Diana Court Restaurant, 1963.
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"An ultra modern Diana presided yesterday as high priestess at the union of art and commerce in Chicago."
-- The Chicago Tribune (1930)
ADDRESSING THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE'S RECEPTION:
The editorial piece by the Chicago Tribune establishes the symbolism of the Diana Fountain from its very first day in the public eye. The author states the Fountain is both a symbol of art and commerce, illuminating its original function to capture the public eye both for its beauty and to also draw potential clients into the shops surrounding the Fountain beyond the Diana Court. There is no direct indication that Holabird and Root intended the Diana Fountain to received this way, but given the history of Diana's presence in Chicago (i.e. the Diana I trilogy) I do not find it surprising that the Diana Fountain was received this way. Another reason why it was possibly seen as a symbol of both art and commerce is because the Fountain was located within a commercial building, housing a variety of businesses.
Though not directly stated by any accounts I have researched, I believe that the Diana Fountain continued to be received as a symbol of art and commerce based on its ability to draw people into the building and because of the Diana Court's positioning in the building. Holabird and Root perfected the formula for winning the consumer dollar and this commercial expression was present throughout the Michigan Square Building in its refined sense of elegance through the use of expensive materials, simplified decorative details, muted polychromy, and the use of light, color, and sound.
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