Monadnock Building Chicago | Complete Guide to 53 W Jackson Blvd
53 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604 · Printer's Row Historic District
| Building Name | Monadnock Building | Neighborhood | Printer's Row / Loop |
| Address | 53 W Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604 | Historic District | Printing House Row District |
| Property Type | Historic Chicago Office Building | Original Use | Commercial office building |
| Built | North half 1889–1891, South half 1892–1893 | Architect | Burnham & Root (north); Holabird & Roche (south) |
| Stories | 16 | Current Use | Office suites (~300 units, 250–5,000 sq ft) with ground-floor retail & dining |
Curious About the Monadnock Building or Printer's Row Real Estate?
Browse current residential listings nearby or connect with Lori Wyatt to learn more about living in Printer's Row.
Monadnock Building Chicago: Photo Gallery
About & History
About the Monadnock Building Chicago
Located at 53 W Jackson Boulevard, the Monadnock Building is a 16-story landmark at the northern gateway to Chicago's Printer's Row neighborhood. Built in two phases between 1889 and 1893, it is recognized as the tallest load-bearing brick or masonry building ever constructed — a structural record it still holds today.
Unlike most other buildings profiled in this Printer's Row series, the Monadnock Building Chicago remains a fully operating office building rather than residential condominiums, home to roughly 300 office suites for independent professional firms and entrepreneurs, plus ground-floor retail and dining.
Monadnock Building History
The Monadnock Building Chicago was built in two distinct phases. The north half, designed by Daniel Burnham and John Root of Burnham & Root, was constructed from 1889 to 1891. The south half, designed by Holabird & Roche in a more ornate style, followed from 1892 to 1893. Together the four sections — Monadnock, Kearsarge, Katahdin, and Wachusett — are all named after New England mountains, with Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire giving the building its name.
When completed in 1893, the Monadnock was the world's largest office building. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 (as the Monadnock Block), designated a Chicago Landmark in 1973, and later included within the Printing House Row District, added to the National Register in 1976.
Architecture & Printer's Row
Architectural Significance
The Monadnock Building is a landmark of load-bearing masonry engineering pushed to its structural limit. Notable characteristics include:
- The tallest load-bearing brick or masonry building ever constructed, at 215 feet
- The first use of a portal system of wind bracing in the United States
- Ornamented staircases representing the first structural use of aluminum in building construction
- A smooth, unornamented brick facade inspired by the Egyptian pylon, with an inward batter at the base and outward flare at the parapet
- Continuous curved bay windows running the height of the building
Architect John Root died shortly after designing the north half, and the more decorative south half by Holabird & Roche shows a visible shift in ornamentation while preserving the building's unified massing and color.
Printing House Row District
The Monadnock Building anchors the northern end of 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 and Jackson Boulevard.
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
53 W Jackson Boulevard sits at the northern edge of Printer's Row, within easy reach of:
- Chicago Loop financial district
- LaSalle Street financial corridor
- Willis Tower
- Grant Park
- Harold Washington Library Center
- Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center
The Monadnock Building sits directly across Jackson Boulevard from the Chicago Board of Trade Building and a short walk from the Federal Plaza and LaSalle Street financial core.
Nearby Major Landmarks
Chicago Board of Trade Building
141 W Jackson Blvd
Art Deco landmark topped by a statue of Ceres, directly across the street from the Monadnock Building.
Willis Tower
233 S Wacker Dr
Chicago's tallest skyscraper, home to the Skydeck observation deck.
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S State Street
Chicago's central library, offering extensive collections, public programs, and exhibitions.
Grant Park
337 E Randolph Street
Known as "Chicago's front yard," with walking paths, gardens, and Buckingham Fountain.
Dining & Coffee Near the Monadnock Building
Restaurants
Cafe ExchangeInside the Monadnock Building, 53 W Jackson BlvdGrab-and-go lunch spot serving building tenants and Loop workers.
The Berghoff Restaurant17 W Adams StHistoric German-American restaurant serving Chicago since 1898.
Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea53 E Randolph StSpecialty roaster with a downtown location popular with Loop professionals.
Flaco's Tacos710 S Clark StLong-tenured Printer's Row taqueria known for burritos, tacos, and margaritas.
Coffee Shops
Dollop Coffee Co.418 S Wabash AveEspresso drinks, cold brew, pastries, and workspace-friendly seating.
StarbucksMultiple Loop locations near Jackson & DearbornConvenient coffee stops throughout the financial district.
Corner Bakery Cafe224 S Michigan AveCoffee, pastries, and quick breakfast or lunch fare near the Loop.
Groceries & Shopping
Grocery Stores & Daily Shopping
Trader Joe's1147 S Wabash AveFresh produce, frozen foods, organic and specialty items at affordable prices.
