Morton Building Chicago | Complete Guide to 538 S Dearborn St
538 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605 · Printer's Row Historic District
| Building Name | Morton Building (originally the Davis Building) | Neighborhood | Printer's Row / South Loop |
| Address | 538 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605 | Historic District | Printing House Row District (National Register of Historic Places) |
| Property Type | Historic Chicago Commercial Building | Original Use | Commercial office building |
| Built | 1896 | Architects | William Le Baron Jenney & Charles Mundie |
| Stories | 12 | Current Use | Hotel — merged with the neighboring Duplicator Building as Hotel Blake (500 S Dearborn St) |
Interested in Printer's Row Real Estate Near the Morton Building?
The Morton Building itself is now part of Hotel Blake and isn't residential, but Printer's Row lofts and condos nearby are available. Browse listings or connect with Lori Wyatt for a private tour of the neighborhood.
About & History
About the Morton Building
Located at 538 S Dearborn Street, the Morton Building is a 12-story historic commercial structure in Chicago's Printer's Row neighborhood. Unlike several of its residential neighbors, the Morton Building today operates as part of Hotel Blake, a boutique hotel formed by joining the Morton Building with the adjacent Duplicator Building at 530 S Dearborn.
The building carries a notable political namesake: "Morton" was carved into its stonework after Levi P. Morton — a former Governor of New York and Vice President of the United States — purchased the structure in 1909.
Morton Building History
Completed in 1896, the building was originally designed by architects William Le Baron Jenney and Charles Mundie for Thomas A. Davis, and was known first as the Davis Building. Jenney is widely credited as the "father of the American skyscraper" for his earlier engineering innovations, though this particular commission was a comparatively small project for him.
Davis sold the building to Carl C. Heisen shortly after completion, and it briefly carried the name "Star." The Morton name stuck after Levi P. Morton acquired the property in 1909. In more recent decades, the Morton Building was combined with the neighboring 1886 Duplicator Building (designed by Edward P. Baumann) in an $18 million joint rehabilitation, reopening as Hotel Blake at 500 S Dearborn St.
Architecture & Printer's Row
Architectural Significance
The Morton Building reflects late 19th-century Chicago commercial architecture, with a decorative touch unusual for its architect. Notable characteristics include:
- A 12-story commercial structure completed in 1896
- Design by William Le Baron Jenney and Charles Mundie
- An ornately decorated base — a departure from Jenney's typical restrained treatment of lower floors
- "Morton" inscribed in the stonework above the entrance
- Later joined with the neighboring Duplicator Building into a single hotel complex
As a work co-designed by Jenney, the building carries architectural significance tied to one of Chicago's most influential early skyscraper engineers, even though this particular project was modest in scale compared to his landmark commissions.
Printer's Row Historic District
The Morton Building sits within the Printing House Row District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and designated a Chicago Landmark in 1996. The district became famous for its concentration of printing-related businesses during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, the neighborhood combines:
- Historic loft buildings
- Restaurants and cafés
- Cultural destinations
- Downtown employment access
- Residential communities
It's one of Chicago's best examples of adaptive reuse, transforming historic commercial buildings into modern living, working, and hospitality spaces.
Location Overview & Nearby Landmarks
Location Overview
538 S Dearborn Street sits at the north end of Printer's Row, close to Chicago's Loop business district, providing access to:
- Chicago Loop business district
- Grant Park
- Harold Washington Library Center
- Museum Campus
- Lake Michigan lakefront
- Financial district
- Downtown entertainment venues
The Morton Building's location near the north edge of Printer's Row places it within easy walking distance of the Loop core.
Nearby Major Landmarks
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S State Street
Chicago's central library, offering extensive collections, public programs, exhibitions, and community spaces.
Grant Park
337 E Randolph Street
Known as "Chicago's front yard," Grant Park covers over 300 acres with walking paths, gardens, public events, and access to Buckingham Fountain.
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph Street
Home to Cloud Gate ("The Bean"), Crown Fountain, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and public art installations.
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Avenue
One of the world's leading art museums, with extensive collections of paintings, sculptures, photography, and cultural exhibits.
