Joliet Steel Company, Main Office - 927 Collins Street

The Joliet Steel Company Main Office is of the Neoclassical Romanesque architectural style. This structure has dominated the landscape of northeastern Joliet since its construction in 1891. Its rusticated Joliet limestone exterior rises two stories above the raised basement. The large Romanesque arched entryway and the Neoclassical dentilated gabled roofline pediment are striking and notable features of the structure. These features face Collins Street and create a commanding elevation.

The overall architectural composition of the Joliet Steel Company Main Office reflects the importance of the iron and steel industry and this industry's influence upon the City of Joliet. The city's common history with the steel industry dates from the late 1860's. This key element of Joliet's manufacturing base reached its zenith between 1890 and 1930. By the early 1890's, the Joliet Steel Company was the result of consolidations and reorganizations within many predecessor businesses. The Joliet Steel Company Main Office was then constructed as a corporate "flagship," demonstrating the influence, strength, and power wielded by this industry and the company.

The significant architectural elements of this structure are still intact, remaining as a demonstrative example of their architectural styling and as a reflection of the underlying importance of the steel industry within Joliet's history.