Jacobsville Sandstone was popular as a building material because of its strength , durability and aesthetic appeal . In particular , it is resistant to the extremes in temperature of fire and the freeze-thaw cycle of northern climates . '' The Mining Journal '' of Marquette reported on November 20 , 1875 , that : Its fire-proof qualities were thoroughly tested in the great Chicago fire , where Lake Superior brownstone walls ... stood intact , without a crack , scale or blemish being caused by the great heat under the influence of which marble fronts crumbled and fell to the ground . The sandstone was inexpensively obtainable in large quantities and transport by the Great Lakes further reduced costs . It is also easily worked and carved , and could be used throughout a building . The most desired stone was without white blemishes and with uniform coloring . The Richardsonian Romanesque style , which is " particularly suited for expression in colored stone " , helped to popularize the sandstone in architecture . Buildings of this style created the impression of stability in a fast-changing society and were well-suited to the character of the Lake Superior region
great Chicago fire
Great Chicago Fire
Jacobsville Sandstone