When the renovation started, the building had a 60% vacancy rate, 4 of six elevators non-operational, Terra-Cotta facade condition problems, 653 non-functional monumental wood windows, a failed roof and one open stairwell for the only interior fire exit. The 198ksf renovation has 137 dwellings with ground level retail. A Penthouse facility with terrace were added and compliment the 2nd floor restored banking offices, now used for administration and gathering space. Two fire escapes were removed from the east facade. A second interior enclosed stair from Basement to Roof was added. Other life safety improvements include a fire alarm and sprinkler system, diesel emergency generator, and emergency lighting and voice communication systems. Historic corridor windows and glass doors were upgraded with a fire rated overlay to separate the dwellings and stairs from the corridor. Elevators were repaired using original bronze and iron grilles.
About the presenter:
Ken joined Pappageorge Haymes Partners in 1984 and became a partner in 2016. His area of practice and expertise has focused on adaptive re-use and historic renovation particularly of downtown located office conversions to residential and mixed use functions. His leadership on such projects as the Pedro Albizu Campos Apartments, The Midway Technology Centre, the Armour Institute, Stewart School Lofts, the Motley School Apartments, Elizabeth Peabody School Apartments, ARC at Old Colony, Infinite Apartments, Metropolitan Tower, The Buckingham, Scottish Rite Cathedral, the Pittsfield Tower Apartments, and the LEED® Platinum Pomeroy Apartments has been recognized with such distinguished awards as the J. Timothy Anderson Award for Historic Rehabilitation, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award, the Urban Land Institute Chicago’s Vision Award, and the Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence.
