900 North Franklin

The Lumber Co.
8 Stories
Chicago, Illinois

An existing concrete and masonry warehouse structure is given new life in an emerging near-north Chicago neighborhood for offices and retail spaces.

The isolated site mandated design requirements for a strong interior focal point and retail tenants on the street. Removal of several bays of floor structure beneath a large skylight monitor creates a central atrium through the height of the building around which offices are organized. The base of the atrium finds use as a gallery taking full advantage of the natural light while activating the surrounding lobbies and corridor spaces. At street level, the utilitarian envelope is opened with floor to ceiling storefronts incorporating neo-gothic stone and masonry details of the original building. The same detailing is carried into new sidewalk planters with greenery and large trees introduced to enliven the previously bleak industrial streetscape.