Mutual Insurance Building (Emerman Building)

“The Mutual Insurance Building is also significant for its Classical Revival-style design and finely detailed light cream-colored glazed terra cotta ornamentation manufactured by the Northwestern Terra Cotta Company, the largest of Chicago's terra-cotta manufacturers in the early 20th century.”

“During the four decades that the Mutual Insurance Company was headquartered in the building, it grew to become a successful national insurance company known as the Kemper Insurance Company.”

“The Mutual Insurance Building, through its excellent overall design, detailing and craftsmanship, exemplifies the importance of architectural terra cotta in the history of Chicago architecture. The building's elaborate terra-cotta ornament was produced by Chicago's Northwestern Terra Cotta Company, one of the United States' major terra-cotta companies.”

“Within just five years, surging demand for office space in the area prompted the construction of four additional stories. Upon its completion in 1927, the stately structure—one of the largest office buildings in Chicago to be constructed outside of the Loop-reflected Uptown's emergence as the City's second "downtown." In 1928, the Emerman Building was rechristened the “Mutual Insurance Building" by insurance industry innovator James S. Kemper.”

“The Mutual Insurance Building has historic significance as the long-time headquarters of the Mutual Insurance Company and its various subsidiaries under the leadership of insurance industry leader James S. Kemper.”

“However, they contrasted so significantly with the existing low-scale commercial and residential Uptown streetscapes that they appeared to rise to dramatic heights. Characterized by their visual sophistication and prominence, Uptown skyscrapers include the Mutual Insurance Building, the (Former) Sheridan Trust and Savings Bank Building at 4753 N. Broadway (a designated Chicago Landmark), the New Lawrence Hotel at 1020 W. Lawrence Avenue, and the Wilton Hotel at 1053 W. Lawrence Avenue.”

“In Chicago, the insurance business made its first appearance in 1834 when Gordon S. Hubbard, who was a representative of Aetna Insurance of Hartford, Connecticut, issued the first Chicago home goods policy to himself.”

“During the four decades that Kemper's companies operated from the building, the continued growth of this successful nationally-known mutual insurance firm established Chicago as one of the largest insurance centers in the United States.”

“The Metropolitan Business College operated from a sizeable space on the second floor, while offices for a mix of businesses were located on floors three through five. In April 1928, a lucrative twenty-year lease for the building's top three stories was executed with James S. Kemper, President and General Manager of the Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company.”