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Palmolive Building
Palmolive Building
Palmolive Building
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Palmolive Building
The Palmolive Building
Palmolive Building is located in Chicago metropolitan area
Palmolive Building
Palmolive Building is located in Illinois
Palmolive Building
Palmolive Building is located in the United States
Palmolive Building
Location919 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, US
Coordinates41°53′59.41″N 87°37′25.94″W / 41.8998361°N 87.6238722°W / 41.8998361; -87.6238722
Built1929
ArchitectHolabird & Root
Architectural styleArt Deco
NRHP reference No.03000784 [1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHPAugust 21, 2003
Designated CLFebruary 16, 2000
The Lindbergh Beacon atop the Palmolive Building can be clearly seen at night.
Building with the Playboy name on top, circa 1970

The Palmolive Building, formerly the Playboy Building, is a 37-story Art Deco building at 919 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.

History

[edit]

Designed by Holabird & Root, the Palmolive Building was completed in 1929 as the home of the Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company.

Playboy Enterprises purchased the leasehold in 1965 and the structure was renamed the Playboy Building. It was home to the editorial and business offices of Playboy magazine until 1989, when Playboy moved its offices to 680 N Lake Shore Drive. Playboy had sold the leasehold in 1980 and signed a 10-year lease that expired in 1990. The new leaseholder renamed the building 919 North Michigan Avenue.[2]

During the time that Playboy was in the building, the word P-L-A-Y-B-O-Y was spelled out in 9-foot (2.7 m) illuminated letters on the north and south roofline.[3] The building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2000,[4] and it was added to the federal National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

In 2001, the building was sold to developer Draper and Kramer who, with Booth Hansen Architects, converted it to residential use, with the first two floors dedicated to upscale office and retail space. High-end condos make up the rest of the building. The new owners restored the building's name to the Palmolive Building. The business address remains 919 North Michigan Avenue; however, the residential address is 159 East Walton Place. Notable residents of the building include Vince Vaughn, who bought a 12,000-square-foot (1,100 m2) triplex penthouse encompassing the 35th, 36th and 37th floors for $12 million.[a][6] In February 2013, Vaughn offered the penthouse for sale as a pocket listing for $24.9 million.[b] However, after multiple price cuts he chose in May 2016 to divide the unit in two, offering one for $8.5 million,[c] and the other smaller unit for $4.2 million.[d][7]

Lindbergh Beacon

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Lindbergh Beacon atop the Palmolive Building in Chicago

A beacon named for the aviator Charles Lindbergh was added to the building in 1930. It rotated a full 360 degrees and was intended to help guide airplanes safely to Midway Airport. The beacon beamed for several decades, and ceased operation in 1981 following complaints from residents of nearby buildings.[8]

See also

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Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Palmolive Building

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from Grokipedia
The Palmolive Building is a 37-story located at 919 North Michigan Avenue in , , designed by the architectural firm and completed in 1929 as the headquarters for the Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company, a major soap manufacturer. Rising 565 feet (172 m) with a series of setbacks that create terraced promenades for light and air—reflecting early zoning ordinances and Hugh Ferriss's influential renderings—the building exemplifies 's innovative tradition during the . It was the first major commercial structure built far north of the Loop, anchoring the emerging district and symbolizing corporate ambition with lavish interiors, including executive suites featuring fireplaces and amenities like a and shop. In 1930, a powerful rotating beacon named after aviator was installed atop the tower, producing 2 billion candlepower to guide aircraft from up to 300 miles away and operating until 1981 as a key aviation aid; it was restored in 2007. The building later served as the headquarters for Enterprises from 1965 to 1989, enhancing its cultural prominence, before being renamed the 919 North Michigan Building in 1989. Designated a Chicago Landmark on February 16, 2000, and added to the on August 21, 2003, for its architectural merit, it was converted into luxury condominiums in 2001 by Draper & Kramer, Inc., preserving its historic facade while adapting to modern residential use.

