Historic Chicago Daily News Building Earns Landmark Status
The historic Chicago Daily News building, a 26-story Art Deco skyscraper located at 2 N. Riverside Plaza, has been officially designated as a Chicago landmark. The building, completed in 1929, was recognized for its architectural significance, its role in establishing…
Chicago, IL, July 21, 2026 —
The Chicago Daily News building, a prominent 26-story Art Deco skyscraper situated at 2 N. Riverside Plaza, has officially been designated as a Chicago landmark. The designation acknowledges the building’s significant architectural merit, its historical importance in solidifying Chicago’s position as a major media hub, and its groundbreaking engineering innovations.
Completed in 1929, the building is noted for several pioneering features. It stands as the first office building to be constructed over active railroad tracks, a testament to its complex and forward-thinking design. Additionally, the structure incorporates a public plaza, contributing to its unique urban presence.
The architectural style of the building, characteristic of the Art Deco period, has long been recognized for its aesthetic value. Its designation as a landmark underscores its enduring contribution to the city’s skyline and its cultural heritage. The building’s history is closely tied to the Chicago Daily News, a newspaper that played a significant role in the city’s media landscape.
The recognition as a Chicago landmark highlights the building’s multifaceted importance, encompassing not only its visual appeal but also its historical narrative and its technical achievements in construction during the early 20th century. The landmark status aims to preserve these qualities for future generations.
Story summarized from the original created by Michael Puente on www.wbez.org, see more information here.
