Fragment of facade
Louis Sullivan, American (1856-1924), architect
Fragment of façade
Holabird and Roche, Gage Building, Chicago, IL
C.1898
Cast iron, Winslow Brothers Company, manufacturer
33 x 51 in.
Gift of L. Morgan Yost, 1983.08a
Photographer: Philip Mrozinski
Louis Sullivan was commissioned by Chicago entrepreneur Stanley R. McCormick to design the cast iron ornamental façade of the northernmost building of the Gage Group. The three-building complex, completed in 1899 and located on South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, was designed by the architectural firm of Holabird and Roche.
This fragment is from the lowest level of the façade and features a floral motif throughout with scroll work in the corners. The entire façade was executed in ornamental iron at the base with brown terra cotta above. The fragment is a fine example of the nature-inspired architectural ornament so characteristic of Sullivan’s work in Chicago.