What is recognized as the first steel-framed building in Chicago?

The Home Insurance Building is recognized as the first steel-framed building in Chicago, and it holds a significant place in architectural history. Completed in 1885, its innovative use of a steel frame allowed for greater height and more open interior spaces than traditional masonry structures. This breakthrough fundamentally changed skyscraper design and construction techniques in the late 19th century. The building's steel frame, combined with its use of a curtain wall and new design methods, paved the way for future high-rise buildings and set the standard for modern architecture.

The Home Insurance Building's pioneering design not only influenced the development of skyscrapers in Chicago but also had a lasting impact on urban architecture globally, making it a landmark in the evolution of modern construction.