Barta Building

Barta Building. Located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the Barta Building is a notable example of early Art Deco commercial architecture. Completed in 1930, the 22-story tower was designed by prominent architect Alfred S. Alschuler and constructed by the George A. Fuller Company. It stands as a testament to the architectural ambition of the late 1920s, just before the onset of the Great Depression.

History

The Barta Building was commissioned during the final years of the Roaring Twenties, a period of significant construction in Chicago following the architectural innovations of the Chicago School. Ground was broken in 1929, with the George A. Fuller Company, a major contractor responsible for landmarks like the Flatiron Building in New York City, overseeing construction. Its completion in 1930 coincided with the early effects of the Great Depression, which dramatically slowed new commercial development in the Chicago Loop. The building was named for its original owner, entrepreneur William Barta, who sought a prestigious address for his business ventures. Throughout the 20th century, it witnessed the transformation of the surrounding area, from the decline of State Street as a retail corridor to later revitalization efforts.

Architecture

Designed by Alfred S. Alschuler, whose other works include the London Guarantee Building and the Kuppenheimer Building, the Barta Building is a refined example of the Art Deco style adapted for a commercial skyscraper. Its façade is characterized by vertical limestone piers that emphasize its height, punctuated by intricate geometric and floral terra-cotta spandrel panels. The building's crown features a series of setbacks adorned with decorative metalwork, a common motif in Art Deco architecture influenced by the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. The original lobby contained a lavish use of marble, bronze detailing, and a mural by artist John Warner Norton, though much of this interior ornamentation has been altered over time.

Significance

The Barta Building holds significance as a well-preserved, mid-sized Art Deco skyscraper from the pivotal transition between Chicago's early skyscraper boom and the Great Depression. It represents the work of Alfred S. Alschuler, a key figure in Chicago's architectural history who bridged the Beaux-Arts tradition and modernist trends. The building contributes to the dense historical fabric of the Chicago Loop, sitting among landmarks like the Chicago Theatre and the Marshall Field and Company Building. It has been recognized for its architectural integrity and is a contributing property to the Loop Retail Historic District, underscoring its role in the commercial and architectural narrative of Chicago.

Tenants and uses

Originally housing the offices of William Barta and other professional firms, the building has accommodated a diverse mix of tenants throughout its history. In its early decades, it was home to various law firms, insurance agencies, and wholesale showrooms catering to the nearby State Street retail district. Following a period of decline in the late 20th century, the building underwent a conversion to include residential apartments alongside commercial office space, a trend seen in other historic Chicago structures like the Masonic Temple. Current uses reflect this mixed-use model, with professional offices occupying lower floors and residential units on upper levels.

See also

* Architecture of Chicago * List of Art Deco architecture in Chicago * Alfred S. Alschuler * Loop Retail Historic District * Skyscrapers in Chicago

Category:Skyscrapers in Chicago Category:Art Deco architecture in Chicago Category:Commercial buildings completed in 1930