In 1867 , Palmer sold his share of the partnership and focused his efforts on his real estate interests , leasing a new building to his former partners in 1868 at State and Washington . He built several buildings along State Street on property he owned , including the Palmer House Hotel . When his buildings were destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire , Palmer borrowed $ 1.7 million to rebuild , the largest amount lent to a private individual up to that time . He reclaimed the swampland north of Chicago 's commercial district , developing it into Lake Shore Drive . Potter Palmer also moved the city 's main commercial district from Lake Street , which ran east and west , to State Street , which ran north and south , parallel with the lake the way Chicago 's downtown is currently oriented . Potter Palmer is also responsible for widening State Street
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Potter Palmer