Even national landmarks need a facelift. GlenStar Properties has spent $30M to upgrade the Chicago Board of Trade Building's common areas and amenities since buying the building at 141 W Jackson in 2012.
GlenStar Asset Management VP/GM Michael Giese and leasing director Sandy Macaluso led us on a tour of the building showcasing the completed renovations to the 85-year-old building and the progress of the latest project, the construction of a 4,300 SF rooftop terrace on the 23rd floor.
When the build-out is complete, the rooftop will transform from what you see here into an oasis capable of accommodating 150 guests with a full bar, Cozumel curver sofas and sectionals, a 20-foot illuminated water wall and 10-foot planter, leather benches and wood deck tiling. The deck will be heated for use year-round by the building's tenants, who will enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan, downtown and the South Loop.
As guests head to the rooftop deck, they'll pass a completely redesigned rooftop interior featuring tabletop games like ping-pong and foosball, video screens and restrooms, and more seating. Michael says the rooftop deck is the latest addition to a growing list of amenities GlenStar is offering its tenants at the BOT building.
One of the first changes GlenStar implemented was a complete relocation of the building's lobby to the second floor (pictured). Measuring 10k SF, it's now accessible via escalator from its old ground-level location, which improves the flow of pedestrian traffic and makes catching public transit easier. The lobby also provides concierge service.
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Elevator banks on the lobby level (pictured) were installed two years ago and designed to complement the Art Deco flourishes of the original floor.
Another new amenity is a fitness center to which tenants have 24-7 access. The center has a massage room and towel service, while Fitness Formula Club personal trainers are available for one-on-one sessions.
GlenStar had a video conference center built as well. Totaling 4,500 SF with three rooms, the center features 60-inch LED screens and wireless access points, and is available 24-7 for the building's overnight population, Sandy says.
The BOT's 12th-floor atrium, originally added in the 1980s, was given a redesign courtesy of Perkins+Will and Fujikawa Johnson, including modern furniture, new elevator banks and light fixtures. A giant video board above the elevator bank shows the latest news and sports stories. Tenants and their guests will be able to access the rooftop deck from a dedicated elevator in the atrium.
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