Manhattan Building Chicago | Complete Guide to 431 S Dearborn St
431 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605 · Printer's Row Historic District
| Building Name | Manhattan Building | Neighborhood | Printer's Row / Loop |
| Address | 431 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605 | Historic District | Printing House Row District |
| Property Type | Historic Chicago Condominiums | Original Use | Commercial office building |
| Built | 1889–1891 | Architect | William Le Baron Jenney |
| Stories | 16 | Current Use | Condominium residences (105 units), converted 1982 |
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Manhattan Building Chicago: Photo Gallery
About & History
About the Manhattan Building Chicago
Located at 431 S Dearborn Street, the Manhattan Building is a 16-story landmark at the southern edge of Chicago's Printer's Row neighborhood. Designed by architect William Le Baron Jenney and constructed from 1889 to 1891, it is widely recognized as the oldest surviving skyscraper in the world built with a purely skeletal steel supporting structure — the engineering breakthrough that made modern tall buildings possible.
Today the Manhattan Building operates as a 105-unit residential condominium building, with layouts ranging from studios to three-bedroom residences, giving residents the chance to live inside a genuine piece of skyscraper history.
Manhattan Building History
The Manhattan Building Chicago was built for the Manhattan Building Company and completed in 1891, reaching what was then a startling height of 16 stories — making it, alongside Burnham & Root's Monadnock Building two blocks north, one of the first 16-story buildings in the world. It was the first home of the Paymaster Corporation and is considered the sixth oldest surviving building in Chicago.
The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 16, 1976, and designated an official Chicago Landmark on July 7, 1978. In 1982, it was renovated and converted from commercial office space into residential condominiums, the use it retains today.
Architecture & Printer's Row
Architectural Significance
The Manhattan Building is a milestone of early skyscraper engineering and Chicago School design. Notable characteristics include:
- The oldest surviving skyscraper using purely skeletal (skeleton-frame) steel construction
- Cantilevered foundations, an innovation later used widely in tall-building construction
- A facade combining granite at the lower floors, pressed brick above, and terra cotta trim
- Projecting bay windows with playful grotesque faces carved into the undersides, added by Jenney to delight passersby
- Horizontal facade divisions and setbacks designed to downplay the building's then-shocking height
Architect William Le Baron Jenney, a Civil War engineer credited as the father of skeleton-frame construction, used the Manhattan Building to experiment with wind-bracing as a structural necessity — a first for tall buildings of its era.
Printing House Row District
The Manhattan Building sits within Chicago's Printing House Row District, a National Register historic district recognized for its concentration of architecturally significant late-19th-century commercial buildings along South Dearborn Street.
Today, the surrounding blocks combine:
- Landmark early skyscrapers
- Restaurants and cafés
- Cultural destinations
- Downtown Loop employment access
- Residential communities
It's one of Chicago's most architecturally significant streets, home to a concentration of buildings central to the invention of the modern skyscraper.
Location Overview & Nearby Landmarks
Location Overview
431 S Dearborn Street sits at the corner of Dearborn Street and Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly Congress Parkway), within Chicago's Printer's Row and Loop neighborhoods, providing access to:
- Chicago Loop business district
- Grant Park
- Harold Washington Library Center
- Museum Campus
- Lake Michigan lakefront
- Financial district
- Downtown entertainment venues
The Manhattan Building sits at the literal gateway to Printer's Row, immediately adjacent to the Plymouth, Old Colony, and Fisher Buildings.
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 Manhattan 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.
Flaco's Tacos710 S Clark StLong-tenured Printer's Row taqueria known for burritos, tacos, and margaritas.
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, steps from the Manhattan Building.
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 Manhattan 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 LoopA short distance away, 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 close by, 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
Jazz Showcase806 S Plymouth CtOne of Chicago's oldest jazz clubs, founded in 1947, located adjacent to Dearborn Station.
