The National, a restored 1907 high-rise, energizes a formerly tired corner of downtown The turn-of-the-century skyscraper at 125 Clark Street in Chicago?s Loop hasn?t gotten much time in the spotlight, and for good reason. Surrounded by the city?s rich architectural heritage, the aged 1907 high-rise easily gets overlooked among a crowd of groundbreaking designs.
?This building is next to a stretch of Dearborn that basically contains the history of American commercial architecture, and many of the buildings that invented American modernism,? says Aric Lasher, architect and principal at local firm HBRA Architects. ?There?s a reason Chicago has been called the Florence of American architecture.?
But 125 Clark, which was designed by legendary architect Daniel Burnham?s firm, D. H. Burnham & Company, deserves more attention from architecture fans and historians. A recent renovation, refurbishment, and rebranding as The National may help this ?lost? Loop gem find its place amid the city?s crowded and historic skyline. ?What?s unfortunate is that it was hiding in plain sight,? says Lasher, whose firm oversaw the recent restoration. ?Because of its degradation and blackened color, it was invisible to people.?

Jennifer Catherine Photography

Built in 1907 as the Commercial National Bank Building, the 20-story commercial high-rise, epitomized the Classical Revival style of the period, and stands as the city?s oldest surviving commercial high-rise by D....