Roanoke Building

The Roanoke Building, at the corner of LaSalle and Madison Streets in downtown Chicago, is an architectural gem that vividly reflects the city's history. Originally conceived as the Lumber Exchange Building and later known by various names, the complex today combines several historic structures. The core of the building was erected in 1915 by Holabird & Roche in the late Chicago School style and expanded by five stories in 1922. The tower added in 1925, considered an early example of the use of setbacks, gives the building a distinctive architectural touch. The dark terra-cotta facade with Italian design elements is complemented by a classically styled lobby with a vaulted ceiling and marble floors. As the only building of its kind in the city, the Roanoke Building also features elements of Portuguese Gothic, which makes its terra-cotta ornamentation especially remarkable.

In the building, now operating as a Residence Inn, you can not only admire the historic fabric but also experience its modern use. Following a comprehensive renovation completed in 2015, the property now houses 380 rooms and large conference spaces. The restoration, which also covered the facade, the elevators, and the exterior lighting, was made possible by historic tax incentives. A particular acoustic feature is the four bronze bells installed in the tower, which play the melody "Samheim" every quarter hour. The largest of these bells is named "Leander" in honor of Leander McCormick. The building, which stands on the site of earlier structures such as the DeSoto Building and Farwell Hall, is now a protected Chicago Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underscoring its cultural and historical value.