Madison Street (Chicago)

Madison Street
0 North/South
James Madison Street
LocationChicago
West end Columbine Avenue Lombard, Illinois
East endMichigan Avenue (100 E) Chicago

Madison Street is a major east–west street in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to human intervention, the Chicago River emptied into Lake Michigan at the present day intersection of Madison Street and Michigan Avenue.[1]

Madison Street and State Street, the intersection from which Chicago's numbering system is based.

Per a 1908 decision by Chicago's city council, Madison serves as the north–south dividing line for Chicago's street numbering system, while State Street serves as the east–west line.[2] At one point, the intersection between the two streets was considered the "world's busiest corner."[3]

Chicago - State Street at Madison Street, 1897
State and Madison circa 1911

Notable buildings located along Madison Street include the Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Building,[4] Chase Tower, Three First National Plaza, the Chicago Civic Opera House, Citigroup Center and the United Center.[5] The Chicago Stadium was situated across the street from the United Center until it was demolished in 1995.

The intersection of Madison St and State St is regarded as the "zero-zero point" of Chicago.
  1. ^ Libby Hill (2000). The Chicago River: A Natural and Unnatural History. Lake Claremont Press. pp. 32, 69–75. Retrieved 2007-10-28. chicago river originally emptied southward.
  2. ^ Street Naming. Encyclopedia of Chicago. Retrieved 14 October 2007.
  3. ^ Street Life. Encyclopedia of Chicago. Retrieved 14 October 2007.
  4. ^ East Madison Street[usurped]. Emporis. Retrieved 14 October 2007.
  5. ^ West Madison Street[usurped]. Emporis. Retrieved 14 October 2007.