Reliance Building

Introduction

The Reliance Building, a landmark in the Loop district of Chicago, stands as a testament to the city’s pioneering role in skyscraper development and modern architecture. Completed in 1895, it is renowned for its innovative steel-frame construction, striking white glazed terra cotta façade, and expansive plate-glass windows that transformed urban office design. Today, the building serves as the Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop, offering visitors the unique opportunity to experience a living piece of architectural history. This guide details the building’s historical significance, architectural features, practical visitor information—including visiting hours, accessibility, and tickets—as well as travel tips and suggestions for nearby attractions.

For more insights, consult resources like the Chicago Architecture Center, GPSmyCity, and the official hotel website. (WikiArquitectura, Architecture Adrenaline)

Origins and Early Development

The Reliance Building, located at 32 North State Street, was conceived during a period of rapid urban growth in post-fire Chicago. The initial four-story structure was designed by John Wellborn Root of Burnham & Root, but following Root’s death, Charles B. Atwood took over, completing the upper stories in 1895. The building’s swift construction, with its steel skeleton erected in just 15 days, marked a new era of efficiency and ambition in architecture. (WikiArquitectura, Architecture Adrenaline)

Architectural Innovations

The Reliance Building is celebrated as one of the world’s first skyscrapers to employ a steel frame, enabling both greater height and the extensive use of glass. Its façade—over 85% glass—ushered natural light deep into the building, a boon for the doctors and dentists who were its first tenants. The use of white glazed terra cotta, manufactured by the Northwest Terra Cotta Company, provided both an elegant finish and practical fireproofing. The rain-washed surface was intended to maintain a perpetual appearance of cleanliness and modernity. (Architecture Adrenaline)

Role in the Chicago School and Proto-Modernism

The Reliance Building is a key example of the Chicago School, which prioritized structural expression and minimal ornamentation. The building’s vertical bays, repetition of floor plans, and curtain wall-like glass foreshadowed 20th-century modernism. The lower floors retained stone elements reminiscent of Richardsonian Romanesque, but the upper stories embraced a new, lighter aesthetic. (WikiArquitectura)

Engineering and Interior Craftsmanship

Structural engineer E.C. Shankland designed the steel frame to withstand wind loads, and the building’s elevators and stairways featured high-quality German Gothic-style ironwork. The attention to both engineering and decorative details contributed to its reputation as a model of both form and function. (Architecture Adrenaline)

Preservation, Restoration, and Modern Use

By the late 20th century, the building had fallen into disrepair, but a major restoration in the 1990s, led by Gunny Harboe, revived its original details and adapted it for use as a boutique hotel. This careful restoration preserved the building’s integrity and set a standard for adaptive reuse. (WikiArquitectura, Architecture Adrenaline)

Landmark Status and Legacy

The Reliance Building is designated as a Chicago Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its influence on skyscraper design is recognized globally, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in architectural history. (WikiArquitectura)

Visiting the Reliance Building

Visiting Hours and Tickets

The Reliance Building operates as Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop. The public can access the lobby and ground-floor spaces during typical hotel hours (approximately 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.). There is no admission fee to enter the public areas, and no tickets are required. Access to guest rooms is limited to hotel guests. Occasionally, guided tours—including those by the Chicago Architecture Center—feature the Reliance Building as part of broader downtown itineraries; these may require tickets and advance booking.

Accessibility

The building is fully ADA compliant. Elevators and ramps are available, and step-free entry is provided, making the site accessible for all visitors.

Location and Getting There

• Address: 1 W. Washington Street / 32 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60602
• Transit: Easily reached via CTA Red and Blue Lines (Washington and Monroe stops), several bus routes, and nearby public parking garages. The Loop’s broad sidewalks and proximity to major attractions make it ideal for walking. (Skyscraper Center, Choose Chicago)

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience and best exterior lighting.
• Photography: The intersection of State and Washington Streets is ideal for façade photos. Interior photography is allowed in the lobby; tripods are generally prohibited.
• Dining: The on-site restaurant is open to the public. Numerous additional options are available nearby.
• Safety: The Loop is safe by day; stay alert as in any major city. (Timeless Travel Steps)
• Combine Your Visit: Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Riverwalk are all within a short walk.

Architectural Highlights

Exterior Features

The Reliance Building’s façade is a masterwork of the Chicago School: steel-frame construction, white glazed terra cotta, and expansive “Chicago windows” define its light, vertical character. The building’s glazed terra cotta both resists the city’s harsh weather and reflects light, giving the structure a luminous quality. The overall effect is one of elegance and modernity that was radically new at the time. (Chicago Architecture Center)

Interior Features

The restored lobby features mosaic tile floors, decorative plasterwork, and period lighting. Original elevator doors and intricate woodwork have been preserved on the upper floors, though access beyond public areas is reserved for hotel guests. Interpretive plaques and historical photographs in the lobby provide context for self-guided visitors. (EAA Architecture)

Guided Tours and Special Events

While the Reliance Building does not offer its own tours, it is frequently included in walking tours by the Chicago Architecture Center and other organizations. These tours provide in-depth commentary on the building’s design, engineering innovations, and role in Chicago’s architectural development. Advance tickets may be required; check provider schedules for details.

Visitor Experience

Ambiance and Photo Opportunities

The lobby’s restored details and the light-filled exterior make the Reliance Building a favorite with photographers and architecture enthusiasts. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best conditions for capturing the terra cotta’s subtle details.

Accessibility

The building is fully accessible, with elevators and step-free entries on all public floors. Restrooms are available in the hotel lobby and may be accessible to visitors upon request.

Essential Visitor Tips

• Allow 20–30 minutes to explore the lobby and exterior; longer if joining a tour or dining.
• Dress Code: Smart casual is appropriate.
• Combine with Nearby Sites: Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Cultural Center are all within a 10-minute walk.

Historical and Cultural Context

As one of the earliest steel-frame skyscrapers, the Reliance Building helped define the modern urban skyline. Its innovative design set standards for natural light, open interiors, and fireproof construction. The building’s successful restoration in the 1990s is a model for adaptive reuse, demonstrating how historic architecture can be preserved and integrated with contemporary city life. (Chicago Landmarks)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Reliance Building’s visiting hours?
A: The lobby is open during hotel hours, typically 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., but hours may vary.

Q: Is there an admission fee or tickets required?
A: No tickets or fees are required for the public areas. Guided tours through external providers may require tickets.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through organizations such as the Chicago Architecture Center.

Q: Is the building accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, there is step-free entry and elevators to all public areas.

Q: Can I take photographs inside?
A: Photography is allowed in public spaces, but tripods are generally not permitted.

Recommendations for a Memorable Visit

• Join a guided architecture tour for expert insights.
• Take time to explore the lobby and appreciate the restored details.
• Combine your visit with nearby cultural and architectural landmarks.
• Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and up-to-date visitor information.