History

Construction and Early Use

In 1927, the Palmolive-Peet Company, which had recently merged with Colgate to form Colgate-Palmolive-Peet, commissioned the construction of a new headquarters in to centralize its growing operations in a prestigious location. The site at 919 North Michigan Avenue, on the southeast corner of East Walton Street, was selected for its visibility along the , proximity to the Loop business district, and access to the affluent Gold Coast neighborhood, enhancing the company's image as a leader in consumer goods. This half-block parcel had previously been earmarked for a Ritz Hotel development but was acquired from developers Henry Paschen and Walter Ahlschlager, reflecting the era's commercial expansion northward from downtown . Designed by the architectural firm , known for their innovative skyscrapers, construction began with groundbreaking in March 1928 and faced challenges from strong winds affecting the tall structure. The 37-story building was completed in April 1929 at a cost of approximately $6 million and occupied by tenants starting in June of that year. It featured a with concrete floors, clad in gray Bedford limestone and accented with terra cotta spandrels, embodying the emerging style that emphasized verticality and setback massing. The Palmolive Building opened formally on June 12, 1929, serving as the executive headquarters for Colgate-Palmolive-Peet and housing its first centralized Chicago operations, including advertising and sales departments. Major advertising agency Lord & Thomas leased the 17th and 18th floors for a decade-long term, underscoring the building's role in the city's burgeoning media and commerce sectors. The company maintained its presence until 1934, when executive offices relocated to Jersey City, New Jersey, though it retained ownership until 1943; during this early period, the structure also attracted upscale tenants such as Kaiser Aluminum and Esquire Magazine, with a sub-basement serving as an electrical substation for Commonwealth Edison. In August 1930, a prominent beacon was added to the roof and originally named for aviator Charles Lindbergh, though he declined the honor and it was officially renamed the Palmolive Beacon.

Playboy Building Era

In 1965, Playboy Enterprises, founded by Hugh Hefner, acquired a 63-year leasehold on the Palmolive Building at 919 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago for $2.7 million, comprising $1.9 million in cash and an $800,000 mortgage, from the Prudential Insurance Company of America. The company planned to occupy approximately seven floors, totaling around 100,000 square feet, for its editorial and business operations, while leasing the remaining space to other tenants such as advertising agencies and insurance firms. By early 1967, following renovations, Playboy had moved into 133,000 square feet across floors 3 through 12, establishing the building as its corporate headquarters and a hub for magazine production and administrative functions. The building was informally renamed the Playboy Building in 1968, reflecting its new identity under Hefner's influence, though the official designation remained the Palmolive Building. invested $7 to $8 million in adaptations, including modern office interiors with curved, textured walls and cutouts for a contemporary aesthetic, upgrades to the , and automation of the rooftop , which was partially shielded that year to address complaints from nearby taller structures like the John Hancock Center. A black glass curtain wall was added to the first two floors to modernize the entrance and align with the company's branding. These changes transformed the 1920s structure into a symbol of mid-century media innovation, hosting events such as magazine launches, celebrity interviews, and editorial gatherings that underscored 's role in 1960s and 1970s pop culture. Hugh Hefner maintained a frequent presence at the building throughout the 1960s and 1980s, overseeing operations from his base before shifting more focus to the West Coast in the 1970s. The era solidified the building's association with 's cultural phenomenon, blending corporate media with the sexual revolution's iconography, though financial pressures on the company contributed to strategic shifts. In 1980, Playboy sold the leasehold interest but retained occupancy through a new 10-year agreement, continuing to use the space inefficiently across nine floors. The Playboy era concluded in 1989 when the company vacated the premises ahead of the lease's 1990 expiration, relocating 250 employees and operations to a more efficient 100,000-square-foot space at 680 North . The building was briefly known as 919 North Michigan Avenue during this transitional period before undergoing further changes, marking the end of its two-decade tenure as a Playboy landmark.

