original 1924 vitzthum, karl, and company 23-story classical style bell building rental brochure

the 23-story classical style cream-colored terra cotta office building was designed by the architectural firm of vitzthum, karl, and company in 1924.

it was commissioned by businessman herbert bell as the headquarters for the bell and zoller coal company.

the building's name was changed in 1956 when sold to the old republic life insurance company.

the ornamental terra cotta was executed by the northwestern terra cotta company, chicago, ils.

located on the northeast corner of north michigan avenue and east south water street, the bel building was one of the first tall buildings to be constructed on the newly widened north michigan avenue south of the chicago river in the early 1920s.