Chicago Architecture Reid, Murdoch & Term Paper

Total Length: 715 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

Page 1 of 2

The outside of the building has a modern, Chicago-style steel-and-concrete supporting frame. The brickwork and terra-cotta details mark it as being a part of the Prairie style. Its clock tower is one of the most distinguishing features of its structure. "The building was originally built as a food processing company and warehouse, and where the clock now stands there used to be signs that said 'Finer Foods'("Reid, Murdoch & Co. Building," Chicagolist, 2005). The clock tower was originally included as part of a water tower that supplied the sprinkler system in the building for safety purposes.

In 1915 an ocean liner crashed and killed 812 people across the river from the building. Because of its size, the building was used as a temporary hospital and morgue. Because of this some people say that it is haunted, and that you can still hear the shrieks of people dying inside ("Reid, Murdoch & Co. Building," Chicagolist, 2005).

Stuck Writing Your "Chicago Architecture Reid, Murdoch &" Term Paper?

In 1955, the city of Chicago bought the Reid Murdoch building to use as municipal traffic court, to house the State Attorney Office, "and for several other city departments" ("Reid, Murdoch & Co. Building, Chicagolist, 2005). It was used as traffic court until 1998. Today the building houses a variety of private offices and a restaurant. The varied history of the building highlights its functionality and expanse. It has proved adaptable, not only as a warehouse and a place for the city government to dispense justice, but also to help people in times of need. Even people who do not believe that the building is haunted enjoy looking at the river from atop the building, enjoy looking at the large clock tower that is both beautiful and functional in the Frank Lloyd Wright spirit, and may even dine at the scenic waterfront restaurant on the first floor.

Works.....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Chicago Architecture Reid Murdoch & " (2007, May 06) Retrieved July 9, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/chicago-architecture-reid-murdoch-37909

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Chicago Architecture Reid Murdoch & " 06 May 2007. Web.9 July. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/chicago-architecture-reid-murdoch-37909>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Chicago Architecture Reid Murdoch & ", 06 May 2007, Accessed.9 July. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/chicago-architecture-reid-murdoch-37909