Home Insurance Building

Identification

Map

Structure in general

Usage

Facts

• This is generally regarded as the world's first skyscraper. It was the first tall building to be supported, both inside and outside, by a fireproof metal frame.
• Although the Home Insurance Building made full use of steel framing technology, it was not a pure steel-framed structure since it rested partly on granite piers at the base and on a rear brick wall.
• This was demolished to make way for the Field Building, now known as the LaSalle Bank Building.
• Originally built in 1885 as a 10-story building, 138 feet high. In 1890 two more floors were built on top.