george h. macomber, building superintendent, george a fuller construction company. inscribed, 1891.

“michael.” inscribed, 1893.

john arnold, stonsetter (stonemason), john a. fuller construction company. inscribed, 1891.

signature detail. image taken from scaffolding during facade restoration. photo courtesy of eric j. nordstrom photography.

signature detail. image taken from scaffolding during facade restoration. photo courtesy of eric j. nordstrom photography.

signature detail. image taken from scaffolding during facade restoration. photo courtesy of eric j. nordstrom photography.

the facade exhibits a unique venetian-gothic design theme, executed in blue limestone and red brick, that was strongly reminiscent of the doges palace in venice. the building’s facade was designed to give it a distinctive identity when viewed from the lakefront, and was marveled at by visitors at the chicago world’s fair of 1893. in addition to pointed arches and a two-story colonnade topped by quatrefoil windows, the facade includes a stone panel below the lower cornice featuring stylized carvings of lacrosse sticks, balls, and rackets, surrounding deeply recessed portals with quatrefoils. the two carved stone balconies originally gracing the building’s front (located at the third and eighth floors) were removed during the 1950’s. the ground floor, however, retains much of its original character.