Magnificent Mile in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Woman's Athletic Club

Philip B. Maher, architect; 1928

— Chicago Landmark —

Woman's Athletic Club Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sean Flynn, June 25, 2024

1. Woman's Athletic Club Marker

Inscription. Founded in 1898, this organization was the first athletic club for women in the nation. The building's architecture illustrates the sophisticated urban ambience of North Michigan Avenue as it was originally planned and developed in the 1920s. The building's design is reminiscent of continental Parisian elegance, and is one of the last standing links to the street's formative years.

Designated on October 2, 1991
Richard J. Daley, Mayor

Erected 1991 by Commission on Chicago Landmarks; City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Sports • Women. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 41° 53.607′ N, 87° 37.476′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Magnificent Mile. Marker is at the intersection of East Ontario Street and North Michigan Avenue, on the right on East Ontario Street. The marker is to the right of the Ontario Street entrance to 626 N. Michigan. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 626 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60611, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William Butler Ogden (about 400 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); McCormick Double House (about 400 feet away); Cyrus Hall McCormick (about 500 feet away); John B. Murphy Memorial (about 500 feet away); Ruth Page (about 500 feet away); Allerton Hotel (about 600 feet away); McGraw-Hill Building (about 700 feet away); Abraham Lincoln (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . .
1. The Woman's Athletic Club official site.

Excerpt: "The Woman's Athletic Club of Chicago is a private club for women nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago. Established in 1898, the WAC was the first athletic club for women in America. 'Created by ladies, for ladies,' it elected Mrs. Philip D. Armour as its first president, and the prestigious membership included the wives of many prominent Chicagoans. For over 100 years, the WAC has been identified with graciousness and elegance as an oasis in the heart of the city for its membership.... The Club's interior reflects the early 20th-century Beaux Arts and art deco design. From the stunning ballroom to
Photographed By Sean Flynn, June 25, 2024

2. Woman's Athletic Club Marker
the elegant silver room to the welcoming drawing room, each room is uniquely designed to provide a special place for groups large and small to gather."

(Submitted on June 27, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. Commission on Chicago Landmarks: Woman's Athletic Club. (Submitted on June 27, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Woman's Athletic Club image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sean Flynn, June 25, 2024

3. Woman's Athletic Club

The marker is to the right of the entrance but is obscured in this photo.

Historic photo of Woman's Athletic Club image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of Commission on Chicago Landmarks (City of Chicago)

4. Historic photo of Woman's Athletic Club

Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 52 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 27, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.