Dining & Coffee Near the Morton Building
Restaurants
Eleven City Diner1112 S Wabash AveOld-school deli-style diner known for breakfast dishes, pastrami sandwiches, burgers, and milkshakes.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria805 S State StOne of Chicago's most recognized deep-dish pizza spots, known for its butter crust and carryout/delivery.
Half Sour755 S Clark StSouth Loop favorite for brunch, burgers, sandwiches, and craft cocktails.
Flo & Santos1310 S Wabash AveCombines Polish cuisine (pierogi) with Chicago tavern-style thin-crust pizza and burgers.
Mercat a la Planxa638 S Michigan Ave, inside the Blackstone HotelSpanish-inspired tapas, charcuterie, and cocktails near Grant Park.
Coffee Shops
Dollop Coffee Co.418 S Wabash AveEspresso drinks, cold brew, pastries, and workspace-friendly seating.
Hero Coffee Bar22 E Ida B Wells DrSpecialty coffee and quick service, convenient for commuters heading to the Loop.
Intelligentsia Coffee53 E Randolph StOne of Chicago's most famous specialty roasters, near Millennium Park and downtown offices.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago646 N Michigan AveA multi-level coffee destination with roasting demonstrations (farther north, on Michigan Ave).
Groceries & Shopping
Grocery Stores & Daily Shopping
Trader Joe's1147 S Wabash AveFresh produce, frozen foods, organic and specialty items at affordable prices.
Jewel-Osco1224 S Wabash AveFull-service grocery store with pharmacy services and household products.
Target1154 S Clark StHousehold items, electronics, clothing, groceries, and pharmacy.
Whole Foods Market1101 S Canal StOrganic groceries, prepared foods, and specialty products.
Shopping Near the Morton Building
The Shops at Roosevelt Collection150 W Roosevelt RdSouth Loop retail and entertainment destination with stores, restaurants, a movie theater, and outdoor spaces.
State Street Shopping DistrictChicago LoopJust steps north of the building, offering major retailers, department stores, and classic Chicago shopping.
Parks, Fitness & Recreation
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Grant Park337 E Randolph StWalking paths, gardens, open lawns, public events, and Buckingham Fountain.
Lakefront TrailChicago LakefrontAn 18-mile path along Lake Michigan for walking, running, and cycling.
Maggie Daley Park337 E Randolph StRock climbing wall, ice skating ribbon, play areas, and gardens near Millennium Park.
Printers Row Park744 S Dearborn StA neighborhood park a short distance south, with green space and seating.
Fitness Centers & Wellness
East Bank Club500 N Kingsbury StPremier fitness club with equipment, swimming pools, group classes, and sports facilities.
LA Fitness1101 S Canal StWeight training, cardio equipment, group fitness, and personal training.
FFC South Loop1620 W Roosevelt RdStrength training, fitness classes, personal training, and wellness programs.
Entertainment & Cultural Attractions
Museums & Attractions
The Field Museum1400 S Lake Shore DrOne of the world's leading natural history museums.
Shedd Aquarium1200 S DuSable Lake Shore DrMarine life exhibits, aquatic education, and family attractions.
Adler Planetarium1300 S DuSable Lake Shore DrAmerica's first planetarium, offering astronomy exhibits and lakefront views.
Performing Arts
Chicago Symphony Center220 S Michigan AveHome of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Also nearby: Auditorium Theatre and Chicago Theatre, both popular year-round entertainment venues in the downtown core.
Transportation Near the Morton Building
CTA Train Stations
Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren1 W Van Buren St · ~0.2 milesBrown, Orange, Pink, and Purple Line Express, with Blue Line connections nearby.
Harrison Station (Red Line)608 S State St · ~0.3 miles24-hour Red Line access to River North, Magnificent Mile, Wrigleyville, Chinatown, and the South Side.
LaSalle Station200 S LaSalle St · ~0.4 milesBlue Line CTA access plus Metra commuter rail.
Roosevelt Station1167 S State St · ~0.9 milesRed, Green, and Orange Lines, connecting to downtown, Hyde Park, and Midway Airport.
