D. H. Burnham & Company

The Silversmith building was designed by Peter J. Weber of the celebrated architecture firm D.H. Burnham & Company in 1896, and is now a Chicago landmark luxury hotel. Boasting a long tradition of architectural excellence, D.H. Burnham & Co. was founded in 1891 by Daniel Hudson Burnham, a celebrated architect renowned for his classical Beaux-Arts style and even more for his grand visions.

Burnham began his architecture career under the tutelage of William Le Baron Jenney, known as the "father of the skyscraper". In 1873, Burnham partnered with architect John Wellborn Root to create landmark commissions such as the Monadnock Building, Reliance, St. Gabriel's Church and Union Stock Yard Gate.

After Root's sudden death in 1891, Burnham's firm became D.H. Burnham, followed by the change to D.H. Burnham & Co. in 1896. In 1893, Burnham played a large role in creating the blueprints for the World's Columbian Exposition which celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus' voyage to the new world.

Utilizing some of the strategies from the Exposition, he and his assistant, Edward H. Bennett, designed The Plan for Chicago, his innovative strategy for the future of the Windy City. His legendary plan drew from the layouts of European cities with majestic fountains, bustling boulevards and an emphasis on the preservation of natural spaces. In addition to his city plan for Chicago, Burnham also designed plans for cities including: San Francisco, Cleveland, Washington D.C. and Manila in the Philippines.

Although he began his career in the traditional, practical style of the Chicago School, he eventually looked to classical Greek and Roman techniques for his designs, making him a respected name among Beaux-Arts architects. By the time of his death in 1912, he had become the head of the American Institute of Architects and his company was the largest architectural firm in the world.

After his death, the company continued under the name Graham, Anderson Probst and White, which went on to create highly-acclaimed commissions in Chicago including the Field Building, Field Museum, Civic Opera Building, Merchandise Mart, Union Station and the Wrigley Building.

Today, architects still admire and respect Burnham's lofty goals and landmark designs, and this year marks the Centennial anniversary of his Plan for Chicago. This occasion will be commemorated with temporary pavilions designed by esteemed architects to be placed in Millennium Park and numerous events have also been scheduled.