Wrigley Building, Chicago office tower and landmark

Architecture and features

Designed by the architectural firm Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, the complex consists of two towers—one taller with a four-faced clock—joined by pedestrian bridges. The building is clad in glazed white terra cotta, a material chosen for its bright, clean appearance and resilience to the city’s weather. Its tower silhouette and decorative detailing draw on European bell-tower precedents, creating a highly visible skyline landmark.

Construction and history

Construction began in 1920 and continued into the early 1920s. Commissioned by William Wrigley Jr. to house his chewing-gum company, the Wrigley Building helped anchor the commercial corridor that became the Magnificent Mile. It is credited with being one of Chicago’s first major office buildings north of the river and was reported to be the city’s first air-conditioned office building.

Uses, ownership and changes

Originally the Wrigley Company’s headquarters, the complex has contained a mixture of offices and ground-floor retail throughout its history. Ownership has changed over time; in 2011 the property was sold to an investor group that included Zeller Realty Group and entrepreneurs Eric Lefkofsky and Brad Keywell. Renovations and maintenance projects in recent decades have focused on preserving the distinctive terra cotta facade, updating building systems and modernizing interior office space for contemporary tenants.

Significance and public presence

Beyond its commercial role, the Wrigley Building is a familiar element of Chicago’s visual identity. Its illuminated tower and clock are frequently photographed, especially at night, and the site remains a popular reference point for visitors on the Magnificent Mile. Preservation-minded observers often cite the building as an example of early 20th-century corporate architecture that combines practical office planning with ornamental civic presence.

Notable facts

• Address: 400–410 North Michigan Avenue.
• Neighborhood: Near North Side, Chicago.
• State: Illinois.
• Landmark setting: immediately across from the Tribune Tower on the Magnificent Mile.