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 Manhattan Building
CTA Train Stations
Harrison Station (Red Line)608 S State St · ~0.3 miles24-hour Red Line access to River North, Wrigleyville, Chinatown, and the South Side.
LaSalle Station (Blue Line)200 S LaSalle St · ~0.4 milesBlue Line CTA access plus Metra commuter rail.
Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren1 W Van Buren St · ~0.4 milesBrown, Orange, Pink, and Purple Line Express service.
Roosevelt Station1167 S State St · ~0.5 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 Manhattan 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 Near the Manhattan Building
Hotel Blake500 S Dearborn StBoutique hotel occupying the historic Morton and Duplicator Buildings, a few blocks away.
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 in the surrounding Loop.
Neighborhood Lifestyle
Neighborhood Lifestyle Summary
Living at the Manhattan Building Chicago provides access to a highly walkable Chicago lifestyle. Residents are close to:
- ✓ Historic Printer's Row
- ✓ Downtown Loop offices
- ✓ Restaurants and cafés
- ✓ Museums and cultural attractions
- ✓ Parks and lakefront recreation
- ✓ Public transportation
- ✓ Universities and schools
The area combines Chicago's most significant early skyscraper architecture with the convenience of modern urban living.
A Typical Day Near the Manhattan Building
Morning
Coffee at Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, or Intelligentsia; a walk through Printer's Row; a workout at a nearby fitness center or run along the Lakefront Trail; commuting via CTA or Metra.
Afternoon
Downtown offices, the Harold Washington Library Center, restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Evening
Dinner at a South Loop restaurant, live jazz at the Jazz Showcase, events at Millennium Park, or a walk through Grant Park with lake views.
Who Is the Manhattan Building Chicago Best Suited For?
Ideal Residents
Downtown Professionals
Ideal for those working in the Loop financial district, legal offices, government buildings, tech companies, and corporate offices — the location reduces commuting time.
Architecture & History Enthusiasts
A rare chance to live inside a building central to architectural history, with Chicago School design and preserved original detailing.
People Who Prefer Walkable Living
Restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks, transit, and cultural attractions are all within walking distance.
Students, Faculty & Buyers
First-Time Buyers
With studio and one-bedroom layouts available, the Manhattan Building is an accessible entry point for buyers looking to own in Printer's Row and the Loop.
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.
Downsizers & Larger Households
Unit sizes range up to roughly 1,500 square feet with three-bedroom layouts, making the building suitable for both downsizers and larger households.
Things To Do Throughout the Year
Spring & Summer
Spring
Walking paths, outdoor photography, gardens, and lakefront views at Grant Park; historic architecture walks past the Manhattan, Plymouth, Old Colony, and Fisher Buildings.
Summer
Outdoor concerts, public art, and festivals at Millennium Park; the Printers Row Lit Fest and Printers Row Art Fest along South Dearborn Street; cycling, running, and walking along the lakefront.
Fall & Winter
Fall
Chicago architecture tours highlighting the birth of the skyscraper on Dearborn Street; 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; live jazz at the nearby Jazz Showcase; theater and entertainment at the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Theatre, and Symphony Center.
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages of the Location
1. Unmatched Architectural Pedigree
Few residential buildings anywhere can claim to be the oldest surviving skyscraper built on a purely skeletal steel frame — a genuine piece of engineering history.
2. Exceptional Downtown Access
Steps from the Harrison Red Line and LaSalle Blue Line stations, with a short commute into the Loop.
3. Strong Walkability
Dining, coffee, transit, parks, and attractions are reachable without a car for many daily activities.
4. Range of Unit Sizes
With 105 units ranging from studios to three-bedroom layouts, the building offers options for a wide range of buyers.
Considerations About the Building & Area
Older Building Systems
As a building dating to 1891, mechanical and structural systems reflect its age despite the 1982 renovation; buyers should review HOA reserves and building maintenance history.
