ornamented cast bronze exterior pilaster from the historic palmolive building recently acquired by BLDG. 51 museum

fully documented and all original c. 1929 historically important exterior palmolive building ornamental cast bronze flush mount facade pilaster removed during extensive renovations during the mid-1960's when the leasehold was purchased by playboy enterprises and renamed the playboy building in 1965. the exact foundry or fabricator of the exterior bronze work is not known.

the remarkable museum quality nickel-plated pilaster was one of several that were affixed to the facade at sidewalk level. the oversized pilaster is heavily grooved making for a distinct and protruding profile. the bottom or base of the streamlined pilaster contains a repeating zig-zag design motif in the center and along the edges. the topmost section or endcap features an intricate and highly detailed arrangement of floral motifs typical of the period. the incised leafage, curvaceous volutes and semi-circular palmette are comprised of multiple segments riveted against the long and narrow pilaster. surface oxidation and general wear from prolonged exposure to the elements consistent with age.

built for one of the world's leading soap manufacturers, the palmolive office building ("a monument to cleanliness") was the first commercial skyscraper built far from the loop (at the northern end of michigan avenue). it is considered one of the country's premier art deco-style "set-back" skyscrapers, the design of which were influenced by municipal zoning laws and the dramatic renderings of new york architect hugh ferris. the building was designed and built in 1927-29 by holabird & roche, one of chicago's oldest and most prestigious architectural firms, whose other significant buildings include the 333 north michigan building, the chicago board of trade, and the former chicago daily news building. a navigational beacon operated atop the building from 1930-1981. it was known as the playboy building from 1965 to 1989, when it served as headquarters for playboy magazine.

the three images below show the pilasters "in situ" prior to their removal in 1965. nearly all of the street level ornament was removed when the building became playboy's headquarters.

lindbergh beacon: a beacon named for the aviator charles lindbergh was added to the building in 1930. it rotated a full 360 degrees and was intended to help guide airplanes safely to midway airport. the beacon beamed for several decades, and ceased operation in 1981 following complaints from residents of nearby buildings. during the palmolive building's conversion to condominiums in the late 2000s, the beacon was modified to rotate back and forth, always pointing at the lake, so as to avoid shining light into other buildings. subsequently, the historic beacon resumed operation.