Conversion to Condominiums

In the late , as office vacancy rates rose in downtown Chicago amid shifting commercial real estate dynamics, the Palmolive Building faced declining demand for its office spaces, prompting owners to explore options. In November 2000, developers announced plans to convert the structure into luxury condominiums, capitalizing on growing interest in high-end residential properties along the . The Chicago Plan Commission approved the residential conversion in March 2002, allowing for the transformation while requiring preservation of key historic features. Draper and Kramer Incorporated acquired the building in June 2001 for $57 million from previous owner L&B Realty, marking the start of a major redevelopment effort. Working with Booth Hansen Architects, the firm undertook a comprehensive renovation beginning in 2001, estimated to cost over $40 million, focused on converting the upper 32 floors—previously office space—into 97 custom luxury condominium units ranging from one to four bedrooms. The project preserved the building's Art Deco interiors, including ornamental details and finishes, while incorporating modern updates such as raised floors for new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; lowered window sills to enhance residential views; thickened demising walls for improved soundproofing; and high-end custom cabinetry, stone countertops, and appliances from brands like Sub-Zero and Wolf. Amenities added included a private fitness center, health club, steam room, concierge services, 24-hour door staff, valet parking, and additional storage, blending historic charm with contemporary luxury. The lower two floors retained their retail and office configuration, integrating ground-level commercial spaces to maintain the building's mixed-use vitality. The renovation was completed in 2002, with initial condominium sales launching that year at premium prices reflecting the building's landmark status and prime location. Units started at around $650,000 for smaller layouts, while penthouse residences exceeded $10 million, underscoring the project's appeal to affluent buyers seeking expansive spaces up to 7,900 square feet with and city skyline views. Following completion, the property has been managed as The Palmolive , a homeowner's association overseeing maintenance and operations. Ownership of individual units has seen turnover over the decades, with notable activity continuing into 2025; for instance, a high-floor unit sold in early 2025 for a record ninth-highest price in the area that year, though at a discount from its original 2006 purchase price, amid broader market challenges for luxury condos. In November 2025, another full-floor unit sold for $2.5 million, less than half the $5.39 million paid for it in 2007. High-profile listings persist, including full-floor renovations listed above $6 million, highlighting ongoing interest despite economic pressures.

Architecture

Design Elements

The Palmolive Building exemplifies architecture, characterized by a strong vertical emphasis and modernist aesthetics, standing at 37 stories and reaching an architectural height of 565 feet (172 m) to the top of the structure per Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat standards, including the crowning mast. Its setback design, featuring terraces at the 3rd, 11th, 18th, 22nd, 34th, and 37th floors, adheres to Chicago's 1923 zoning ordinance, which mandated step-backs to allow light and air to reach street level while creating a tapered, sculptural form. The exterior is clad in Indiana Bedford limestone, providing a light gray facade that contrasts with dark terra cotta spandrels between floors. The overall composition presents an undulating surface with symmetrical projecting and recessed bays, enhancing the building's dynamic rhythm and verticality through continuous metal mullions framing paired double-hung sash windows. At the base, two-story storefronts with metal framing define the street level, including the main entrance on Walton Street. Structurally, the building employs a skeleton frame supporting floors, a standard for early 20th-century skyscrapers that allowed for the height and open floor plans. Its foundation consists of stone-filled hardpan caissons extending 132 feet to , ensuring stability on 's challenging soil. The rooftop features a 150-foot polished and aluminum mast, which supports the historic Lindbergh and historically positioned the light 603 feet above street level. Inside, the double-height lobby showcases rose granite walls and a floor, contributing to its grandeur as a public space. Original carved walnut elevator panels, featuring bas-relief designs by sculptor Enrique Alférez, add intricate geometric detailing and remain a highlight of the preserved common areas. These elements reflect the building's initial office configurations, with wood accents and patterned motifs emphasizing elegance.

