After the great fire of Chicago in 1871 Chicago needed to rebuild. The opportunity to build anew meant it could define it’s own style. It’s own North American style. And so the Chicago School style takes shape.
An important characteristic is the steel-frame with masonry cladding. This allowed for larger windows. The classic Chicago School windows were a large fixed pane flanked by 2 smaller double-hung sash windows. The building was divided in three, the base at street level, the middle portion with little ornamentation and finally the cornice which could be quite elaborate.
Ottawa had a great example of the Chicago School in the Daly Building. Plans were presented for its redevopment I quite remember looking at the options. Alas it is said that a flaw was found in its foundation and it was demolished. Knowing this city’s penchant for demolition of heritage properties I never believed it could not have been saved.
