A Bold New Vision
In 1884, Chicago witnessed the beginning of a construction project that would change architecture forever. Designed by William Le Baron Jenney, the Home Insurance Building introduced a metal frame structure, allowing it to soar higher without relying on heavy masonry walls.
Engineering a New Height
Completed in 1885, the Home Insurance Building stood ten stories tall, reaching 138 feet (42 meters). Its steel-and-iron frame made it lighter and stronger than traditional stone buildings, setting a new standard for how tall structures could be designed and built.
Growing Beyond Expectations
In 1891, two additional floors were added to the Home Insurance Building, increasing its height to 180 feet (55 meters). The steel frame easily supported the expansion, a feat not possible with older building methods based solely on brick and stone.
A Historic Farewell
The Home Insurance Building was demolished in 1931 to make way for the Field Building, now the Bank of America Building. Before demolition, engineers documented its structure carefully, recognizing it as the world’s first skyscraper built with a metal frame.
In 1884, Chicago witnessed the beginning of a construction project that would change architecture forever.
Designed by William Le Baron Jenney, the Home Insurance Building introduced a metal frame structure, allowing it to soar higher without relying on heavy masonry… pic.twitter.com/oA50Wfal6Y
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) April 28, 2025