on the ground floor with offices on the upper floors of the main block and wings. the elevators were located at the center of the building. the trading room occupied one-half of the second and third floors. the two sets of stairways were found on floors 4-13 (north and south side of the building). the highly stylized staircase was comprised of copper-plated ornamental iron, oak railings and white marble treads. between floors, each staircase consisted of two flights ascending in opposite directions, linked by a rectangular landing (a staircase was first removed from the building and installed in the metropolitan museums american wing). when the stock exchange moved in 1908, the trading room was converted into office space and later bank. during the course of demolition in 1972, photographer and activist richard nickel was working to salvage ornament the building when the unstable structure collapsed and he was tragically killed. as a tribute to nickel from and sullivan, sections of the trading room stencils, molded pilaster capitals, and art glass were preserved and in 1977 the art institute created a complete reconstruction of this significant room in a new wing of the museum. at the same time, the monumental entry arch of the stock exchange was erected on the museum grounds near the corner of monroe street and columbus drive.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671839052074,"sku":"UR-26076-17","price":1800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20170130-img_2103n_2.jpg?v=1760460914"},{"product_id":"original-historically-important-c-1888-red-slip-glaze-presbyterian-hospital-daniel-a-jones-building-exterior-ornamental-terra-cotta-frieze-panel-fragment-1","title":"original historically important c. 1888 red slip glaze presbyterian hospital daniel a. jones building exterior ornamental terra cotta frieze panel fragment","description":"19th century salvaged chicago heavily ornamented single-sided exterior presbyterian hospital complex red slip glaze terra cotta panel fragment fabricated by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago, ills. the panel fragment was removed from the facade of the daniel a jones building during its demolition by heneghan wrecking. urban remains later purchased several pieces of ornament from rush hospital. the american victorian floral pattern is richly designed ans finely executed. the partially blackened surface patina caused by prolonged exposure to coal soot-infested air and\/or acid rain over several decades. the 1888 hospital building was designed by architect stephen v. shipman at a cost of 120,000, with the majority of the funds donated to the hospital by daniel a. jones, who died in 1886. eight years after rush medical college completed its new buildings on chicago's west side, it was determined that another hospital, in addition to the already existing cook county hospital was needed to handle the residents of the west side, which accounted for nearly half of the city's population. with a charter granted in july of 1883, Presbyterian hospital was founded, and in January of 1884 an agreement was reached among the trustees and faculty of rush to erect the ross building, the hospitals first building, with a capacity of 45 beds. in 1887, the hamill wing was built, followed by the daniel a jones building, which was completed at a cost of 120,000 in 1888-89. by 1908, the private pavilion wing increased the bed count to 435 and in 1912, the jane murdock memorial replaced the original ross and hamill wings. completion of the sprague home for nurses and the rawson laboratory followed shortly thereafter.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671844196650,"sku":"UR-26132-17","price":850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20170206-img_1620a_2.jpg?v=1760286337"},{"product_id":"original-1890-s-neogrec-patttern-red-slip-exterior-terra-cotta-fragment-from-salvaged-from-the-non-extant-victorian-era-lexington-hotel","title":"original 1890's neogrec patttern red slip exterior terra cotta fragment from salvaged from the non-extant victorian era lexington hotel","description":"nice displayable size original 19th century exterior american ornamental red slip terra cotta fragment salvaged from the non-extant lexington hotel. the neogrec-designed fragment was likely fabricated by the northwestern or american terra cotta company, chicago, ills. multiple fragments available. the neoclassical style hotel lexington building was designed by architect clinton j. warren. in a four-year span (from 1889 to 1893) warren designed the congress hotel, the leander mccormick apartments, the metropole hotel, the plaza hotel and the lexington. the congress hotel is the only extant building. opened in 1892 in anticipation of the worlds columbian exposition, one of the lexingtons first tenants was president benjamin harrison who stayed there while dedicating the chicago worlds fair. al capone moved his headquarters two blocks north from the metropole hotel in 1928, taking up residence on the fourth and fifth floors of the lexington. capones personal suite was on the fifth floor of the hotel, with a living room on the southwest corner of the building, featuring a prominent bay window that afforded him a view of michigan avenue and 22nd street. the lexington was renamed the new michigan hotel in 1938. the hotel became increasingly surrounded by blight after world war ii, and descended into a haven for prostitutes and transients. the hotel officially closed in 1980. by 1985, the endangered hotel was placed on the national register of historic places. yet it was an abandoned hulk and a blight on the neighborhood-- covered by soot, boarded up on the ground floor, raided by vandals, and its upper floor windows broken and exposed to the elements. the building was finally demolished in 1996 by national wrecking.","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671851667754,"sku":"UR-26219-17","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20170326-4v0a9244z_2.jpg?v=1760374996"},{"product_id":"one-of-several-matching-all-original-and-intact-white-glazed-sullivanesque-stock-terra-cotta-panels-salvaged-from-the-facade-of-a-chicago-automotive-garage","title":"one of several matching all original and intact white glazed sullivanesque \"stock\" terra cotta panels salvaged from the facade of a chicago automotive garage","description":"\u003cp\u003esingle c. 1920's original and intact antique american sullivanesque style \"stock\" white glazed terra cotta block designed and fabricated by the midland terra cotta company, chicago, ills. the lightly crazed glazed terra cotta auto garage facade panel was known simply as \"a511\" in their product catalogs. the rectangular-shaped block features a cartouche resting atop elegantly designed sullivanesque organic or floral motifs. the rear cavities have been carefully cleaned and any and all brick and mortar removed. the masonry and terra cotta garage was constructed in the mid-1920's. located on the west side of chicago, the building was demolished in january of 2016 to make way for condo development. several pieces in various configurations available from this salvage. measures 8 1\/2 x 5 1\/2 x 15 1\/2 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671873818922,"sku":"UR-23636-17","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/files\/20170302-img_4750n_2.jpg?v=1760375504"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/7075\/4858\/collections\/terra-cotta.jpg?v=1759974243","url":"https:\/\/urbanremainschicago.com\/collections\/historic-building-terra-cotta.oembed?page=8","provider":"Urban Remains Chicago","version":"1.0","type":"link"}