Continental and Commercial National Bank

Continental and Commercial National Bank

Industry	Banking, Financial services
Founded	1912
Headquarters	Chicago , United States

The Continental and Commercial National Bank edifice, situated at 208 S. LaSalle Street within Chicago's Loop district, was erected between 1911 and 1914 to serve as the central office for one of the country's largest financial institutions. Architect Daniel Burnham conceived the design in the Classical Revival manner. This 21-story commercial tower is distinguished by a grand three-story entrance colonnade supported by eight Doric columns, complemented by a corresponding colonnade crowning the upper section, which acts as the building’s capital. The structure’s horizontal lines are accentuated through a frieze and belt course that delineate the lower from the upper stories. Additionally, an open interior courtyard permits daylight to penetrate the internal office spaces.

Since February 14, 2007, this building has been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It has since been adapted for hospitality purposes: the JW Marriott Chicago commenced operations on its initial twelve floors in 2010, with The LaSalle Chicago hotel opening in 2022.

Prior to their consolidation into the Continental and Commercial National Bank, the Commercial National Bank was headquartered in the notable Commercial National Bank Building. Following their merger, construction plans for a new headquarters at 208 South LaSalle Street were initiated in 1912, while Commercial National Bank continued functioning from its original premises until the new building's completion in 1914.