Macy’s on State Street (formerly Marshall Field’s)

Anyone who knows Chicago knows Marshall Field’s flagship store on State Street. Almost every Chicagoan has probably shopped there at some time in their life. Now, of course, Marshall Field’s is no longer there – instead it was replaced by Macy’s in 2006.

The Marshall Field and Company building was constructed in 1891-92 at 111 North State Street, on the corner of State and Washington. Other sections were added to the building in 1902, 1906, 1907 and 1914. It was designed by Chicago architect, Daniel Burnham. The building is among the largest stores in the world. It is a designated National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was also designated a Chicago Landmark in 2005. It is a granite structure known for its atrium with several balconies, called “The Great Hall” and its Tiffany mosaic vaulted ceiling, as well as the two clocks on the outside of the building. After construction of all the sections was completed the store consisted of 73 acres of floor space with largest book, china, shoe and toy sections of all department stores in the world.

The Marshall Field’s Department store itself was founded in 1852 and merged with Federated Department Stores (Macy’s) in 2006, thus losing the Marshall Field’s name. Marshall Field’s origin goes back to a dry goods store founded by Potter Palmer in 1852. It was located at 137 Lake Street.  In 1865 Palmer sold the business to Field and Leiter and the store was renamed Field, Leiter and Company. In 1868 they leased a six story space at State and Washington. The building was completely destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but rebuilt.

In 1881 Marshall Field bought out Levi and Leiter and renamed the business Marshall Field and Company. The building that currently stands on the corner of State and Washington was then started in 1891 and completed (with multiple additions) by 1914.

The building is also known for Christmas traditions such as the Christmas Tree in the Walnut Room and the decorated Holiday window displays (and is known for its Frango mints).

Macy’s today continues to be an upscale retail department store selling men’s, women’s and children’s clothing as well as jewelry, cosmetics, and home furnishings and accessories; as well as personal services such as a beauty salon, personal shoppers, wedding and gift registry, jewelry and watch repair and alterations.There are eight restaurants located in the building and they also sponsor events that are free to the public, such as a flower show and fashion shows.  It is a beautiful and fun place to shop!