Greatbanc Trust

GreatBanc Trust, a full-service trust company specializing in ESOPs, extended their 16,000 square foot lease in the Chicago suburbs during the height of the pandemic. bKL Interiors was selected to transform the space with a fresh and modern design, elevating the environment and inspiring employees to return to the office.

The existing space reflected a confined office concept with tall workstation panels, dark and traditional office furniture, and walls that completely enclosed the private offices and public meeting spaces. To open the space, the workstation heights were lowered, and glass sidelights were installed at the perimeter offices. Additionally, Falkbuilt, a glass wall system, was used along the perimeter of both the breakroom and the boardroom to allow natural light to flood into the space and promote inclusion. The design is bright and welcoming with features such as herringbone LVT floors, warm blonde wood-tones, soft lighting, alluring wallcoverings, and stylish fabrics.

Location
Lisle, IL
Construction
Completed 2021
Project Area
16,000 square feet
Contractor
L.R. Hein Construction Corporation
Materials
Bentley Mills LVT herringbone tile and carpet tiles; 9 Wood wood ceiling slats; MDC wallcovering; Three H workstation and private office furniture; Focal Point architectural lighting, Kuzco decorative lighting
Photography
Andrew Bruah

Brown Brothers Harriman

Overlooking the Chicago River, the Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.’s new office is both modern and timeless. Designed by bKL Interiors, the 5,000 SF space required a design that would accommodate a variety of needs for the business. The interiors team arranged open office space, meeting rooms, a breakroom and support space to flow within a functional floorplan.

Flexibility was a key component of the design; the reception area, boardroom and breakroom all flow into each other. Further, an 8’ wide pocket door between reception and the breakroom allows the spaces to be open or closed from one another depending on the function or event. A wood screen element in the breakroom lets natural light flow in yet creates a privacy screen from the boardroom. This new environment maximizes light and creates openness, while also offering dedicated space when required, allowing employees and office visitors to be both comfortable and productive.

BBH desired a sophisticated and inspired space to welcome staff and clients. As such, the bKL team selected modern and refined finishes paired with distinguished wood elements, which provides warmth within the office. Further, all materials and finishes were selected with employee and client comfort in mind. Sculptural lighting pendants, for example, have indirect LED lighting to reduce eye fatigue. The space is anchored by a classic color palette of blacks and whites with red and walnut wood accents.

When reflecting on the end result, a BBH employee notes: “bKL’s design aesthetic has rejuvenated our minds by creating a fresh, functional and inspirational work environment.”

Location
Chicago, IL
Construction
Completed 2021
Project Area
5,000 square feet
Consultants
Interface Engineering, MEP/FP
Contractor
CDI Construction Group, Inc.
Materials
Corporate Concepts, furniture dealer; Knoll Furniture workstations; Interface Flooring carpet and LVT; Armstrong ceilings; Wolf Gordon wood veneer wallcovering; Hanstone Quartz countertops; Fire Clay wall tile
Photography
Andrew Bruah

Cirrus

Cirrus is one of three buildings within the Parcels IJKL at Lakeshore East development, designed as a composed and connective urban development within City of Chicago. The placement of this 47-story condominium tower is positioned to provide all 350 units with optimal access to light, as well as views to the lake, river, and newly implemented Cascade Park.

With the site’s proximity to the lakefront and new park, the tower’s design responds to the natural elements of the site’s context. Texture, form, and a continuous glass façade interplay with the vicinity to the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and the tonality of surrounding natural elements. Complementary in materiality to neighboring buildings in the master plan, Cirrus is individualized by golden brass metal expressed panels.

Cirrus’s interior architectural design is sophisticated and light, anchored by clean lines and elegant materials. Amenities throughout the building were planned with hospitality and privacy in mind. Amenities such as a large outdoor pool and expansive deck, an indoor spa, interior garden conservatory, and various lounges provide residents myriad opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. Additionally, two terraces offer open and expansive views of Lake Michigan.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2016-2019
Construction
Completed 2022
Project Area
842,404 square feet
Consultants
Thornton Tomasetti, Structural; Mackie Consultants, Civil; WMA, MEP/FP & LEED; Claude Cormier + Associés, Landscape
Contractor
Lendlease
Awards
IIDA RED Award - People's Choice 2022
Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Award, Cirrus, Residential Lobby and Amenity Space, Honoree, 2023
Photography
Dave Burk
Andrew Bruah
Full Bars Media

Cascade

Cascade is one of three buildings within the Parcels IJKL at Lakeshore East development, designed as a composed and connective urban development within the City of Chicago. The placement of this 37-story multifamily rental tower is positioned to provide all 503 units with optimal access to light, as well as views to the lake, river, and newly implemented Cascade Park. The apartments range from Studios to 3BR/2BA units to appeal to the young professional renter demographic.

