The opening of the Chicago Board of Trade Building marked a significant milestone in the evolution of international trading practices. Designed by the architectural firm Holabird & Roche, this elegantly designed facility became the epicenter of commodity trading in the Midwest. The building's architectural style featured elements of the Gothic Revival, notably through its prominent height and façade, which commanded the attention of the bustling Chicago landscape. It served as a hub for traders focused primarily on agricultural products, most notably grain, and played a crucial role in establishing the standards for future exchanges.

The Chicago Board of Trade was founded in 1848, and its establishment of a permanent building in 1885 signified a maturation of the commodities market. The Board improved standard practices within commodity trading through the introduction of futures contracts and established rules that guided transactions, allowing for greater stability in pricing and trading dynamics. Traders convened in the spacious trading floors, marked by open outcry methods where brokers would yell bids and offers, creating a dynamic atmosphere.

The opening of the building also reflected Chicago's growing role in both national and international markets, as it linked midwestern agricultural producers directly to larger markets. This integration helped facilitate the flow of goods and capital and set the foundation for Chicago's identity as an influential economic power. Over time, the Chicago Board of Trade would evolve, assimilating new technologies and trading practices, but its original building remained an emblematic representation of the city’s commercial aspirations.