222 North LaSalle | Fatback + The Green Butcher

Renovation of two previously white-boxed retail suites within an active downtown office building to create a 6,100 sf café and restaurant. Designed to serve both building tenants and the public, the project transformed underutilized retail space into a modern dining amenity. Scope included selective demolition, reworking of existing MEP infrastructure from prior occupancies, and the integration of long-lead, high-end architectural finishes. Construction was carefully coordinated to minimize disruption to the building’s occupied common areas, including the main lobby and adjacent elevator banks.

Exposed Structure

Demolition uncovered original clay tile ceilings, decorative plaster medallions, and structural columns that informed the final design aesthetic. These elements were celebrated and incorporated into the finished space, blending the building’s historic character with contemporary architectural finishes.

MEP Systems and Value Engineering

• Existing MEP connections, panels, and access points were evaluated, salvaged, and reworked throughout to support new layouts and equipment. The team led an extensive value engineering effort to align with a tight project budget—targeting both MEP systems and finish materials—while maintaining design intent and operational performance.
• Our team performed detailed preconstruction coordination to manage plumbing cores through the existing concrete deck, with special attention to avoiding rebar at all costs. Detailed scanning, modeling, and collaboration between field and design staff ensured clean, efficient routing and preserved the building’s structural integrity.

Logistics and Occupied Spaces

Construction adjacent to an active lobby required strict noise and dust control, just-in-time deliveries, and off-hours work to maintain safe access for tenants. Coordination with building management and tenants ensured minimal disruption while maintaining progress in a fully occupied downtown environment.