536 S. Clark / 101 W. Congress Federal Building
536 S. Clark St.
Chicago, IL
This 95-year-old former Rand McNally printing house and globe factory, originally designed by Chicago architects Holabird and Roche and acquired by the federal government in 1952, underwent a $65 million renovation completed in 2006.
The GSA project remodeled the building as the new Chicago home of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), creating an enclosed light court, modernized public reception areas, and a separate entrance on 101 W. Congress Parkway for DHS employees and visitors.
Property Manager: Gina Carter
For more building information or service calls, contact the building's service desk at (312) 353-5580. For other federal government information, contact 1-800-FED-INFO.
Recovery Act Project Recovery Act funding was used to remove the existing roofing, install new roof drains and piping, and replace the entire roofing system with water proofing, insulation, and insulated concrete. Construction began in April 2010 and was completed in December of that year.
Public Hours and Access The building is open to the public 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except federal holidays). Visitors must undergo security screening and present a valid identity card (such as a state driver's license or federal ID) before gaining access to the building.
Art in Architecture The building's commissioned artworks include:
1) La Tormenta (The Storm, pictured on left), twin fiberglass/titanium sculptures by Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle, who modeled them after an actual 30-kilometer thundercloud that hit Illinois in 2002, and
2) Arturo Herrera's Night Before Last/Chicago (below), an expansive mural of figural and abstract forms, including what some viewers interpret as famous cartoon characters. Both artists became U.S. citizens in naturalization ceremonies in Chicago and earned art degrees at Chicago universities.
Architectural & Historic Significance The 10-story building is an example of the Chicago School architectural style, with a steel frame superstructure, masonry exterior walls, and reinforced concrete slab roof and floor. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource in the South Loop Printing House Historic District of Chicago.
The shortcut for this page is www.gsa.gov/536sclarkfb.
