C H I C A G O
T R I B U T E
Home
List of markers
Location map
Nominations
Contact
Acknowledgments
John Mills van Osdel 18111891 Architect
In 1836, William B. Odgen, Chicagos first mayor, brought Van Osdel from New York to design Odgens home on the southeast corner of Wabash Avenue and Erie Street. Despite the financial panic of 1837, Van Osdel worked continuously, building the first two grain-trade vessels in Chicago, the first bridge across the North Branch of the Chicago River (1838), and pumps for moving water along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. In 1844, Van Osdel founded the first architecture firm in Chicago, and designed the First Baptist Church and Rush Medical College (both 1844), the first city hall (1848), and the Tremont House (1850).
Most of Van Osdels work has been demolished, except for the cast-iron north facade of the Page Brothers Building at State and Lake Streets (1872).
Van Osdel lived at 2310 South Indiana Avenue.