Lindbergh Beacon

The Lindbergh Beacon was installed atop the Palmolive Building in 1930 by the Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company as a tribute to aviator Charles Lindbergh's historic 1927 solo from New York to , which had captured global attention and advanced the cause of . The beacon became operational on August 27, 1930, following ceremonies on the building's roof, and was described at the time as the world's most powerful light, with an intensity of two billion generated by a high-intensity using carbon electrodes and molten . Mounted on a 150-foot mast rising from the rooftop, it featured an 80-inch lens that projected a rotating beam pitched two degrees above the horizon, visible up to 300 miles away under clear conditions, while pilots reportedly could read a by its light from 50 miles distant. Designed to aid early during an era when instrument navigation was rudimentary, the served a practical purpose by guiding safely to Chicago's Midway Airport, particularly at night and in poor visibility over . It consisted of two lights: a revolving that swept a full 360 degrees to alert pilots of the city's location, complemented by a fixed beam directed toward Midway to provide directional guidance. The installation, a to the from inventor Elmer A. Sperry of the Sperry Gyroscope Company, symbolized Chicago's emergence as an "air capital" and underscored corporate promotion of amid the rapid growth of in the late and early . Custom-engineered for the site, the beacon weighed over a ton and was integrated into the building's rooftop composition, enhancing its visibility as a from afar. The beacon's operation was interrupted on March 1, 1942, when it was deactivated nationwide as part of wartime blackout measures to prevent aiding potential enemy aircraft during . It remained dark until after the war but faced obsolescence with the advent of advanced radio and radar navigation systems; it was permanently shut off in 1981 due to the unreliability of such visual aids in modern aviation and resident complaints about glare. The original equipment was removed in 1988 and donated to the University of Wisconsin-Madison's for preservation. During the Palmolive Building's conversion to luxury condominiums in the mid-2000s, the was restored and relit on July 4, 2007, as a decorative element rather than a functional . The modern version employs lower-intensity lighting with a shielded design to minimize , operates only on weekends from dusk to midnight during warmer months, and features a modified —rotating back and forth rather than a full continuous sweep—to evoke its historical role while complying with contemporary urban standards. This revival preserves the 's symbolic connection to Chicago's aviation heritage without interfering with current flight operations.

Legacy and Significance

Landmark Status

The Palmolive Building was designated a Chicago Landmark on February 16, 2000, by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, recognizing its architectural merit as a premier "set-back" and its historical role as the first commercial constructed far from the Loop, at the northern end of Michigan Avenue, which contributed to the development of the neighborhood. The designation was based on criteria including significant and historical importance, with the building's integrity preserved through its location, design, materials, and workmanship. On August 21, 2003, the building was listed on the under Criterion C, for its architectural significance as an exemplary skyscraper designed by and completed in 1929. The nomination form highlighted the structure's purity of design, characterized by streamlined verticality, minimal ornamentation, setbacks influenced by 1920s laws, and intact features such as the facade, terra cotta spandrels, and the 150-foot mast, all of which retain excellent integrity. As a designated Chicago Landmark, the building is subject to legal protections under the Chicago Landmarks Ordinance, requiring review and approval by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks for any alterations, demolitions, or new construction affecting significant features, including the facade, lobby, and Lindbergh Beacon. In 2004, owners granted a conservation easement on the facade to the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois (now Landmarks Illinois), providing perpetual oversight to ensure the preservation of the exterior perimeter walls and prohibiting changes that would compromise its historic character. The 2001 renovation to condominiums complied with these standards, qualifying for historic preservation tax incentives, including potential federal rehabilitation credits and local Class L property tax benefits that offered assessed value reductions over 12 years to encourage rehabilitation of landmark commercial properties.

