AltusWorks

Adams Laundry

Plans to expand a convention facility included the demolition of Adams Laundry, a 1908 building in Chicago’s Motor Row Historic District. After exhaustive efforts to save the building as a whole, Preservation Chicago, a non-profit organization, asked AltusWorks to study the feasibility of preserving, removing and reinstalling the vintage terra cotta facade at a nearby location. Applying the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, AltusWorks visually examined the facade to quantify the number of intact and cracked terra cotta units. AltusWorks provided Preservation Chicago with a probable cost for removing, storing, and reinstalling the terra cotta units; Preservation Chicago used this information in a last ditch, but unsuccessful, effort to save the facade. Read full entry »

AltusWorks, Inc. posted this on 3/15/12 in Community Work.

Portage Park Storefront Studies

In an effort to redevelop the intersection of Irving Park Road, Cicero Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue, the Six Corners Business Association secured grants to help business owners finance improvements to their properties. The grants fund façade improvements, roof replacements, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and public spaces renovations. The Association engaged AltusWorks Principal and Portage Park Neighborhood Association Board Member Ellen Stoner to provide business owners with design options that improve the building’s appearance and create efficient work environments. AltusWorks’ schematic designs make recommendations that meet city and local guidelines regarding façade repair and address the issues of natural and artificial lighting, signage, accessibility, awnings, circulation and storefront display areas. Read full entry »

AltusWorks, Inc. posted this on 2/17/12 in Community Work.