The Wrigley Building, located along Michigan Avenue at the Chicago River, is one of downtown Chicago’s most recognized architectural icons. The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company owned the building until 2011, when it was sold to a group of investors that included Zeller Realty Group.
To make the historic structure more efficient for future tenants, both lobbies were renovated with a more high-end, contemporary feel. The first 2 floors were repositioned for retailers. Infrastructure upgrades to all floors included new bathrooms, tenant lobbies and corridors. MEP upgrades and elevator modernization improve functionality within the building.
Building amenities now include a state-of-the-art conference facility, tenant lounge and fitness center. Power also completed terra cotta repairs and modifications on the exterior, replaced all 1,800 windows, and reopened the entrance to the plaza.
The historic bronze elevator doors, clocks and similar historic features were maintained. Historic chandeliers were carefully removed, restored and reinstalled. Over 1,800 new, historically detailed, energy-efficient windows were replaced.
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks described the completed rehabilitation as “exemplary.”
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 found partially destroyed stairwells with ornately carved handrails and elegant marble floors buried behind walls and under materials.