Laundry & Parking
Reported amenities include coin-operated laundry rather than in-unit machines in many layouts, and parking is not guaranteed with every unit.
Downtown Environment
As with many central Chicago locations, residents should expect pedestrian activity, downtown noise, and busy streets during events.
Manhattan Building & Nearby Areas Map
Nearby Printer's Row Buildings
Explore More Printer's Row Guides
Franklin Building720 S Dearborn StA 1916 loft building built for the Franklin Printing Company.
Transportation Building600 S Dearborn StThe tallest historic building in Printer's Row, built in 1911.
Terminals Building537 S Dearborn StAn 1892 Van Osdel loft building, now rental apartments.
Morton Building538 S Dearborn StAn 1896 Jenney & Mundie landmark, now part of Hotel Blake.
Pontiac Building542 S Dearborn StHolabird & Roche's oldest surviving downtown Chicago building, built in 1891.
Conkey Building519 S Dearborn StAn 1888 book-publishing landmark, historically nicknamed the Old Franklin Building.
Duplicator Building530 S Dearborn StAn 1886 printing landmark, now joined with the Morton Building as Hotel Blake.
Pope Building Lofts633 S Plymouth CtA 1904 printing-house plant, now 91 loft condominium residences.
Printers Row Lofts732 S Financial PlA 1908 printing-plant landmark, now 138 loft condominium residences.
About This Guide Series
This page is part of a series of in-depth guides to historic Printer's Row buildings in Chicago's South Loop, each covering building history, architecture, and neighborhood amenities in detail.
See our Near South Side real estate guide for the full neighborhood overview, or the Loop real estate guide for the adjacent downtown market.
Manhattan Building Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Manhattan Building located?
The Manhattan Building Chicago is located at 431 S Dearborn Street, at the southern edge of the Printer's Row neighborhood.
When was the Manhattan Building built?
It was constructed from 1889 to 1891, designed by architect William Le Baron Jenney.
What makes the Manhattan Building historically significant?
It is widely recognized as the oldest surviving skyscraper in the world built with a purely skeletal steel supporting structure, an innovation that made modern tall buildings possible.
Are units in the Manhattan Building condos or rentals?
They are condominiums. The building has 105 individually owned units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom layouts.
How many stories is the Manhattan Building?
It is 16 stories, among the first buildings in the world to reach that height when completed in 1891.
Is the Manhattan Building a designated landmark?
Yes. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and designated an official Chicago Landmark in 1978.
When did the Manhattan Building become residential?
It was renovated and converted from commercial office space into residential condominiums in 1982.
What amenities does the Manhattan Building have?
Reported amenities include bike storage, door service, coin-operated laundry facilities, and on-site management.
Is the Manhattan Building close to public transportation?
Yes. The Harrison Red Line and LaSalle Blue Line stations are both within about half a mile.
What restaurants are near the Manhattan Building?
Eleven City Diner, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Half Sour, Flaco's Tacos, and Mercat a la Planxa.
What coffee shops are near the Manhattan Building?
Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, and Intelligentsia Coffee.
What grocery stores are near the Manhattan Building?
Trader Joe's, Jewel-Osco, and Whole Foods Market.
Is the Manhattan Building near downtown Chicago?
Yes. It sits at the corner of Dearborn Street and Ida B. Wells Drive, directly bordering Chicago's Loop business district.
What makes the Manhattan Building unique?
The Manhattan Building Chicago is the oldest surviving skeleton-frame skyscraper in the world, featuring decorative grotesque faces carved into its bay windows and a cantilevered foundation that influenced tall-building construction for decades.
Information current as of publication and provided for general reference, based on publicly available historical and real estate sources. Reported details such as unit count, amenities, and historical dates vary slightly across sources and have not been independently verified by us. Distances are approximate. Photos are used under Creative Commons licenses via Wikimedia Commons, with photographer credit and license shown beneath each image. Verify hours, availability, HOA rules, and current offerings directly with each business or the building's association before making decisions.
