Plans have been unveiled to convert the remaining office floors of the Pittsfield Building at 55 E. Washington Street in The Loop into residential apartments. Led by developer Tom Liravongsa, the project will introduce 214 new residential units while preserving the building’s historic character.
With architectural oversight from Pappageorge Haymes Partners, the redevelopment aims to modernize interior spaces while maintaining the iconic art-deco and gothic exterior of this landmark structure.
Project Overview
Originally completed in 1927, the Pittsfield Building was once the tallest skyscraper in Chicago, standing at 38 stories. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Graham, Anderson, Probst & White—famous for projects like the Wrigley Building, Field Museum, and Civic Opera House—the tower was initially developed for medical and dental offices. Over time, it transitioned into a mixed-use space, with floors 13 to 21 previously converted into 228 residential units by Marc Realty.
The latest redevelopment plan proposes converting the remaining office floors into 214 additional apartments, bringing the total number of residential units in the building to 442. Of these, 43 units will be designated as affordable housing to meet Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO) guidelines. The project also includes the addition of a three-story penthouse and outdoor decks on the 23rd-floor setback, enhancing resident amenities.
Construction and Design Features
Urbanize Chicago reports that transforming the Pittsfield Building into a fully residential high-rise will require meticulous planning and construction efforts. Key features of the redevelopment include:
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Adaptive Reuse of Office Floors – The conversion process will involve repurposing former office spaces into modern residential units while retaining elements of the building’s historical design.
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Three-Story Penthouse Addition – The new penthouse structure will be added to the upper floors, expanding living space and modernizing the building’s skyline profile.
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Outdoor Amenities – The introduction of outdoor decks on the 23rd floor’s setback will provide shared recreational space for residents, a valuable addition in a dense urban environment.
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Historic Preservation – While interior spaces will be modernized, the building’s exterior, designed with intricate gothic detailing, will remain unchanged to preserve its landmark status.
Structural and Zoning Considerations
To facilitate the conversion, the developer has applied for a zoning change from DR-10 to DX-16, allowing for higher-density residential use under a Planned Development designation. This rezoning process requires approvals from multiple city entities, including the Chicago Plan Commission, the Committee on Zoning, and the City Council.
Additional project elements include:
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214 Bicycle Parking Spaces – A dedicated bike storage area will be incorporated to encourage sustainable commuting options.
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Interior-Focused Modifications – The redevelopment will concentrate on internal alterations, ensuring the structural integrity and historic facade of the building remain intact.
Challenges and Construction Workforce Considerations
The Pittsfield Building’s transformation presents several unique challenges that will require skilled labor across multiple trades:
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Interior Demolition and Reconstruction – Office layouts must be converted into residential spaces, requiring extensive modifications such as new partition walls, plumbing installations, and electrical system upgrades.
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Historic Building Compliance – Construction teams must adhere to strict historic preservation guidelines, ensuring that original materials and design features remain intact where possible.
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Utility Upgrades – Modernizing the upper floors for residential use will necessitate enhancements to HVAC, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure to meet contemporary living standards.
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High-Rise Construction Logistics – With existing tenants occupying parts of the building, crews will need to employ phased work schedules and implement noise and disruption mitigation strategies.
Future Impact and Timeline
No official construction timeline has been announced, but the project will undergo a review process in upcoming zoning and planning meetings. Once approved, the Pittsfield Building’s redevelopment will mark another milestone in The Loop’s ongoing transition toward a more residential-friendly urban core.
Upon completion, the newly converted building will address Chicago’s increasing demand for downtown housing while preserving a key piece of the city’s architectural history. Combining modern amenities with classic design, the Pittsfield Building will offer residents a unique living experience in one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks.
