How Tall is the Chicago Board of Trade Building?
Quick Facts
- Name: Chicago Board of Trade Building (CBOT)
- Height: 1,415 feet (431 meters) - including antenna
- Floors: 45 floors
- Completion Date: 1930
- Location: LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois
- Architect: Holabird & Root
- Architectural Style: Art Deco
- Special Feature: Ceres statue (goddess of agriculture)
Physical Characteristics of the Chicago Board of Trade Building
The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) Building is one of the most historic and architecturally celebrated skyscrapers in the United States. Completed in 1930, this Art Deco masterpiece stands at the southern end of LaSalle Street, creating a dramatic visual anchor in Chicago's world-famous financial district.
Height Comparisons
When compared to other famous structures, the Chicago Board of Trade Building's height:
- Euromast Rotterdam (607 feet / 185 m) - 808 feet shorter
- Columbia Center (937 feet / 286 m) - 478 feet shorter
- Chrysler Building (1,046 feet / 319 m) - 369 feet shorter
- Elite Residence (1,247 feet / 380 m) - 168 feet shorter
- Empire State Building (1,454 feet / 443 m) - 39 feet taller
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height (Feet) | 1,415 feet (including antenna) |
| Height (Meters) | 431 meters |
| Floors | 45 floors |
| Completion | 1930 |
| Architectural Style | Art Deco |
Ceres Statue and Art Deco Design
Designed by Holabird & Root, the building initially served as the headquarters for the Chicago Board of Trade, one of the world's oldest futures and commodities exchanges. Its most recognizable feature is its soaring tower crowned with a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture.
Ceres Statue and Symbolism
- No Facial Features: Symbolizing traders focused on commerce rather than aesthetic symbolism
- Goddess of Agriculture: Referencing the agricultural roots of commodity trading
- Iconic Sculpture: One of the most iconic sculptural elements atop any skyscraper
- Art Deco Motifs: Limestone-clad facade enriched with stylized geometric motifs
Art Deco Architectural Masterpiece
The building's limestone-clad facade is enriched with stylized geometric motifs and vertical setbacks typical of the Art Deco era, emphasizing the sense of upward movement even before visitors look skyward.
Architectural Features
- Vertical Setbacks: Characteristic upward movement of Art Deco style
- Geometric Motifs: Stylized, symmetrical ornamentation
- Limestone Facade: Classic, durable material choice
- LaSalle Street Anchor: Visual focal point of the financial district
Historic Trading Floors
Visitors frequently research the building's height due to debates about whether antenna height should count in rankings. At 1,415 feet including antenna, CBOT is one of Chicago's tallest structures and continues to be a significant entry in the city's skyline hierarchy.
Modern Use and Preservation
- Historic Trading Floors: Housed thousands of open-outcry traders before the industry moved to digital exchanges
- Modern Office: Today houses modern office spaces
- Preserved Architecture: Historic core maintained with preserved architectural elements
- Chicago Legacy: Pioneer of modern skyscraper construction
Monument to Chicago's Financial Power
Standing at approximately 431 meters, the Chicago Board of Trade Building is not just a tower—it's a monument to Chicago's role as a pioneer of modern skyscraper construction and international finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statue on top of the Chicago Board of Trade Building?
The CBOT Building is topped with a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. Notably, Ceres has no facial features—symbolizing traders focused on commerce rather than aesthetic symbolism. The statue references the agricultural roots of commodity trading and remains one of the most iconic sculptural elements atop any skyscraper.
When was the Chicago Board of Trade Building built?
The Chicago Board of Trade Building was designed by Holabird & Root and completed in 1930. It is a masterpiece of the Art Deco era and initially served as the headquarters for the Chicago Board of Trade, one of the world's oldest futures and commodities exchanges. At 1,415 feet (431 meters), it creates a dramatic visual anchor in Chicago's financial district.
Is the Chicago Board of Trade Building still used for trading?
No, the historic trading floors are no longer used for traditional open-outcry trading. After the industry moved to digital exchanges, the building was converted to modern office spaces. However, its historic core is maintained with preserved architectural elements and stands as a monument to Chicago's role as a pioneer of international finance.