Wainwright Building

The Wainwright Building in St. Louis, designed by Louis Sullivan in 1890–91, is a pioneering example of early skyscraper architecture. It features a tall, elegant structure with a clear separation between its functional lower floors and decorative upper sections. Its design emphasizes vertical lines, giving it a sleek, modern appearance and influencing future skyscraper construction. The building's use of steel framing allowed for greater height and open interior space, marking a shift from traditional load-bearing walls. Overall, the Wainwright Building is celebrated for its architectural innovation and its role in advancing the development of urban office buildings.