You’ve seen it. Even if you don’t know the address 10 South Dearborn Chicago IL, you’ve definitely seen the building that looks like it’s wearing a giant pair of bell-bottoms. It’s the one that curves outward at the base, sweeping down toward the street like a concrete wave. Locals call it Chase Tower, but for the architecture nerds and history buffs, it’s a centerpiece of the Loop that almost didn’t happen the way it looks today.
Honestly, it’s kind of a miracle it stands out at all in a city filled with Willis Tower and the Hancock. But there's something about that 60-story "waistline" that catches the light differently. It’s not just a place where people process spreadsheets and trade stocks; it’s a living piece of Chicago’s post-war identity.
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What’s With the Curve?
When construction started back in 1964, the architects—C.F. Murphy Associates and Perkins & Will—weren’t just trying to be flashy. They had a practical problem. The building needed a massive base to house the bank’s retail operations and massive vaults, but they wanted to keep the upper floors slender enough to let in natural light.
The solution? That iconic vertical curve. Technically, it’s a "hyperbolic paraboloid," which sounds like something out of a high school calculus nightmare. Basically, it means the building is wider at the bottom (for the bank) and tapers toward the middle before stabilizing. It stands 850 feet tall, making it the tallest building inside the "L" tracks. If you’re standing in the middle of the Loop, this is your North Star.
The Secret Life of Exelon Plaza
If you’ve ever worked a 9-to-5 in downtown Chicago, you’ve probably eaten a sad desk salad in the plaza at 10 South Dearborn Chicago IL. But calling it just a "plaza" is sorta doing it a disservice. It’s actually a multi-level sunken oasis that feels disconnected from the honking taxis on Madison Street.
The Chagall Factor
Most people walk right past one of the most expensive pieces of art in the city. On the east side of the plaza sits Marc Chagall's Four Seasons. It’s a massive mosaic—70 feet long—wrapped around a rectangular block.
- Materials: Thousands of chips of glass and stone.
- Colors: Over 250 different hues.
- Theme: It depicts the cycles of life and the seasons in Chicago (yes, including the brutal winters).
It was a gift to the city in 1974. Back then, people weren't sure if a whimsical French-Russian mural belonged in the middle of a gritty financial district. Now? It’s arguably the most photographed thing on the block.
More Than Just a Bank
While JPMorgan Chase is the big name on the door, the building has a bit of an identity crisis history. It opened as the First National Bank of Chicago. Then it was Bank One Tower. Now it’s Chase.
The building is a Class A office space, which is fancy real estate talk for "it has the good elevators and nice bathrooms." Recent renovations in 2025 and 2026 have focused heavily on sustainability. It’s LEED Platinum certified, which is hard to pull off for a building that's over 50 years old.
Inside, it’s a small city. We’re talking:
- The largest Chase Bank branch in the city (22+ ATMs if you're counting).
- Headquarters for Exelon.
- A massive food service level underground.
- Direct access to the Blue Line—perfect for when the Chicago wind is trying to take your head off.
Why 10 South Dearborn Chicago IL Still Matters in 2026
In a world of remote work and "Zoom towns," a giant 2-million-square-foot office tower might seem like a dinosaur. But 10 South Dearborn has survived because it isn't just an office; it's a hub. It sits at the geographic center of the Loop.
There’s a specific energy here. It’s the "power center." When major law firms or financial giants want to signal they've "arrived," they look at the 60th floor here. The views aren't just of the lake; they’re of the entire machinery of the Midwest’s economy.
Actionable Insights for Visitors and Tenants
If you’re heading to 10 South Dearborn, don’t just walk in the front door and leave. There are better ways to experience the space:
- The Lunch Hack: The sunken plaza is 10-15 degrees warmer in the sun than the surrounding streets because the building blocks the worst of the wind. It’s the best spot for an outdoor meeting in April.
- Art Appreciation: Take five minutes to actually walk around the entire Chagall mosaic. Most people only look at the front side, but the "winter" side has some of the most intricate stone work.
- The Commuter Secret: Use the lower-level pedway connections. You can get from the tower to various transit hubs without ever feeling a raindrop.
- Photography: The best angle for the "curve" isn't from Dearborn itself. Walk a block south to Monroe and look back up. The way the steel meets the sky from that perspective is what made the architects famous.
Whether you're there to open a checking account or you're just a tourist wondering why the building looks like a giant slide, 10 South Dearborn remains the anchor of the Loop. It’s a reminder that even in a city of glass boxes, there’s still room for a little bit of a curve.
To make the most of your visit or potential office search at 10 South Dearborn, you should:
- Verify security protocols before arrival, as the building houses high-security financial and utility headquarters.
- Check the plaza event schedule, as Exelon Plaza often hosts public art installations or seasonal gatherings.
- Explore the underground Pedway if you are commuting, which allows for climate-controlled access to nearby government buildings and transit lines.