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Deep in the heart of Chicago’s famed loop district, Clark Construction Group, LLC of Chicago recently completed a new $80 million high rise building at 191 North Wacker Drive. Developed by Hines and designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) of New York, the 37-story, 850,000-square-foot building creates the most efficient office space possible and adds significant architectural expression to Chicago’s wonderful collection of office towers.
The site allows for excellent views in all directions, particularly to the west and north towards the Chicago River. Proximity to other major venues within the loop, as well as pedestrian connections to public transport, place it directly in Chicago’s business center.
To distinguish itself from the rest of the Chicago skyline, 191 North Wacker Drive incorporates a “lantern” light element on its top three floors. As an upgrade to the traditional exterior facade, the curtain wall incorporates acoustically rated glass. The base of the building, that includes six floors of parking, is clad with a gray stone that reflects the urban streets, but also echoes the cool tones of the glass tower above. Framed in stainless steel, the elegant lobby entrance is highlighted by marble flooring, granite walls, and cedar millwork panels. Open views between lobby and street are created by a glass plane dominating the street wall.
In addition to KPF, the design team included Kendall/Heaton Associates, Inc. of Houston as the architect-of-record, Thornton-Tomasetti Engineers of Chicago as the structural engineer, and Cosentini Associates, Inc. of Chicago providing the mechanical and electrical engineering.
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