26 Feb 2016 demolition of william boyington’s 1872 post-fire osborne and adams building revisited in 2025

photographic documentation of william boyington’s osborne and adams post-fire loft building (1872), located at 209 west lake steet, chicago, il. 

note: the images were taken in 2016, shortly before, during, and after the building’s demolition. 

the facade was comprised of “artificial stone” (also identified as “cast” or “concrete” stone), which is a synthetic product that was used mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries to imitate natural building stones.

the exterior panels were designed and manufactured by the frear artificial stone mfg. co., chicago, il.

“frear stone” was widely used as a cheap and readily available alternative to lemont limestone and cast iron during building reconstruction in downtown’s “burnt district.”

the osborne and adams building was one of the last surviving post-fire buildings with an ornamental facade comprised entirely of artificial stone.

it was demolished in 2016 by the national wrecking company.

images courtesy of eric j. nordstrom and the bldg. 51 archive. all rights reserved. 2025.