(35) J.C. Penney Building

Built: 1938

Address: 106 South Chicago Street

Although not constructed of stone, the J.C. Penney building displays some excellent brick work. Directly above the sign and along the cornice are soldier courses of brick (masonry units set on end). Recessed, square brick panels utilize seven courses of header bricks, while smooth faced sandstone serves as decorative contrast. Below the store windows, yellow and black tiles bring extra color to the building's facade. This well-preserved structure shows how sign, awning and window displays work as part of the original architecture.