Metra, Bus & Bike
LaSalle Street Station414 S LaSalle StServes Metra's Rock Island District Line.
Millennium Station151 N Michigan AveMetra Electric Line access to Hyde Park, University of Chicago area, and South Shore communities.
Bus: Nearby CTA routes run along Michigan Avenue, State Street, Harrison Street, and Roosevelt Road.
Bike: Divvy bike-share stations throughout South Loop and downtown, with dedicated bike lanes and Lakefront Trail access.
Healthcare & Education
Healthcare Near the Morton Building
Northwestern Memorial Hospital251 E Huron StLeading academic medical center offering emergency care, specialty medicine, and surgery.
Rush University Medical Center1620 W Harrison StNationally recognized hospital offering emergency, cancer, heart, and neurology care.
University of Illinois Hospital1740 W Taylor StMajor teaching hospital with medical specialties and emergency services.
Insight Hospital & Medical Center (formerly Mercy Hospital)2525 S Michigan AveEmergency care and specialty healthcare south of the neighborhood.
Schools & Education
South Loop Elementary School1212 S Plymouth CtNeighborhood public elementary school serving South Loop families.
Jones College Prep High School700 S State StSelective enrollment CPS high school known for strong academics and college prep.
Columbia College Chicago600 S Michigan AvePrivate college focused on arts, media, and communication.
Roosevelt University430 S Michigan AveLocated in the historic Auditorium Building; business, arts, education, and sciences programs.
DePaul University – Loop Campus1 E Jackson BlvdUndergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Hotels & Everyday Services
Hotels On & Near the Site
Hotel Blake500 S Dearborn StBoutique hotel occupying the historic Morton and Duplicator Buildings, at the address itself.
The Blackstone, Autograph Collection636 S Michigan AveHistoric hotel near Grant Park with fine dining and a downtown location.
Congress Plaza Hotel520 S Michigan AveHistoric hotel overlooking Grant Park, popular for events and skyline views.
Hilton Chicago720 S Michigan AveMajor downtown hotel near Grant Park with meeting spaces, restaurants, and fitness facilities.
Banking & Parking
Chase Bank1200 S Wabash AveChecking, savings, ATMs, and personal banking.
Bank of America Financial Center135 S LaSalle StLocated in the downtown financial district.
USPS Loop Station211 S Clark StPostal services for residents and businesses.
Grant Park North Garage & Millennium Garages25 N Michigan Ave and multiple downtown locationsLarge public parking facilities, plus several private South Loop garages nearby.
Neighborhood Lifestyle
Neighborhood Lifestyle Summary
The area around the Morton Building offers a highly walkable Chicago lifestyle, right at the edge of the Loop. Residents and visitors alike are close to:
- ✓ Historic Printer's Row
- ✓ Downtown offices
- ✓ Restaurants and cafés
- ✓ Museums and cultural attractions
- ✓ Parks and lakefront recreation
- ✓ Public transportation
- ✓ Universities and schools
The area combines historic Chicago architecture with the convenience of modern urban living.
A Typical Day Near the Morton Building
Morning
Coffee at Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, or Intelligentsia; a short walk into the Loop; commuting via the Library–State/Van Buren stop just a couple blocks away.
Afternoon
Downtown offices, the Harold Washington Library Center, restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Evening
Dinner at a South Loop restaurant, events at Millennium Park, a concert at Chicago Symphony Center, or a walk through Grant Park with lake views.
Who Is the Morton Building Best Suited For?
Visitors & History Enthusiasts
Hotel Guests
Because the Morton Building now operates as part of Hotel Blake, it's best known today as a place to stay rather than to live — ideal for visitors who want a historic building experience in Printer's Row.
Architecture & History Enthusiasts
People who appreciate historic Chicago buildings will enjoy the connection to architect William Le Baron Jenney and the building's colorful ownership history.
If You're House-Hunting Nearby
Downtown Professionals
The immediate area — just south of the Loop — suits professionals who want a short commute, and nearby Printer's Row buildings do offer condos and rentals even though the Morton Building itself does not.
