Chicago Varnish Company Building

Chicago Varnish Company Building
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Chicago Landmark
Location	Chicago, Illinois
Coordinates	41°53′20.39″N 87°37′45.52″W
Built	1895
Architect	Henry Ives Cobb
Architectural style	Late 19th And 20th Century Revival, Other
NRHP reference No.	01000649
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	June 14, 2001
Designated CL	July 25, 2001

markers of the building behind glass

window detail with neon business sign of current building occupant

Sign on the side of the establishment circa 1998

The Chicago Varnish Company Building, at 33 West Kinzie Street, was built in 1895 as the headquarters of one of the leading varnish manufacturers in the United States, the Chicago Varnish Company. The building is a rare example of Dutch Renaissance Revival-style architecture in Chicago, and is marked by a steeply pitched roof paired with stepped gables of red brick and light stone in contrasting colors. The building was designed by Henry Ives Cobb, a nationally recognized architect whose other significant works include the former Chicago Historical Society Building, the Newberry Library, and the original buildings for the University of Chicago campus. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 14, 2001, and was designated a Chicago Landmark on July 25, 2001.

After an extensive rehabilitation, including replacement of the multigabled clay tile roof and rebuilding the stepped parapets, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse opened in the building on October 23, 1987. The restaurant has received numerous awards for its food and service, and features many items of memorabilia, including a "Holy Cow" wearing the trademark Harry Caray eyeglasses that was sourced from Chicago's CowParade.

The building is distinctive for its use of the Dutch Renaissance revival style, with its stepped gables, steeply-pitched tile roof, and contrasting brick and stone masonry.

See also

• Chicago Landmark

External links

• Chicago Varnish Company Building