Restoring a beloved 97-year-old Chicago landmark is no small feat, especially one famously designed to be the “most beautiful office building in the world.” The exterior of the Chicago Tribune’s former headquarters is known for its flying buttresses and for housing stone fragments of international landmarks ranging from the Berlin Wall to the Colosseum.
To ensure the facade renovations went off smoothly, IMI brought together the project team, including Walsh Group and masonry team leaders with BAC signatory contractor Central Building & Preservation, for a day of custom restoration education at the BAC District Council Training Center. The workshop included a combination of seminars and mockup reviews.
IMI’s and BAC’s assistance continued during job site visits, where directors viewed and provided recommendations based on current codes and standards and best practices.
Inside, tile craftworkers with BAC signatory contractor Contract Flooring Service worked on a wide variety of high-end installations, from master bathrooms with unique layouts covered floor-to-ceiling in marble tile, to secondary bathrooms with intricate mosaic inlays, and durable finishes in recreation areas like the pool, fitness center, and beyond.
Project Highlights
- Facade preservation and restoration to maintain the building’s historic integrity
- 47,500 square feet of retail in the base
- 162 condominiums occupying 56 unique floor plans
- 55,000 square feet of amenities:
- 7,000-square-foot fitness center and spa
- Solarium
- Wraparound terrace amongst the building’s flying buttresses
- Lounge areas
- 4-story addition complementing the existing limestone facades
