Old Administration Building Montgomery Ward

     The Old Administration Building of Montgomery Wards was located at 618 W. Chicago Avenue, along the north branch of the Chicago River.  It was built around 1939.It is 8 stories.  It was built with reinforced concrete.  There is a sword and torch motif at the bases.  There are vertical piers that extend uninterrupted culminating in a parapet with motifs similar to the bases.

     The building was 400,000 square feet. It was designed by  Richard E. Schmidt and Hugh Garden.  A  4 story tower was added to the north east corner of the building in 1929.

Same as above

     At the top of the Administration building was a 22.5 foot bronze  statue.  This was a replica of the statue that originally  was at the top of the old Montgomery Building on Michigan Avenue.  This statue was of the goddess Diana.  It is titled Spirit of Progress