Jewelers’ Building

35 East Wacker, also known as the Jewelers' Building (Gotham City Courthouse), is a 40-story, 523-foot (159-meter) historic structure situated in the Loop community area of Chicago, Illinois, United States. It stands at the intersection of Wabash Avenue and East Wacker Drive, overlooking the Chicago River. Constructed between 1925 and 1927, this iconic building was a collaborative design effort by architects Joachim Giæver and Frederick P. Dinkelberg. Upon its completion in 1927, it held the distinction of being the tallest building outside of New York City.

Throughout its history, 35 East Wacker has undergone various name changes, previously being referred to as the Pure Oil Building and North American Life Insurance Building. In 1978, it earned recognition as a contributing property within the Michigan–Wacker Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Furthermore, on February 9, 1994, it was honored as a Chicago Landmark.

Notably, during its initial 14 years, the building featured a car lift that serviced the first 23 floors before being converted into office space. Access between the offices and the parking garage was limited, with the only entry point being at the Lower Wacker Drive level, where an attendant would assist drivers.

As of the most recent information available, the French-American Chamber of Commerce in Chicago is among the building's tenants. Additionally, the dome at the top of the building, which was once home to architect Helmut Jahn's showroom and a restaurant called the Stratosphere Club, is undergoing renovations. It's worth noting that the misconception of Al Capone's involvement in the Stratosphere Club's operation has been debunked, as the club opened in 1937, well after Capone's imprisonment.

The ongoing renovation project, led by Goettsch Partners, aims to preserve the building's façade while modernizing its interiors. This effort has garnered recognition and awards from both the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the City of Chicago.

Notable tenants and associations with 35 East Wacker include:

• Mercury Records (1950–1973)
• Feeding America (1999–2003)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity (1932–1951)
• SmithGroup (Suite 900)
• Serge Bertucci
• Clayco (Suite 1300)
• CRG (Suite 1400)
• Ventana (Suite 1400)
• Lamar Johnson Collaborative (Suite 1500)

The building has also made appearances in popular culture, including TV series like "Bob" and "The Good Wife," as well as films such as "Batman Begins" (2005) and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" (2011). In 2012, an episode of "United States of America" on the American History Channel showcased the building's historic elevator, manufactured by the Otis Elevator Company. Additionally, it serves as a prominent landmark in the video game "Mafia" and its remake "Mafia: Definitive Edition," within the fictional city of Lost Heaven.