Jewelers Building: Chicago’s Hidden Gem of Craft, Clocks, and Capone Legends
- 123gochicago
- Nov 6
- 2 min read
Imagine Chicago in the mid-1920s: The Great Migration is reshaping the Loop, Wacker Drive's ambitious esplanade is under construction to tame the river's chaos, and the stock market's humming like a speakeasy band. Enter the Jewelers Building, conceived by the Jewelers Building Corporation (backed by local merchants) as a vertical mall for the city's diamond dealers and watchmakers. Architects Joachim Giæver and Frederick P. Dinkelberg—Giæver's final masterpiece before his death in 1925—broke ground in 1925, with lower floors welcoming tenants by May 1927 and the full tower crowned by 1928.
What makes 35 East Wacker dazzle like a diamond in the Loop's rough? Giæver and Dinkelberg channeled Beaux-Arts grandeur with Roman, Greek, and Gothic accents, cladding the steel-framed tower in cream-colored terra cotta that catches the sun like polished ivory. The base erupts in eight-story Corinthian columns—echoing ancient temples—framing arched windows and ornate spandrels etched with jewelry motifs. Setbacks create airy terraces, culminating in a copper-clad mansard roof and lantern cupola that's pure Parisian panache.
Inside, the original marble-clad lobby whispers opulence: coffered ceilings, brass fixtures, and mosaic floors that scream Jazz Age luxury. The building’s freight elevators were considered high-tech for their time, allowing jewelers to transport valuables safely without ever touching street level. And a fun fact is the building's curve perfectly mirrors Wacker Drive, a symbiotic dance of urban planning and design.
Urban legends say Al Capone ran a speakeasy in the building’s dome during Prohibition. The truth? Historians note the club opened after Prohibition ended and after Capone was imprisoned, making the story more myth than reality. Still, the tale adds intrigue to this architectural gem, and it’s a fun anecdote for anyone exploring Chicago’s hidden history.
One of the building’s most striking features is the Father Time clock on the northeast corner (Wacker Drive and Wabash). Donated in 1926 by the Elgin National Watch Company, the six-ton clock features a sculpted figure of Father Time—a fitting nod to the building’s jewelers and watchmakers. It remains a favorite detail for architecture lovers and history buffs alike.
Today, the Jewelers Building hosts a mix of offices and creative spaces, but its history is still visible in every detail: the Art Deco ornamentation, the towering dome, and the storied clock that watches over the Loop. Whether you’re a fan of architecture, Chicago history, or hidden urban legends, this building has something to discover.
Next time you’re in downtown Chicago, look up and admire the Jewelers Building. Snap a photo of the Father Time clock, appreciate the Art Deco details, and imagine the stories these walls could tell—from luxury craftsmanship to legendary Chicago lore.
Jewelers Building
35 E. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
Discover More Hidden Gems
For more hidden gems check out my book Chicago Beyond the Bean, available now. It’s filled with stories that take you beyond the typical tourist spots to explore the city’s most fascinating corners.
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