In their eighteen-year partnership, Burnham and Root designed many striking commercial buildings, of which the Montauk Block and the Rookery are especially noteworthy for historical and personal reasons.

Montauk Block

Photographer: J. W. Taylor
Source: Chicago Historical Society (ICHi-38280)

The Montauk Block was located from 1882 to 1902 on Monroe Street near the northwest corner of Monroe and Dearborn Streets. It was the firm's first major commercial building. Standing 130 feet tall, it is regarded by many as the first "skyscraper."

See also: Architecture; Burnham & Root

Rookery Building

Photographer: Barnes-Crosby
Source: Chicago Historical Society (ICHi-19186)

The Rookery, built in 1885-86 and still standing on the southeast corner of LaSalle and Adams Streets, is a magnificently detailed combination of iron framing and masonry bearing walls.

See also: Architecture; Commercial Buildings

Burnham and Root in their Rookery Office

Photographer: Unknown
Source: Chicago Historical Society (ICHi-37303)

Burnham and Root moved their firm to the Rookery, where, not long before Root's untimely death, they sat for this carefully posed portrait of a successful partnership.

See also: Architecture