Farwell Building

“The Farwell Building's luxurious building materials, finely detailed ClassicalandArt Deco-style ornamentation, and outstanding craftsmanship epitomize the commercial and social prestige that characterized North Michigan Avenue from its earliest years of development.”

“Construction was announced in the September 5, 1926, edition of the Chicago Tribune when Farwell stated his plans to build "one of the most handsome buildings of its type in the city." As a second-generation resident of the Gold Coast, Arthur Farwell had a strong interest in ensuring the highest-quality development on North Michigan Avenue.”

“Additionally, the first-floor display windows and entries on the Michigan Avenue facade have been partially remodeled. The Farwell Building's elegant combination of the French Classical Revival and Art Deco styles is not common in Chicago, where 1920s-era high-rises and commercial buildings more often were designed in the Gothic Revival style or in a more vertical, streamlined version of the Art Deco.”

“The Farwell Building displays significant and distinctive detailing and craftsmanship, including ornament in stone and metal. Its slate-covered mansard roof is a visually distinctive physical feature that reflects the European influence on Maher's work and the development of North Michigan Avenue.”

“Maher studied architecture at the University of Michigan under his father George W. Maher, the famed Prairie School architect. Upon graduation Philip Maher traveled to Europe where he found inspiration in the classically-influenced architecture that had transformed Paris during the second half of the nineteenth century.”

“(It is not included in this Chicago Landmark designation.) The Farwell Building and the building at 666 N. Michigan are connected by means of interior curved ramps. In addition to being documented as a significant building by the Chicago Historic Resources Survey (1996), the Farwell Building is recognized for its architectural distinction in John W. Stamper's Chicago's North Michigan Avenue and the AIA Guide to Chicago Architecture, edited by Alice Sinkevitch.”

“Described in a guidebook to Chicago published during the World's Fair of 1893, the Farwell brothers' impressive Queen Anne-style houses were noted as two of the most expensive residences in the city.”

“As a respected member of the American Institute of Architects, Maher was named a Fellow in 1940. RECENT YEARS In 1987 the Farwell Building became the home for the Terra Museum of American Art, which renovated the interior to house its offices and collections.”

“A 1928 advertisement in the Chicago Central Business & Office Building Directory touted the building's "unique architectural charm, substantial construction" and its strategic location “at the very center of the near North Central District." Attracted to the fashionable character of the Farwell Building, early tenants included art studios, publishers, graphic art designers, interior decorators, architects and fashion designers.”