Target1 S State StHousehold items, electronics, clothing, groceries, and pharmacy in the heart of the Loop.
Jewel-Osco1224 S Wabash AveFull-service grocery store with pharmacy services and household products.
Shopping Near the Monadnock Building
State Street Shopping DistrictChicago LoopMajor retailers, department stores, and classic Chicago shopping just blocks away.
The Shops at Roosevelt Collection150 W Roosevelt RdSouth Loop retail and entertainment destination with stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.
Parks, Fitness & Recreation
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Grant Park337 E Randolph StWalking paths, gardens, open lawns, and Buckingham Fountain.
Lakefront TrailChicago LakefrontAn 18-mile path along Lake Michigan for walking, running, and cycling.
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, pools, group classes, and sports facilities.
LA Fitness1101 S Canal StWeight training, cardio equipment, group fitness, and personal training.
Entertainment & Cultural Attractions
Museums & Attractions
Art Institute of Chicago111 S Michigan AveOne of the world's leading art museums, with extensive painting, sculpture, and photography collections.
The Field Museum1400 S Lake Shore DrOne of the world's leading natural history museums.
Performing Arts
Jazz Showcase806 S Plymouth CtOne of Chicago's oldest jazz clubs, founded in 1947.
Chicago Symphony Center220 S Michigan AveHome of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Transportation Near the Monadnock Building
CTA Train Stations
Jackson Station (Blue Line)Dearborn & Jackson · ~0.1 milesBlue Line access to O'Hare, the Loop, and West Side neighborhoods, one block away.
Jackson Station (Red Line)State & Jackson · ~0.3 miles24-hour Red Line access to River North, Wrigleyville, and the South Side.
Quincy Station (Brown/Orange/Pink/Purple)220 S Wells St · ~0.3 milesElevated Loop station with multiple line connections.
Metra, Bus & Bike
Union Station225 S Canal St · ~0.6 milesMajor Metra and Amtrak hub serving multiple commuter lines.
LaSalle Street Station414 S LaSalle St · ~0.3 milesServes Metra's Rock Island District Line.
Bus: CTA routes run along Jackson Boulevard, Dearborn Street, and State Street.
Bike: Divvy bike-share stations throughout the Loop and South Loop, with dedicated bike lanes nearby.
Healthcare & Education
Healthcare Near the Monadnock 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.
Schools & Education
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.
Hotels & Everyday Services
Hotels Near the Monadnock Building
Hotel Blake500 S Dearborn StBoutique hotel occupying the historic Morton and Duplicator Buildings, a few blocks south.
Hilton Chicago720 S Michigan AveMajor downtown hotel near Grant Park with meeting spaces and restaurants.
Banking & Parking
Bank of America Financial Center135 S LaSalle StLocated in the downtown financial district, a short walk away.
Millennium GaragesMultiple downtown locationsLarge public parking facilities throughout the surrounding Loop.
Neighborhood Lifestyle
Working Near the Monadnock Building
Tenants and visitors at the Monadnock Building Chicago benefit from one of downtown's most walkable locations, close to:
- ✓ LaSalle Street financial district
- ✓ Historic Printer's Row
- ✓ Restaurants and cafés
- ✓ Museums and cultural attractions
- ✓ Parks and lakefront recreation
- ✓ Multiple CTA and Metra lines
The building sits at the intersection of Chicago's financial history and its architectural history, steps from both the Board of Trade and the birthplace of the modern skyscraper.
A Typical Day Near the Monadnock Building
Morning
Coffee at Cafe Exchange or Dollop Coffee Co.; a walk past the Board of Trade and along Jackson Boulevard; commuting via the Blue or Red Line, both a block or two away.
Afternoon
Meetings in the Loop's financial and legal core, lunch at a nearby cafe, a visit to the Harold Washington Library Center.
Evening
Dinner at a South Loop or Loop restaurant, a walk through Printer's Row, or an evening at Grant Park or Millennium Park.
Who Is the Monadnock Building Chicago Best Suited For?
Ideal Tenants
Independent Professional Firms
Law offices, consultancies, and other small professional practices that value a prestigious, historic Loop address with flexible suite sizes from 250 to 5,000 square feet.
Entrepreneurs & Startups
Small businesses looking for character-filled office space in the heart of Chicago's financial and legal district, close to the Board of Trade and LaSalle Street.
Architecture & History Enthusiasts
Anyone drawn to working inside a genuine record-holder of skyscraper engineering, with preserved lobbies, aluminum staircases, and original detailing.
