This 30,000 sf renovation at 55 East Monroe spans three levels and reimagines the building’s main entry points: the lobby, amenity spaces, and exterior façade. The 18,000 sf lobby transformation involved demolishing the existing escalators and structure to accommodate a new elevator and monumental staircase. Additional upgrades include structural slab extensions, modern finishes, a custom security desk, and turnstiles. The 12,000 sf amenity build-out features a shared conference and co-working area with new MEPF systems, fire-rated glazing, a kitchenette, café space, and a signature “waterplace” lounge. The space is finished with high-end, custom elements—including imported Italian stone flooring, copper-clad elevator shear walls, and oversized, fabric-wrapped light fixtures said to be the largest ever produced.
Occupied Spaces: It is our #1 priority to protect safe accessibility inside and outside the building as construction continues. Our project team utilized fire-rated temporary partitions to separate our construction areas from the occupied spaces. We also created additional separation between the construction and occupied spaces by installing sheet plastic to contain dust, smoke, and smells.
Existing Conditions: Our team engaged our in-house safety and quality teams early on in the project. At the beginning of construction, asbestos containing materials were identified and our safety team assisted in ensuring that no Power employees and subcontractors were exposed to potentially hazardous materials. After the asbestos abatement, it was discovered that the existing building exterior did not have sufficient insulation. Our quality team proposed options for exterior insultation to the design team that are constructible from inside the building while meeting the building's code.
Long-Lead Items: Our project team worked with Colliers, PGIM Real Estate, and INTEC Group to issue a letter of intent to the elevator subcontractor to expedite the approval of the elevator shop drawings while the GMP was being finalized. This approach ensured that the elevator was available for installation on schedule, despite the long-lead time.
