08 Mar with the windows blown out, the tyler and hippach mirror company factory inches closer to oblivion
the five- story tyler and hippach mirror company factory building (1902) is set for demolition in the spring of 2022. a fence was erected around the building shortly after its last occupant, the wm. j. cassidy tire company, moved out. the original wood sash windows were being extracted and tossed in dumpsters during a recent visit (see images below). located at 344. north canal street, the building was designed by notable chicago church architect henry j. schlacks.
when the building was sold in 1907 to the chicago and northwestern railway company, it was relocated 52 feet south and 168 feet east to accommodate construction of the railroad’s new terminal in 1908. the william grace company was hired to perform the move at a cost of 50,000. chicago engineer harvey sheeler was brought onboard to oversee the building’s relocation, which at the time, was the largest building ever moved.
images taken in january of 2022, shortly after the doomed warehouse was handed its death sentence:
