Ellicott Square Building (1895-1896)

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Like Louis Sullivan and H. H. Richardson, Daniel Burnham’s architectural production defined the stylistic trajectory of his time, and he enjoyed many important commissions in the late nineteenth century.  However, unlike Sullivan, Burnham was much more comfortable working in established stylistic traditions, and was significantly less interested in developing a unique American style of architect.  This is clearly seen in his Ellicott Square Building, which, like his earlier Rookery Building (1886) in Chicago, is constructed around an interior court with glass-covered concourse.  The detailing of the buildings terracotta exterior is academic French Renaissance in derivation, while the interior court includes an ornate mosaic floor made from 23 million pieces of imported Italian marble depicting sun symbols from civilizations from around the world.  The center contains a disc showing points of the compass, surrounded by a chain, symbolizing the strength of business organizations in the United states.

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