Chicago’s sidewalks are lined with storefronts, but one stands out for its heavy ironwork, which seems out of place for a big-box retailer.
Locally referred to as the “goth” Target, the location at 1 S State St breaks away from bright minimalism and embraces a dramatic cast-iron aesthetic.
The Louis Sullivan Legacy on State Street
If you walk past the Target on State Street, you’ll notice the massive, ornate metal facade that wraps dramatically around the building’s ground level, stretching far down the block and curving deep into an adjoining alley.
The dark exterior stands in sharp contrast to the standard red logos displayed in the windows. When you step inside and glance upward, you’ll see decorative white columns supporting the ceiling.
These preserved details trace back over a hundred years to Louis Sullivan, the designer famously dubbed the “father of skyscrapers.”
A Century of Commercial Evolution
Opening to the public in 1899, this site originally operated as the Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Building. Early developers specifically commissioned a lavish exterior to dominate the local streetscape.
Today, the property operates as a protected city landmark, officially named the Sullivan Center, with dedicated plaques at the entrance that outline the structure’s rich past.
Visitors wanting to admire the craftsmanship can enter Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 10 PM, and Sundays from 8 AM to 9 PM.