Chicago Architecture

7. The Reliance Building

Chicago, IL

The Reliance building lies southwest across the Street from the Carson Building, between State and Washington Streets. The Reliance Building is a National History Landmark, designed by Charles Atwood and the Burnham firm, and was completed in 1895. The building is best known for being the first skyscraper to feature glass as a major contributor to its exterior design. One could say it was the first to follow the modern "Chicago School" of design that is so prominent in the city today. The building houses the Hotel Burnham and the Cafe Atwood as allusions to the building's design history.