Designed in the Chicago School style by architect Henry Ives Cobb, the 16 story Chemical Building located at Eighth and Olive in downtown St. Louis was built in 1896. It was originally intended to house the Chemical National Bank, but was actually used for studying illness and how to combat it, as well as making medicine.

The design elements includes both terra-cotta and ornamental cast iron. The building is most easily recognized by the bay windows across the facade which give it an undulating appearance.

This is another of my favorite downtown buildings, and fortunately, it’s not just sitting abandoned, but is being redeveloped to house apartments and retail establishments…hopefully it has a long future ahead of it!