311 West Monroe

Chicago, Illinois

Refreshing a Traditional Office Building

The building’s full refresh starts with a canopy extending over the entrance, leading into 4,000 sq. ft. of retail space. Inside, the building comes alive with spaces for work and play. Originally designed for Harris Bank, the former bank vault on the lower level has been repurposed as a music room, where employees can seek a calm, creative moment during a busy day.

Employees also enjoy a bowling alley, billiards, and an indoor/outdoor commons area with a café and lounge. Conference suites have been added to the top floor, as have large-format operable windows that allow the space to adapt to seasonal changes while providing views from the lounge area to the surrounding city.

The open floor plan promotes collaboration and accommodates diverse work styles, offering small secluded spaces as well as larger communal areas.

Client: Sterling Bay
Size: 25,000 square feet
Completion Date: 2019

Awards:
Shortlist, World Architecture News Awards
2020
Honorable Mention, Fast Company Innovation by Design Award, Workplace
2020

All mechanical systems were updated to meet and exceed current energy codes, and all lighting was replaced with LED fixtures, providing a significant EUI reduction. Insulated kneewalls throughout office shell floors improve thermal performance over the original building envelope. Similarly, a new high albedo roof membrane and increased insulation over the original structure complete the performance upgrades to the shell.

What it is

The repositioning of a 1970’s-era office building into a fresh, amenity-rich workplace.

Desirable Conferencing

An attractive and flexible Conference Center with a connection to the exterior that offers a variety of spaces for people to meet.

Conference suites have been added to the top floor, as have large-format operable windows that allow the space to adapt to seasonal changes while providing views from the lounge area to the surrounding city. The open floor plan promotes collaboration and accommodates diverse work styles, offering small secluded spaces as well as larger communal areas. Wellness is supported by generous natural light, a fitness center, and plenty of indoor foliage including a large living green wall.

What makes it cool

Employees can enjoy a bowling alley, billiards lounge, and a music room created inside the original bank vault.

Project Team

Tom Kasznia

Todd Snapp

311 West Monroe

Project Team

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