Monadnock Building

So, with high hopes I was taking someone here for a romantic time, and was sad to see that it was just an office building with several little stores but none that peaked my interest. Yes, went there for the architecture, but this was like the only thing worth taking pictures of. Marbled floors.

This is such a beautiful building! The intricate details inside are breathtaking. It's definitely a hidden gem. I had trouble finding an office in there, and security was super helpful and looked through tons and tons of pages of their directory to help me. Apparently the place had moved and didn't list their new address, but it was really nice how helpful the man at the desk was!

One of the best buildings in the city. They offer plenty of services in the most wonderful way. All the businesses there are local and with wonderfully friendly people behind. This building is the perfect as South Loop neighborhood.

My favorite hidden gem building in the Loop--walk through it on your commute if you can! I always do! Beautifully restored and with its quaint boutique shops, it feels like stepping through time.

I got the secret hint that this building was really beautiful on the inside and people often missed out on it when they did walking tours of the city - and that is entirely correct. It reminded me a lot of the Bradbury Building in that everything looked effortlessly cinematic. As a tourist, you must stay on the ground floor, but there are some beautiful shop windows and floor decorations to see. If like me, you’re on a nice walk, and it’s too hot outside, make sure to pass through here!

Another of Chicago's important architectural landmarks, classic Chicago School architecture... in brick. Fabulous brick building. First designed by Burnham and Root, constructed in 1891. Then a second half, the south portion of the Monadnock, by Holabird and Roche in 1893. I love the incredibly thick brick construction at the base of the Burnham and Root half of the building and the deep set windows. It just feels like a monument. A superior architectural photographic opportunity. Work that camera and lens!

Beautiful building. Front desk guy was very rude though

One of Chicago’s most historic and beautiful buildings. Walk the first floor lobby that runs the length of the building. Lots of cool shops and a great bistro inside. The mosaic tile floor, marble paneling and staircase alone are worth a visit.

Beautiful architecture but rude and condescending staff. What a disappointment to be treated so horribly by a non-welcoming gentleman too busy on their phone to greet customers with a kind welcome.

Pardon me while I geek out on Chicago School architecture. This building is 129 years old, and, when completed, was the first of its kind. It's the tallest load bearing brick building ever constructed, and the last brick skyscraper ever built. When it was completed, it was the largest office building in the world. I'm trying to picture what the south Loop looked like back then, the same year that the Lake Street elevated train started service (Chicago's famous L), and how important this building was to a city that was just starting its renaissance. I enjoy walking the halls and taking in the sights; the decorative staircases, which employed the first structural use of aluminum in any building, the lovely mosaic floors, even the beautiful letter box on the first floor. I don't work in this building, so can't comment on its current functionality, but I know I'd be inclined to overlook a lot of what it lacks in modern comforts to enjoy the historic beauty on a daily basis.

Mi familia y yo venimos a este lugar porque tenemos cita con el abogado Gutierrez. Llegamos antes de la cita y tenemos que esperar en el lobi dijo. Mis hijas y yo nos sentamos en las escalars porque no tienen ni 1 sola silla en lobi, y esta persona que esta encargado de hacer pasar las persona se nos acerco y nos grito diciendo que no podiamos sentarnos en las escaleras, que su jefe esta ahi. Fuimos maltratados, esta persona fue agresiva. Nos hizo pasar un momento muy desagradable. Personas como estas no deberian ocupar un puesto de trabajo porque tienen que aprender como tratar personas.

The Monadnock building is a great place to work. Beautiful architecture and spacious offices. The only problem I've had is seeing two rats in the hallway and two in my office within a week. I've heard from other tenants it is a problem with them as well. It can be concerning to see that and know that management is not dealing with it. Overall - no complaints. Great staff at the desk, and an amazing atmosphere.

The Monadnock Building is noted for its brick construction, and its massive walls are six feet thick at the base. The muscular tower was an early downtown high-rise and features some bay windows but little detail other than the building name.

If this review was solely based on the architecture and historical significance of this building I would give it five stars. However, this building is more that its architecture and historical significance, it's a real office building that I've worked in. While it is very charming looking, working in this building is another thing. First, the lobby is narrow and dark. Even in the middle of the day in the middle of summer, it's dark and poorly lit. The office I worked it was too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. One good feature is that the windows in my office actually opened, which did provide some relief. Moreover, the system of stairs is confusing and I even got lost once or twice. Some of the positive aspects is that it is close to many other buildings in the Loop and that it has a few good shops/restaurants/coffee shops on the first floor. Over all it's a cool building with a need for some internal modern updates.