The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 1, 2013.

[2] The district encompasses Chicago's financial center, which is anchored by the Chicago Board of Trade Building, and also includes several of its major banking institutions including the Federal Reserve bank and several government buildings.

Development in the district began in 1873 and, with the exception of a lull during the Great Depression and World War II, has continued through the present day.

Many of Chicago's prominent architectural firms designed buildings within the district, and the buildings feature styles such as Classical Revival, Chicago School, Art Deco, Romanesque Revival, and International.

Significant buildings within the district include the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Chicago City Hall, and several office buildings for large banks and insurance companies.