This 625,000 sf renovation program revitalized both towers of the landmark Wrigley Building and rebuilt the central plaza, balancing historic preservation with modern building performance. The project restored signature architectural elements—including the original bronze entry and elevator doors, clocks, and lobby pendant fixtures—while upgrading core infrastructure with new restrooms, tenant lobbies, corridors, MEP systems, and modernized elevators.
The team collaborated closely with building facilities to understand the original 1924 clay tile structure and plan complex systems upgrades within an occupied landmark office building. The undersized pump room was expanded and the river water system modernized, using laser scanning and BIM modeling to coordinate new pumps and piping. New water and wastewater risers were installed throughout both towers, with work sequenced off-hours to minimize disruption to tenants and visitors.
On the exterior, the Spanish baroque terracotta façade was carefully repaired and cleaned to restore its historic character. Nearly 2,000 windows were replaced with historically accurate profiles and colors developed from original drawings and reviewed in coordination with city and state preservation agencies, enhancing energy performance while maintaining the Wrigley Building’s iconic presence on the Chicago River.
Careful Attention to Detail Reveals Hidden Gems
Landmarked in 2012, the renovation and restoration of The Wrigley Building represented a fine balance between preserving classical features while simultaneously modernizing critical systems and aesthetics. The program included renovations to both towers and rebuilding the central plaza.
To accurately assess existing conditions within the 100-year-old structure, our team performed what we call a “strategic autopsy,” carefully peeling back layers of history to occasionally uncover “ghosts in the walls.” Through this process, we uncovered hidden historic features, such as partially demolished stairwells with carved handrails and marble floors, previously buried behind walls and finishes.