Students & Faculty
Convenient for those connected to Columbia College Chicago, Roosevelt University, DePaul University's Loop Campus, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Things To Do Throughout the Year
Spring & Summer
Spring
Walking paths, outdoor photography, gardens, and lakefront views at Grant Park; historic architecture walks, independent shops, and local restaurants in Printer's Row.
Summer
Outdoor concerts, public art, and festivals at Millennium Park; cycling, running, and walking along the lakefront, including Northerly Island, Museum Campus, and Ohio Street Beach.
Fall & Winter
Fall
Chicago architecture tours of historic buildings and downtown landmarks; museum visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and Museum of Science and Industry.
Winter
Ice skating and holiday events at Millennium Park; theater and entertainment at the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Theatre, and Symphony Center.
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages of the Location
1. Exceptional Downtown Access
Among the closest Printer's Row addresses to the Loop, with short commutes and multiple transportation options.
2. Historic Architectural Pedigree
Co-designed by William Le Baron Jenney, one of Chicago's most influential early skyscraper architects, within a National Register historic district.
3. Strong Walkability
Dining, coffee, transit, parks, and attractions are reachable without a car for many daily activities.
4. Cultural Location
Close access to museums, libraries, parks, concert venues, and historic landmarks.
Considerations About the Building & Area
Hotel, Not Residential
The Morton Building is no longer a residential or office building — it's part of Hotel Blake, so it isn't available for purchase or long-term rental.
Downtown Environment
As with many central Chicago neighborhoods, traffic can increase during events, parking can be limited, and urban activity levels are higher.
City Living Experience
Residents in the surrounding blocks should expect pedestrian activity, downtown noise, and busy streets during events — typical characteristics of a central Chicago location.
Morton Building & Nearby Areas Map
Morton Building Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Morton Building located?
The Morton Building is located at 538 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois, at the north end of the Printer's Row and South Loop area.
When was the Morton Building built?
It was completed in 1896, designed by architects William Le Baron Jenney and Charles Mundie, originally known as the Davis Building.
Why is it called the Morton Building?
The name comes from Levi P. Morton, a former Governor of New York and U.S. Vice President, who purchased the building in 1909 and had "Morton" carved into the stonework.
Is the Morton Building residential?
No. The Morton Building was combined with the neighboring Duplicator Building and converted into Hotel Blake, a boutique hotel at 500 S Dearborn St. It is not available as condos or rental apartments.
Who designed the Morton Building?
William Le Baron Jenney and Charles Mundie, with Jenney widely known as the "father of the American skyscraper."
What neighborhood is the Morton Building in?
It's located in Chicago's Printer's Row and South Loop neighborhoods, within the Printing House Row District.
Is the Morton Building a historic landmark?
Yes. It sits within the Printing House Row District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and designated a Chicago Landmark in 1996.
Is the Morton Building close to public transportation?
Yes. The Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren CTA station is about two blocks away, with several other CTA and Metra stations within half a mile.
What restaurants are near the Morton Building?
Eleven City Diner, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Half Sour, Flo & Santos, and Mercat a la Planxa.
What coffee shops are near the Morton Building?
Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, and Intelligentsia Coffee.
What grocery stores are near the Morton Building?
Trader Joe's, Jewel-Osco, and Whole Foods Market.
What parks are near the Morton Building?
Grant Park, Maggie Daley Park, and Printers Row Park.
What hospitals are near the Morton Building?
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Illinois Hospital.
Is the Morton Building near downtown Chicago?
Yes. It sits at the north edge of Printer's Row, within a few blocks of the Loop business district.
What makes the Morton Building unique?
It's a Jenney and Mundie design named for a former U.S. Vice President, now reborn as Hotel Blake — one of the more unusual reuse stories in Printer's Row.
Information current as of publication and provided for general reference, based on publicly available historical and real estate sources. Historical ownership details and exact dates have not been independently verified by us. Distances are approximate. Verify hours, availability, and current offerings directly with each business, or with Hotel Blake, before visiting.
