2 days ago
Inside the Wrigley Building: New book uncovers hidden details of the Chicago icon
The Wrigley Building is widely regarded as one of Chicago's most beloved landmarks, but a new book argues that its architecture deserves far more serious attention.
The big picture: "The Wrigley Building: The Making of an Icon" combines architectural criticism, long-lost stories and incredible photography to reintroduce it to readers who have admired the building while walking to work or play.
What they're saying: "The fact that it's so famous and nobody knows anything about it is bizarre," co-author William Zbaren tells Axios.
"The architect was an unknown figure. It's not a typical skyscraper of its time. It's kind of a one-off, like the Chrysler Building is a one-off."
Backstory: The 1921 towering white structure was designed by architect Charles Gerhard Beersman for William Wrigley Jr., the larger-than-life chewing gum magnate who also owned the Chicago Cubs.
The result was an incredibly detailed design that many have overlooked.
"Most of the building's ornamentation has remained unseen for a hundred years," co-author Robert Sharoff tells Axios. "The higher up you go, the more lavish it is. Beersman drew all these little characters and figures, and it's wild."
Zoom in: The book also documents the incredible history of the building's tenants, including the Arts Club of Chicago and Columbia Records, which recorded musicians like Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway and Peggy Lee.
Co-author and city historian Tim Samuelson tells those stories.
Flashback: The book was commissioned by the building's owner, Joe Mansueto, who purchased it in 2018. Mansueto also owns the Chicago Fire FC and just announced he is privately funding a new soccer stadium in the South Loop.
"The Wrigley Building is a cultural asset and I'm its steward. This is about preserving a cultural icon for future generations," Manseuto writes in the book.
The bottom line: It's a fascinating glimpse into an iconic downtown building and its connection to Chicago's history. Next time you walk by, take a moment to admire one of the city's (and the country's) architectural treasures.
