Surrounded by drab, lackluster factories and warehouses, 11 West Huling’s designers sought to create a jewel on the riverfront.

Per a 1912 article on the construction, they “asked what was the ideal location, size, and arrangement for its business; what would give the highest efficiency as a manufacturing unit; minimum cost of maintenance; greatest safety for employees and freedom from interruption of business; best light, ventilation, and sanitary conditions; and, lastly, a building of such pleasing architectural quality and dignity as would not only be a source of pride to its directors, stockholders and employees, but would, in a measure, express to the public the purpose and ideals of the Company.”