The 200,000 square foot historic Fine Arts Building began life in 1885 as a showroom for the Studebaker Company’s wagon carriages. It then underwent what has been called “the greatest retrofit of the 19th century anywhere in the world” by local architects to become an artist’s haven in 1898. Instead of housing wagons, it would house the teaching studios and concert spaces of local artists.

It continues to draw local inspiration as one of the few remaining Chicago buildings designed specifically for working artists. Classical music businesses and entrepreneurs have a significant amount of space inside, where Frank Lloyd Wright once had his offices and several bygone magazines used to be published. It is home to painters, dance studios, sheet music shops, art galleries, orchestral rehearsal halls, acting teachers, violinmakers, architecture firms and two historic theaters - the Studebaker Theatre and The Playhouse.

The National Landmark’s motto, “All Passes – Art alone endures” permeates the halls. Bronze cast doors on the hand operated elevators and ornate clocks are among the building’s original features. Murals painted by resident artists in the early twentieth century still circle the tenth floor atrium, while stained glass and historic furniture fill the hallways.