Permits were issued for a renovation project located at 550 West Randolph Street in West Loop Gate. The existing building is a warehouse and is located at the corner of West Randolph Street and North Clinton Street. This project was last reported on in late 2020.
Chicago Yimby reports that the developer for this project has been listed as W.P. Carey and the project itself was designed by Gensler. The project will require renovating the existing turn-of-the-century warehouse into a bold and contemporary office building.
Built in 1909, the existing structure was originally used as a central distribution center for McKessor & Robbins which was a wholesale apothecary, elixir and drug distributor. This project will help to revitalize the historic district and special attention will be paid to the existing edifice, including restoration of the original facade. The planned addition will complement and modernize the existing charm of the building.
The renovation project will feature the following:
- Six-story building
- Spanning 227,500 square feet
- Each floor nearing 39,500 square feet
- Will include LEED Gold sustainable design features
- Tenant amenities
- Rooftop terrace
- Green space
- Covered rooftop bar
- Ground-floor lobby lounge
- Fitness and wellness center
- Showers and locker rooms
- Conference spaces
- Indoor bike room
- Retail and streetscape experience
Designs will honor the building's heritage and include the use of exposed timber and metal, as well as plans for glassware throughout in reminiscent of the onetime apothecary.
Urbanize Chicago states that the salvaged heavy timber structure and metal strapping will be exposed throughout the interior. Further finishes of walnut, brass and leather will give the building's refined public spaces a historic resonance. Plant choices will reinforce the story of health and wellness through botanical species used in early medicine.
With permits issued, Power Construction, the general contractor, can begin work on the site. The project is estimated to cost $33 million. Completion of the project was originally expected for the end of 2021 according to Alderman Reilly's newsletter back in December 2020, but a new completion date has yet to be announced.
The nearest available transit options will be found at the Clinton CTA L station, where both the Green and Pink Lines can be accessed. The station is within a two-minute walk from the site. The Ogilvie Transportation Center can also be reached within a two minute walk. For bus access, Route 125 is readily available at the nearby Randolph and Washington stop.
West Loop Gate is located between The Loop and West Loop, just east of the I-90/94 Highways. It's a transit-oriented neighborhood and is considered a transportation hub for downtown Chicago. It is also extremely walkable and bikeable, meaning a car is not necessary.
Posted by Judy Lamelza