11 Aug collection of rediscovered richard nickel contact sheet images of chicago stock exchange (1894) demolition in 1972
a collection of richard nickel salvage and demolition images (many pulled from contact sheets) of adler and sullivan’s 1894 chicago stock exchange building, located at 33 north lasalle street, chicago, il.
the lasalle street terra cotta arch, three large sections of the cornice, and several columns and spandrels were later reassembled for public display.
the building’s stenciled trading room was reconstructed at the art institute of chicago (the rebuilt arch is nearby).
elevator components, staircases and parts, door and window hardware, light fixtures, plasterwork, stencils and terra cotta fragments were salvaged by three oaks wrecking and sold to public institutions and private individuals.
architectural photographer and salvager richard nickel lost his life in the building when a large portion of the trading floor collapsed above him.
courtesy of the bld. 51 archive. all rights reserved. 2025.