Each year, Sept. 3 is recognized as national skyscraper day! Did you know the first skyscraper was built in Chicago?
In 1884, Chicago architect William LeBaron Jenny designed the first skyscraper, which stood nine stories high, and was home to the Home Life Insurance Building. Itwas the first structure to stand on an iron frame. The building stood for 46 years until its demolition in 1931.
The metal frame of this building was a method pioneered by Jenny, and included reinforced concrete. This innovation sparked the need to construct electric elevators, pressurized plumbing, and central heating to serve the needs of those who use space within a skyscraper.
In 1891, additional floors were added to bring the total to 12 floors, which brought the building to an unprecedented height for a building during this time.
Illinois is now home to the 25th tallest building in the world, the Willis Tower, which stands at 1,451 feet, compared to the Home Life Insurance Building which stood at 138 feet after the completion of 12th floor.
