| Address | 330 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL |
|---|---|
| Built | 1969-72 |
| Architect | Ludwig Mies van der Rohe; C. F. Murphy Associates (engineers) |
| Status | Designated Chicago Landmark |
| Designation Date | February 6, 2008 (Final)City Council Journal of the Proceedings, p. 20631 |
| Neighborhood | Near North Side |
| Type | Office and commercial building |
| Landmark ID | L-256 |
Direct quotes from the Chicago Landmark Designation Report
“Already known as the former director of the Bauhaus before he immigrated to Chicago in 1938, Mies became one of the most influential architects in the world, designing such modern masterpieces as the 860-880 Lake Shore Drive Apartments in Chicago and the Seagram Building in New York.”
“In particular, the building is a mature and archetypal example of the Miesian skyscraper. The IBM Building exhibits all of the hallmark features of Mies's prototype with its prismatic massing, steel structure, sleek curtain wall with I-beams welded to external mullions, glass-encased lobby, and gracious plaza that flows seamlessly from within.”
“At the time of its construction, the IBM Building featured several innovations, both in the construction of the curtain wall and in the mechanical systems, geared toward greater control of temperature and humidity.”
“THE EVOLUTION OF THE "MIESIAN" SKYSCRAPER Most of the buildings Mies designed during his American career can be viewed as variations on two overriding themes. The first was that of the clear span structure, best illustrated in his designs for Crown Hall at IIT and for the National Gallery in Berlin.”
“Considered Mies's European masterpiece, the German Pavilion for the Barcelona International Exposition was an early example of the use of weight-bearing columns and non-load bearing walls. Mies relocated to Chicago to become director of the School of Architecture at Armour Institute of Technology in 1936.”
“While at the Werkbund, Mies was approached by the German government to design the German Pavilion for the Barcelona International Exposition. Considered Mies's European masterpiece, the one-story, flat roofed building was simple but luxurious, with polished black onyx and travertine marble surfaces.”
“In 1966, when the company first approached the Office of Mies van der Rohe to design its new downtown office building, IBM was entering a time of tremendous innovation and transition.”
“Considering the Miesian tall building in this manner, one can view the IBM Building as the direct result of preceding designs such as the 860-880 Lake Shore Drive Apartments and the Seagram Building, as well as appreciate the special considerations and innovations of the building within the Miesian framework that make it distinctive.”
“The plaza, which was a sacrifice of rentable space, could also be taken as a sign of the company's largesse. By the 1960s, the Miesian skyscraper had become synonymous with urban office buildings around the country, and Mies had reached an unprecedented level of professional success and artistic renown.”
“The IBM Building remains as an outstanding example of Mies van der Rohe's glass and steel high-rise architecture, with exceptional integrity, retaining most of its exterior features as well as historic features within the main lobby.”