By the early 1930s, Chicago had become one of the nation’s busiest manufacturing centers, powered by its central location, extensive railroad network, lake access, stockyards, wholesale markets, and large immigrant workforce. Factories clustered near rail lines and downtown commercial districts, making it easy to receive raw materials, hire labor, and ship finished goods across the country. Ready-made apparel was booming, and Chicago already had a deep pool of skilled garment workers particularly during WWI, when women stepped in to fill the gaps left by men who were drafted for military service. Women led the charge during labor strikes and helped reshape the manufacturing industry in ways we still benefit from today.

411 S Wells was designed and built by the same team behind the Sears, Roebuck, and Co. warehouse and administrative center; the “Dixon” name was added in honor of Arthur Dixon, one of Chicago’s most influential businessmen and aldermen of the 19th century. The Dixon Building became a highly sought-after location for such garment manufacturing, and for decades it housed a variety of tailors and retailers such as the renowned Kling Bros company. The Kling Bros ghost sign is still visible on the facade today.