At State and Madison in downtown Chicago, the Sullivan Center is a landmark designed by Louis Sullivan in 1899. Its ornate corner entrance brings floral ironwork together with the building’s steel structure, while broad bay windows draw daylight inside. The former department store now contains shops, offices and a Target, so you can pair a close look at the architecture with a practical stop indoors. Visit on a weekday for a quieter look around, and take time to notice the details above street level.
A department store designed for display
Louis Sullivan designed the building in 1899 for Schlesinger & Mayer. It later became the home of Carson Pirie Scott, keeping its original role as a retail address. The Sullivan Center remains a landmark in downtown Chicago, at the corner of State and Madison Streets.
Its architecture reflects a turn toward modern construction while retaining elaborate decoration. The building’s steel structure supports a façade whose ornament concentrates attention at the street corner. Large bay windows bring daylight into the interior, where it could illuminate merchandise displays.
Ironwork at the corner
The entrance is the building’s most intricate detail. Sullivan’s ironwork forms floral, flowing patterns around and above the corner doorway. Its plant-inspired decoration draws on vegetation native to the Midwestern prairie, giving the metalwork a distinct regional character.
Take a moment to look beyond the doorway itself: the ornament extends overhead, while the bay windows are another feature to notice as you move along the building. These details helped the store attract attention from the street and bring natural light to its displays.
A historic building in use
Retail has occupied the building since it opened in 1899. Today, the Sullivan Center contains offices and shops as well as a Target, bringing everyday shopping into a building associated with Chicago’s early skyscraper architecture.
The combination makes it possible to see the historic interior in the course of an ordinary visit. The building stands within the Loop, where other historic buildings nearby can extend a short stop into an architecture-focused walk.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Sullivan Center?
It is at 9 E Madison St in downtown Chicago, at the corner of State and Madison Streets.
Who designed the Sullivan Center?
Architect Louis Sullivan designed it in 1899 for the Schlesinger & Mayer department store.
What is inside the Sullivan Center today?
The building contains offices, shops and a Target.
What architectural details should I look for?
Look for the floral ironwork around and above the corner entrance, along with the large bay windows.
