William Wrigley commissioned Graham, Anderson, Probst & White architects in 1920 when he purchased land north of Chicago River on Michigan Avenue for his headquarters on this grand boulevard. Their gleaming white building with its design that recalls Giralda tower in Seville cathedral became first skyscraper on this grand boulevard.
William Wrigley began building his headquarters in 1920 as one of few significant structures north of Michigan Ave Bridge. Construction on both towers took place gradually until completion in 1924 via an elevator bridge connecting them. Graham, Anderson, Probst & White architects designed their building using a mix of Beaux Arts architecture with French Renaissance details for Wrigley; Charles Beersman served as chief designer at Graham Anderson Probst & White and included many decorative features into its exterior design.
The exterior is covered with glazed terra cotta tiles that make the building shine with brilliant white brilliance. Each facade must be hand washed regularly to preserve this fragile material; and at night floodlights illuminate its multi-shaded tiles for maximum reflection and illumination.
The south tower features an eye-catching clock featuring faces in all directions - standing an incredible 83 feet tall! It has become one of the city's most prominent landmarks.
Wrigley Building opened with its 30-story south tower in 1920, followed by two years later with its 24-story northern tower in 1924. These towers served as an eye-catching reminder of Chicago's World's Columbian Exposition held in 1893 and its White City. Graham, Anderson, Probst & White's architectural firm created these structures using elements from Beaux Arts architecture with French and Spanish Renaissance features like cornucopias, gryphons and fleur de lis motifs; additionally there are six shades of gleaming white terra cotta that get brighter as you move up tower; finally during nightfall the facades light up!
Though its splendor was undeniable, the building did present some challenges in those days. Soot was so heavy that a newspaper published an article in March 1921 comparing parts of recently washed terra cotta to unwashed parts. Soon thereafter, Wrigley decided not to advertise on their building anymore.
William Wrigley began excavating for his new headquarters near Michigan Avenue Bridge in January 1920 with the goal of creating an imposing building to help cement his company on the world stage.
Wrigley Building was completed in 1924 using white terra cotta cladding that was inspired by the White City of the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago of 1893.
Terra cotta's multihued surface reflects light differently, creating an appearance of glowing nighttime illumination for this building since its completion - with three exceptions being World War II, 1971's Relighting Project, and 1973-74 Energy Crisis.
The Wrigley Building's ground-floor was used for various retail purposes, including a movie theater and Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. Ghirardelli remains one of Ghirardelli's primary operations today; and current owners have done an excellent job promoting it in ways Wrigley himself might approve of.
The Wrigley Building's iconic white beacon stands as an international landmark and serves as an excellent backdrop for photography opportunities, particularly at night. Featured on architectural boat tours and featured in countless movies and social media posts alike.
William Wrigley Jr's chewing gum empire was showcased through this building designed by Charles Beersman and built in two stages; starting with its southern tower in 1920 and then its northern tower three years later. Inspired by Giralda Tower of Seville Cathedral combined with French Renaissance details, its south clocktower rises thirty stories above the main floors of office tower.
As soon as the building was complete, an observation deck opened its doors for visitors. Admission cost five cents; as part of an ingenious marketing scheme each visitor received a piece of Wrigley gum as an added incentive.