Who Should Consider the Wider Printer's Row Market Instead
Because the Monadnock Building Chicago is a commercial office building rather than residential condominiums, homebuyers interested in living in this historic district should look at the neighboring residential landmarks profiled in this series — including the Manhattan Building, Pontiac Building, and Printers Row Lofts — all within a few blocks and all converted to condo residences.
The Monadnock nonetheless anchors the neighborhood's identity and is worth understanding for anyone researching Printer's Row real estate and its architectural history.
Things To Do Throughout the Year
Spring & Summer
Spring
Walking paths, outdoor photography, and gardens at Grant Park; historic architecture walks along Jackson Boulevard and Dearborn Street.
Summer
Outdoor concerts and festivals at Millennium Park; the Printers Row Lit Fest a few blocks south; cycling and running along the lakefront.
Fall & Winter
Fall
Chicago architecture tours highlighting the birth of the skyscraper along Dearborn and Jackson; museum visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and The Field Museum.
Winter
Ice skating and holiday events at Millennium Park; live jazz at the nearby Jazz Showcase; theater and entertainment downtown.
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages of the Location
1. Unmatched Architectural Pedigree
The tallest load-bearing masonry building ever constructed, with a record that still stands more than 130 years after completion.
2. Exceptional Downtown Access
Steps from the Jackson Blue Line and Red Line stations, with direct access to the Loop's financial and legal core.
3. Prestigious, Character-Filled Address
A rare opportunity for businesses to occupy office space inside one of the most historically significant buildings in American architecture.
4. Flexible Suite Sizes
With roughly 300 suites ranging from 250 to 5,000 square feet, the building accommodates a wide range of business needs.
Considerations About the Building
Commercial Only
The Monadnock Building is not residential; buyers or renters seeking a home in Printer's Row should look to the neighboring condo buildings covered elsewhere in this guide series.
Older Building Systems
As a building dating to 1891–1893, mechanical systems reflect its age despite ongoing renovation and maintenance; prospective tenants should review lease terms and building services directly.
Downtown Environment
As with many central Chicago locations, expect pedestrian activity, downtown noise, and busy streets during business hours.
Monadnock 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.
Manhattan Building431 S Dearborn StThe world's oldest surviving skeleton-frame skyscraper, built in 1891, now 105 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.
Monadnock Building Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Monadnock Building located?
The Monadnock Building Chicago is located at 53 W Jackson Boulevard, at the northern edge of the Printer's Row neighborhood.
When was the Monadnock Building built?
It was built in two phases: the north half from 1889 to 1891 by Burnham & Root, and the south half from 1892 to 1893 by Holabird & Roche.
What makes the Monadnock Building historically significant?
It is the tallest load-bearing brick or masonry building ever constructed, and when completed in 1893 it was the world's largest office building.
Is the Monadnock Building residential or commercial?
It is entirely commercial. The Monadnock Building Chicago operates as an office building with roughly 300 suites, not residential condos or apartments.
How many stories is the Monadnock Building?
It is 16 stories, standing 215 feet tall.
Is the Monadnock Building a designated landmark?
Yes. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated an official Chicago Landmark in 1973.
Why is the Monadnock Building named after a mountain?
Its four sections — Monadnock, Kearsarge, Katahdin, and Wachusett — are all named after New England mountains, with the building taking its name from Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire.
What amenities does the Monadnock Building have?
The building offers office suites ranging from 250 to 5,000 square feet, plus ground-floor retail and dining options.
Is the Monadnock Building close to public transportation?
Yes. The Jackson Blue Line and Red Line stations are both within a few blocks, and Union Station is about half a mile away.
What restaurants are near the Monadnock Building?
Cafe Exchange (inside the building), The Berghoff Restaurant, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, and Flaco's Tacos.
What is unique about the Monadnock Building's staircases?
Its ornamented staircases represent the first structural use of aluminum in building construction, alongside the first portal system of wind bracing used in the United States.
Can you buy or rent a home in the Monadnock Building?
No. The Monadnock Building Chicago is used exclusively for offices and ground-floor retail. Homebuyers interested in Printer's Row should look at neighboring condo buildings such as the Manhattan Building or Printers Row Lofts.
Is the Monadnock Building near downtown Chicago?
Yes. It sits directly across from the Chicago Board of Trade Building at the heart of the LaSalle Street financial district.
What makes the Monadnock Building unique?
The Monadnock Building Chicago is the tallest load-bearing masonry building ever constructed, a structural engineering record it has held for over 130 years, with a smooth, unornamented brick facade inspired by the ancient Egyptian pylon.
Information current as of publication and provided for general reference, based on publicly available historical and real estate sources. Reported details such as suite 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 and public domain licenses via Wikimedia Commons, with photographer credit and license shown beneath each image. Verify office availability, lease terms, and current offerings directly with the building's leasing office before making decisions.