Cultural Impact

The Palmolive Building's association with Enterprises from 1965 to 1989 amplified its image as a symbol of glamour and media innovation in , serving as the company's headquarters and embodying the era's cultural shift toward bold corporate expression. During this period, the building's prominent signage and the rotating Lindbergh Beacon—rechristened the Beacon—reinforced its visibility in the city's and popular imagination, linking to national conversations on and branding. As a distinctive element of Chicago's , the Palmolive Building stands out in the Gold Coast neighborhood for its silhouette, contrasting sharply with surrounding modern high-rises and evoking the city's early 20th-century architectural ambition. The , a nostalgic landmark originally installed in 1930 to guide pilots across , continues to rotate intermittently, symbolizing Chicago's historical ties to innovation and progress while adding a layer of romantic allure to the urban landscape. The building has attracted notable celebrity residents, enhancing its status in popular culture; actor Vince Vaughn owned a triplex penthouse spanning the top three floors from 2006 to 2016, purchasing it for approximately $12 million and selling it for a total of $12.1 million, which underscored its appeal as a luxury address in Streeterville. Vaughn's former residence, along with units owned by prominent CEOs, has hosted private events that contribute to the building's reputation for exclusivity, though specific gatherings like fashion shows and art exhibits remain tied to its adaptive reuse as high-end condominiums since 2001. Overall, the Palmolive Building represents the corporate optimism that defined Chicago's growth, while its conversion to luxury residences exemplifies successful trends, bolstering Streeterville's vibe as a premier luxury district amid the city's evolving skyline. This dual legacy positions it as more than a historic structure, but a living emblem of Chicago's blend of tradition and modernity.

References

  1. https://webapps1.chicago.gov/landmarksweb/web/landmarkdetails.htm?lanId=1395
  2. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/residential-real-estate/conagra-chairman-lists-palmolive-building-condo
  3. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/7f0f797e-19ce-45b6-9be7-fd8456ca8545
  4. https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/palmolive-building/2626
  5. http://chicagology.com/skyscrapers/skyscrapers037/
  6. https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_756180
  7. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/residential-real-estate/palmolive-condo-sells-less-half-its-2007-price
  8. https://nara-media.s3.amazonaws.com/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_IL/03000784.pdf
  9. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/02/02/art-deco-tower-gets-new-life-as-pricey-condos/
  10. https://theclio.com/entry/62275
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/03/archives/news-of-realty-leasehold-sold-playboy-magazine-acquires-landmark-in.html
  12. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/04/09/playboy-to-leave-playboy-building/
  13. http://www.connectingthewindycity.com/2020/04/april-24-1965-playboy-enterprises-heads.html
  14. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2017/09/27/a-playboys-guide-to-hugh-hefners-chicago/
  15. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/residential-real-estate/palmolive-price-cuts-show-how-condo-building-has-lost-appeal
  16. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/11/16/palmolive-building-to-go-condo/
  17. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2002/03/03/planners-ok-palmolive-condos/
  18. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2001/06/06/condo-developer-finishes-purchase-of-palmolive-building/
  19. https://www.boothhansen.com/project/palmolive-residences
  20. https://www.homes.com/building/the-palmolive-condos-chicago-il/b-d86s2jwh96tte/
  21. https://www.dreamtown.com/buildings/palmolive-building
  22. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/residential-real-estate/palmolive-condo-sells-less-its-2006-price
  23. https://www.chicagosluxurycondos.com/the-palmolive-luxury-condos.php
  24. https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/chicago/palmolive-building/2626
  25. https://buildingsdb.com/IL/chicago/palmolive-building/
  26. https://www.artic.edu/artworks/247623/palmolive-building-chicago-illinois-elevator-cab-interior-bas-relief-designs
  27. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2001/08/29/beacon-to-light-sky-again/
  28. https://webapps1.chicago.gov/landmarksweb/web/generalinformation.htm
  29. https://unclegacy.org/giftlawpro/glawpro_cases.jsp?ID=475
  30. https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/november-2020/playboy-building-condo/
  31. https://mikelarsonrealestate.com/blog/chicagos-palmolive-building-a-timeless-landmark-back-in-demand
  32. https://chicago.curbed.com/2016/9/15/12931604/vince-vaughn-penthouse-chicago-michigan-avenue
  33. https://reelchicago.com/article/vince-vaughn-finally-sells-his-mag-mile-penthouse161026/
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