100 Years of Terra Cotta: Treasures and Dangers in Chicago!

100 Years of Terra Cotta: Treasures and Dangers in Chicago!

August 2025 marks the anniversary of a significant event in the history of architecture. More specifically, it marks the 100th anniversary of the prototypical schoolhouse developed by the Northwestern Terra Cotta Company (NTCC). Founded in Chicago in 1877, this company was a heavyweight in the production of architectural terra cotta, a material that rose to prominence after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, until its closure in 1956. Terra cotta, Italian for “baked earth,” is a versatile building material used for decorative facades and complex designs in many of Chicago’s iconic buildings. The materials science and design variations have made the NTCC highly popular in the industry, reports the National Building Museum.

In addition to producing over 64,000 architectural drawings, which are held in one of the largest collections of its kind at the National Building Museum, the NTCC was involved in more than 15,000 building projects. Some of the most famous architects to use the NTCC's services include the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan. One of her most famous achievements is the Wrigley Building, the first high-rise to be entirely clad in terra cotta.

A legacy in danger

But the legacy of terra cotta buildings is under threat. Many of these architectural gems are at risk in Chicago, including some recently named to the Chicago 7 Most Endangered list. They date from the period between the 1890s and 1940s and are important not only for architectural history, but also for urban identity. Buildings that have been vacant for a long time, like the May Furniture Building or the Germania Club, urgently need to be tackled boldly to save them from demolition, like this Preservation Chicago urgently warns.

Most of these buildings are characterized by their sophisticated terra cotta facade, which is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally fireproof. The “Chicago School” of architecture used terra cotta as its preferred material. This style of construction is historically significant and is one reason why many buildings in the Loop and Central Area are recognized as Chicago Landmarks. Yet smaller neighborhood buildings often go unnoticed and unprotected, making them particularly vulnerable to decay and demolition.

The importance of research and conservation

The preservation of these fascinating buildings, which often come from the upper echelons of architecture, is not just a question of monument protection. The majority of research inquiries to the National Building Museum come from companies wishing to restore or replace old terra cotta elements. Access to the original drawings is essential for precise repairs, as complex tile arrangements are often involved.

The NTCC cemented its reputation as a national archive of architectural heritage by donating its drawings to the museum in 1983. The majority of requests – about 70% – come from historic preservation advocates. Therefore, it is important to better understand the fundamentals of terra cotta design and production in order to preserve the cultural heritage that dates back to ancient civilizations.

Overall, it shows that terra cotta, as a versatile and durable material, is important not only for the history of architecture, but also for the cityscape of many American cities. The challenges facing these unique structures are alarming and require immediate action to prevent the loss of this valuable architecture.