Summit Design + Build, RDG Funds Renovate Historic Chicago Building

156 N. Jefferson

Summit Design + Build together with RDG Funds have started redeveloping Chicago’s historic Crane Co. Factory Building in the West Loop neighborhood. The adaptive reuse project will encompass approximately 30,000 square feet of office space and have the signature of Hirsch MPG as architect of record for the core and shell renovation and of Mike Shively Architecture for tenant improvements and build-out. Construction work is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2019.

The three-story building is located at 156 N. Jefferson St. and is more than a century old, dating from 1865. It was built as the fourth manufacturing facility for Crane Co. and served the firm until 1981, when Crane completely vacated it and moved its headquarters to Connecticut.

RDG Funds bought it at the beginning of the year from Gerding Elden, who announced he was going to turn the asset into an office building. The fact that the development was in a slow-to-fill area on the other side of the highway from Fulton Market made Elden give up on his initial plans.

Complete transformation

The Italian-style construction has preserved several original features including brick lintels and metal hardware from wood shutters. However, some parts have been lost, the latest alteration—the pulling down of a single-story portion of the building in 2016—made way for the newly opened EMME apartments.

Summit is going to fully demolish the interior of the building, reinforce the structure and add a number of new elements and amenities, including:

• windows along the north alley
• enlargement of existing windows throughout the third floor
• an elevator
• HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems
• roof deck
• basement gym

Floors first to third will offer luxury office space. In addition, the pedestrian entrance will be relocated on Jefferson Street.

The building is close to Interstate 90 and is within walking distance from Fulton Market. Approximately two miles from the property is another Summit Design + Build renovation project, the former Hotel Indigo Chicago Downtown, which was delivered last month.

Image courtesy of Summit Design + Build