Throughout most of the 19th century , architectural terracotta had been confined to decorative touches like windowsills and lintels . The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 stirred some interest by demonstrating that terracotta facing was fireproof . In the 1890s it started to be used as a siding since it was cheaper than stone and had far more decorative possibilities . The Foster Building 's level of detail is exceptional . Elsewhere in the Capital District , only the McCarthy Building in downtown Troy shows the same craftmanship in terra cotta
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Foster Building