WILLIAM LE BARON JENNEY
1832-1907
Jensen & Halstead Ltd. is the oldest continuously operating firm in Chicago. Although the name has changed numerous times, the continuum of thoughtful architecture has remained. Major William LeBaron Jenney founded the firm, first named Loring & Jenney, in 1868 with Sanford E. Loring. Jenney has been called “a pioneer of modern architecture” and the “father of the skeleton steel frame”. His most well known accomplishment is the design of the Home Insurance Building (1884-1931), the first skyscraper built with skeleton steel construction.
Other distinguished works include Leiter I (1879-1972), Leiter II (1891-present), the Ludington Building (1891-present), the Manhattan Building (1891-present), The Fair Department Store (1891-1985) and the New York Life Insurance Building (1894-present). During the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Jenney designed the Horticultural Building and MacKaye’s Spectatorium (not finished). In addition to his advancements in engineering and architecture, Jenney was also instrumental in the design of Humboldt, Douglas, and Garfield Parks as well as town planning for Riverside Illinois. Many influential architects were trained in Jenney’s office including William
Holabird, Martin Roche, Louis Sullivan and Daniel Burnham. The varied talents and teachings of William LeBaron Jenney were an important piece in the evolution of 19th century architecture.
Photos:
(above left)
Horticulture Building, 1893 World's Columbian Exposition
(above right)
Home Insurance Building, 1884
