Chicago Varnish Company Building

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Chicago Varnish Company Building
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Chicago Varnish Company Building (USA)
Chicago Varnish Company Building
Location: Chicago, IL
Coordinates: 41°53′20.39″N 87°37′45.52″W / 41.8889972, -87.6293111Coordinates: 41°53′20.39″N 87°37′45.52″W / 41.8889972, -87.6293111
Built/Founded: 1895
Architect: Henry Ives Cobb
Architectural style(s): Late 19th And 20th Century Revival, Other
Added to NRHP: June 14, 2001
NRHP Reference#: 01000649 [1]
Governing body: Private

The Chicago Varnish Company Building, at 33 West Kinzie Street, was built in 1895 as the headquarters of one of the leading varnish manufacturers in the United States, the Chicago Varnish Company. The building is a rare example of Dutch Renaissance Revival-style architecture in Chicago, and is marked by a steeply pitched roof paired with stepped gables of red brick and light stone in contrasting colors. The building was designed by Henry Ives Cobb, a nationally recognized architect whose other significant works include the former Chicago Historical Society Building, the Newberry Library, and the original buildings for the University of Chicago campus. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 14, 2001, and was designated a Chicago Landmark on July 25, 2001.

After an extensive rehabilitation, including replacement of the multigabled clay tile roof and rebuilding the stepped parapets,[2] Harry Caray's Restaurant opened in the building on On October 23, 1987. The restaurant has received numerous awards for its food and service, and features many items of memorabilia, including a "Holey Cow" wearing the trademark Harry Caray eyeglasses that was sourced from Chicago's CowParade.

The building is distinctive for its use of the Dutch Renaissance revival style, with its stepped gables, steeply-pitched tile roof, and contrasting brick and stone masonry.


[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2007-01-23).
  2. ^ Chicago Landmark Awards. Architecture Week (2007-07-10).
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