1890: Reliance Building – Chicago, Illinois

Image Sources:  1  2
Innovation: Reliance Building
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Year: 1890
By: Charles B. Atwood and John Root  of Burnham and Root

In 1890, the basement and first floor of the Reliance Building were designed by Burnham and Root. The rest of the building was designed by Charles Atwood and completed during 1894-1895. It was the first skyscraper to have the majority of its surface area utilize plate glass windows, along with a terra-cotta façade, which set the precedent for 20^th century skyscrapers.

Advertisement