The Palmolive Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, recognized as a building worthy of preservation because of its architectural significance to the nation. While this is a great honor, the Palmolive Building’s designation as a Chicago Landmark is perhaps as important because Chicago is the single greatest architectural city in America, and the Palmolive Building is recognized as a major contributor to its status as such.

The Palmolive Building is recognized for having been the first major commercial skyscraper to be constructed outside the “iron bands” of the Loop, with its sophisticated design and overwhelming success as office space heralding the expansion of downtown to North Michigan Avenue. It is also acknowledged that the Palmolive Building “is one of the finest examples in the country of the Art Deco setback skyscrapers of the 1920s.”

Distinction was placed upon the Palmolive Building also for its being designed by Holabird & Root, if not for being the most memorable work by them, one Chicago’s oldest and most prestigious architecture firms. The Palmolive Building continues to be a visually striking part of the Chicago skyline. Once plastered all over guidebooks and postcards, the structure now stands as a fitting anchor to one the nation’s greatest office, residential, and shopping avenues.

For further information about the Palmolive Building’s Landmark Status, and the organizations that have recognized the building, please visit the following links:

National Register of Historic Places
Commission on Chicago Landmarks
Chicago Landmark Ordinance