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Old Colony Building

building, Chicago, Illinois, United States

Quick Summary

The Old Colony Building, located in Chicago, Illinois, was a significant structure in the development of the skyscraper. Designed by William Le Baron Jenney, it was completed in 1894 and demolished in 1931. This building is notable for being one of the earliest structures to utilize a steel skeleton frame, a revolutionary construction method that allowed for greater height and stability compared to traditional load-bearing walls. This innovation was a key step in the evolution of the skyscraper and influenced the architectural style known as the Chicago School.12

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