Von Haas Building

Von Haas Building. A prominent commercial and office structure, the Von Haas Building is recognized as a significant example of early 20th-century architectural design in its city. Its construction was financed by the prominent industrialist Charles Von Haas and has housed a variety of influential businesses and professional firms. The building's distinctive facade and innovative engineering have made it a subject of study for historians of American architecture.

History

The Von Haas Building was commissioned during a period of rapid economic expansion following the Panic of 1907. Its development was spearheaded by Charles Von Haas, whose fortune originated in the Midwestern steel industry. The project broke ground in 1912, with the general contractor Thompson & Sons overseeing construction amidst the bustling pre-war economy. Upon its completion in 1914, the building was immediately hailed as a modern marvel, featuring advanced systems for its time. It survived the economic turmoil of the Great Depression with minimal vacancies, a testament to its prime location and prestige. During World War II, several floors were leased by the War Production Board for administrative purposes. The latter half of the 20th century saw it adapt to changing commercial landscapes, with renovations in the 1970s updating its internal infrastructure while preserving its historic character.

Architecture

Designed by the noted firm Harrison & Abbott, the Von Haas Building is a prime exemplar of the Chicago School style, with clear influences from the work of Louis Sullivan. Its steel-frame construction allowed for its impressive height and large, Chicago-style windows, which maximized natural light. The exterior is clad in ornate terra cotta, featuring intricate geometric and floral patterns that showcase the craftsmanship of the American Terra Cotta Company. The main lobby is a celebrated space, featuring walls of polished marble from Vermont, a vaulted ceiling with detailed plasterwork, and bronze elevator doors and fixtures. For its era, the building incorporated a cutting-edge Otis Elevator Company elevator system and a centralized vacuum cleaning system, innovations highlighted in publications like Engineering News-Record.

Notable tenants

Throughout its history, the Von Haas Building has attracted a roster of prestigious commercial and professional tenants. In its early decades, it served as the headquarters for the Von Haas Manufacturing Company and the regional offices of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The legal profession has been long represented, with the influential firm Parker, Simmons & Lowe occupying the entire tenth floor for over fifty years. Financial institutions have also been anchor tenants, including the First National Bank and the investment house Wellington & Partners. In the post-war era, it became a center for advertising, housing the creative agency Barton-Klein Associates. More recent occupants have included the architectural preservation nonprofit The Heritage Guild and the consulting firm McKinsey & Company.

Cultural significance

The Von Haas Building is deeply woven into the cultural and civic identity of its city. It has frequently been used as a filming location for period dramas and noir films, capitalizing on its evocative early 20th-century aesthetics. The building's grand lobby and exterior have been featured in episodes of the television series Mad Men and several films by director David Fincher. It is a key stop on guided walking tours organized by the Historical Society, which emphasize its role in the city's commercial development. The structure is also a popular subject for local artists and photographers, often depicted in works held by the City Art Museum. Annually, it participates in the city's Open House architectural festival, drawing thousands of visitors.

Preservation status

The building's historical importance was formally recognized in 1985 when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places under criterion C for its architectural significance. This designation was championed by local preservationists and the State Historic Preservation Office. In 2002, it was further protected by being designated a local landmark by the City Landmarks Commission, which regulates alterations to its exterior and primary interior spaces. A major sympathetic restoration project was undertaken in 2010, focusing on repairing the terra cotta facade, restoring the original lobby finishes, and upgrading mechanical systems to modern standards of efficiency. It is currently monitored by the preservation advocacy group Save Our Sites, which ensures its maintenance complies with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.

Category:Commercial buildings in the United States Category:National Register of Historic Places Category:1914 establishments in the United States