In the 1880s, Chicago was undergoing rapid expansion, leading to an unprecedented increase in land values, particularly in the downtown area known as the "Loop," named after the streetcar turnarounds. As landowners witnessed the surge in property worth, they sought innovative ways to maximize their investments. This desire for improvement coincided with advancements in technology that transformed urban landscapes.

The introduction of the elevator played a crucial role in overcoming the limitation of building height, which had previously been restricted by people's ability to navigate stairs, especially after hearty meals typical of the era. This innovation opened the way for taller buildings, allowing Chicago to evolve into a modern metropolis and significantly impacting its architectural development.