You’ve probably walked past it a thousand times without really looking up. Standing right there on the corner of Wacker and Wabash, 71 E Wacker Drive Chicago—otherwise known as the United Building—is one of those skyscrapers that just feels like Chicago. It doesn’t have the flashy silver needles of the Trump Tower or the stark, black geometry of the Willis. Instead, it’s got that classic, dignified limestone vibe. It’s sturdy. It’s dependable. It’s also sitting on some of the most valuable real estate in the entire Midwest.
Most people just see it as another office block. They’re wrong.
Actually, if you’re looking for the intersection of old-school Chicago muscle and the new "work-from-anywhere" reality, this is the spot. This building, designed by the legendary firm Burnham Brothers (yes, the sons of Daniel "Make No Little Plans" Burnham), has survived the Great Depression, the death of the department store, and the total upheaval of the downtown office market. It’s a 40-story landmark that tells the story of how the city treats its riverfront.
What’s Actually Inside 71 E Wacker Drive Chicago?
Walking into the lobby feels like stepping back into 1928, but with better Wi-Fi. It’s a weird mix. You have high-ceilinged Art Deco elegance clashing with modern security turnstiles and people carrying Blue Bottle coffee.
The building is essentially a vertical village of professional services. We’re talking law firms, tech startups, and creative agencies. One of the most notable long-term tenants is the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE). It’s also been home to various consulate offices and global logistics firms. Because of the floor plate size—which is smaller than those massive, sprawling suburban campuses—it attracts businesses that want a prestigious address without needing 50,000 square feet of cubicles.
But here’s the thing.
The real draw isn't the office specs. It’s the view. Because of its position on the south bank of the Chicago River, the north-facing offices have a completely unobstructed look at the Wrigley Building and the Marina City "corn cobs." You’re literally staring at the architectural history of the United States through your window. It’s distracting. Honestly, I don't know how anyone gets any work done in those corner suites.
The Burnham Legacy and the 1920s Boom
To understand why this building looks the way it does, you have to look at the Burnham Brothers. Hubert and Daniel Burnham Jr. had big shoes to fill. Their father basically drew the map for modern Chicago. When they designed 71 E Wacker (originally the Bankers Building), they were working during the height of the 1920s skyscraper race.
They used Bedford limestone. It gives the building that creamy, solid texture that catches the light during the "Golden Hour" on the river. It’s technically a "setback" style skyscraper. This was a response to the 1923 zoning laws that required buildings to get thinner as they got taller so they wouldn't block all the sunlight from hitting the streets below.
It worked.
Even though it’s surrounded by giants, 71 E Wacker doesn't feel claustrophobic. It feels breathable. The building was completed in 1928, just a year before the stock market crash. It’s a miracle it was even finished. Many similar projects across the Loop were abandoned or scaled back, but the Bankers Building stood tall as a symbol of the city’s financial ego.
Why the Location is Actually Better Than the Mag Mile
People obsess over Michigan Avenue. Fine. It’s iconic. But if you’re actually living or working in the city, the corner of Wacker and Wabash is arguably superior.
- The Riverwalk Access: You are steps away from the stairs leading down to the Chicago Riverwalk. In the summer, this is the city’s heartbeat. You can grab a glass of wine at City Winery or watch the architecture boat tours go by.
- The "L" Connectivity: You’re a two-minute walk from the State/Lake station. You can get anywhere in the city—from Logan Square to Hyde Park—without needing an Uber.
- The Hotel Nexus: 71 E Wacker is flanked by some of the best hotels in the city, including the Royal Sonesta (which is practically a neighbor) and the Virgin Hotels Chicago.
If you're a business owner, this address says "I’ve arrived." If you’re a tourist, it’s the perfect landmark to orient yourself. If you’re a local? It’s just that cool building with the great stone detail that you see while you’re waiting for the bus.
Dealing With the "Office Death Spiral" Rumors
Let’s be real for a second.
📖 Related: Crafts for 6 12 year olds: Why Most Parents Get the Complexity Level Totally Wrong
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the "death of the downtown office." People are worried about vacancies. It’s a valid concern. However, 71 E Wacker Drive Chicago has been remarkably resilient. Why? Because it’s a "Class A" location with "Class B+" pricing. It hits that sweet spot.
Small to mid-sized firms are fleeing the ultra-expensive, sterile glass boxes at the edge of the West Loop and coming back to the Riverfront. They want character. They want to be able to tell a client, "Meet me at the Burnham building." You can’t replicate that history in a new build.
Management has also poured money into renovations. They’ve updated the elevators—which was a huge complaint for years—and modernized the HVAC systems. You get the 1920s exterior with 2020s air filtration. That matters now.
The Architectural Details You Usually Miss
If you ever find yourself standing across the street, look at the top. The crown of the building isn't just a flat roof. It has these subtle, decorative flourishes that were meant to be seen from the air—back when people thought dirigibles and zeppelins were going to be the main way we traveled.
The lobby is the real treasure, though. It’s got that heavy, ornamental bronze and marble that makes you feel like you should be wearing a fedora and carrying a briefcase full of cash. It’s not "modern minimalist." It’s "maximalist prestige."
- The Facade: Look for the intricate carvings near the second and third-floor windows.
- The Windows: They are surprisingly large for a masonry building of this era, which is why the natural light inside is actually decent.
- The Footprint: It’s an L-shaped design, which was a clever way to ensure that as many offices as possible had "outside" views rather than staring into a dark interior courtyard.
Logistics: Getting There and Staying There
If you’re heading to 71 E Wacker Drive Chicago, don't bother driving. Parking in this part of the Loop is a nightmare. It’s expensive, the garages are tight, and the traffic on Wacker Drive is legendary for being confusing. Use the CTA.
The Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines all stop at State/Lake. The Red Line is just a block away at Lake Street.
👉 See also: Why Your Coffee Flask With Cup Is Better Than Any Disposable Mug
For those looking for office space, the building is currently managed by firms that specialize in flexible leasing. They know the market has changed. You don't necessarily have to sign a 15-year blood oath to get a suite here anymore.
The Verdict on 71 E Wacker
Is it the most famous building in Chicago? No. Is it the tallest? Not even close. But 71 E Wacker Drive is the architectural equivalent of a perfectly tailored navy suit. It never goes out of style, it fits in everywhere, and it commands respect without shouting.
In a city that is constantly tearing things down to build glass towers that look like iPhones, we need the limestone giants. They anchor us. They remind us that Chicago wasn't just built on tech IPOs—it was built on commodities, banking, and grit.
Next Steps for Visitors and Professionals:
- For the Architecture Buff: Take the Chicago Architecture Center’s river cruise. They give a fantastic breakdown of the Burnham Brothers' influence as you float right past the building's base.
- For the Business Owner: If you’re scouting office space, ask for a tour of the upper-stack north-facing units. The "River View" premium is worth every penny for the branding alone.
- For the Photographer: Head to the Wabash Avenue Bridge at sunset. The way the light hits the limestone of 71 E Wacker creates a contrast against the glass of the newer buildings that is unbeatable for your portfolio.
- For the Commuter: Check the building's directory for the ground-floor retail and nearby cafes. It’s one of the few spots in the Loop where you can find a quiet corner to work that isn't a crowded Starbucks.
Chicago changes fast. The riverfront changes even faster. But 71 E Wacker Drive remains a constant—a solid, stone reminder of the city's golden age, still working hard every single day.