With the site’s proximity to the lakefront and new park, the tower’s interiors respond to the natural elements of the site’s context and play off of the building’s exterior metallic hues. Texture, form, and a continuous glass façade interplay with the vicinity to the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and the tonality of surrounding natural elements. Complementary in materiality to neighboring buildings in the master plan, Cascade is individualized by copper metal expressed panels.

Cascade’s interior design is modern, edgy, and urban. Amenities such as an outdoor pool, sports simulator, music studio, screening room, and various lounges provide residents myriad opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2016-2019
Construction
Completed 2022
Project Area
680,950 square feet
Consultants
Thornton Tomasetti, Structural; Mackie Consultants, Civil; WMA, MEP/FP & LEED; Claude Cormier + Associés, Landscape
Contractor
Lendlease
Photography
Dave Burk
Andrew Bruah

Panorama

Located one block from the bustling Belmont “L” station and two blocks from the lively commercial districts of both Wrigleyville and Boystown, the Panorama mixed-use project sits at the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.

The design for this project was inspired by the community; the interiors are vibrant and dynamic. Catering to the active professional, apartment units are functional and comfortable while amenity spaces, such as the dining room and amenity lounge, are spacious and communal. Geometric patterns and bold colors are juxtaposed with neutral features to create a balanced atmosphere that is both inviting and timeless.

Comprised of 140 residential units, apartment sizes vary from studios up to 2-bedroom dwellings. The residences are bright and modern, with expansive views of the historic surrounding neighborhood. From the open roof deck amenity space, residents and guests can view the Chicago skyline.

Location
Chicago, IL
Construction
Completed 2021
Project Area
124,000 square feet
Consultants
CE Anderson & Associates, Structural; WMA Consulting Engineers, MEPFP; Eriksson Engineering Associates, Civil; Kettelkamp & Kettelkamp Landscape Architecture, Landscape
Contractor
Power Construction
Materials
Custom millwork panels; Look Walls wallcoverings, Rollout wallcoverings, Stone Source tiles, Roca Tile, Arktura specialty ceilings
Photography
Tom Rossiter

Chicago Pacific Founders

Chicago Pacific Founders is a private equity investment organization focused on innovation and value creation within the healthcare sector. Their current office is located on Michigan Avenue with iconic views of the Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan, and Oak Street Beach. Due to growth and acquisitions, they needed to quickly expand their existing square footage and decided to occupy the adjacent, available suite and become a full floor tenant.

bKL Interiors worked closely with the client’s designer to achieve a stylish office that reflected the owner’s love of natural light, Italian furnishings, and all things white. Visitors and staff alike are greeted in the elevator lobby to white oak, herringbone floors that continue into the reception and boardroom. bKL designed a sliding glass wall that allows for enhanced flexibility and flow between these spaces. The reception and boardroom include designer furnishings and a custom reception desk to further promote the company brand. Open work areas transition to Calacatta porcelain floor panels with acoustical wood wallcovering and acoustical ceiling baffles to improve employee productivity. The new suite has floor to ceiling perimeter offices allowing natural light to flood into the interior open workstations and public areas. An upscale Clubroom was created to host client events and company gatherings in an elegant residential setting complete with a fireplace, built-in bar, and an oversized kitchen island for entertainment. Throughout, the office is punctuated with curated artwork, decorative light fixtures and brass accents. The result is a handsome and luxurious office with hospitality elements that reflect the client’s personal style.

Location
Chicago, IL
Construction
Completed 2022
Project Area
13,000 square feet
Consultants
Yvette Cusack, BJC Designs, Design Consultant; Interior Investments, Inc., Furniture Dealer
Contractor
Development Solutions, Inc. (DSI)
Materials
Fiandre Porcelain Wall Panels; Crossville Porcelain Floor Panels; White Oak Wood Flooring by The Bahr Company; Wallcovering by Maya Romanoff, Weitzner, MDC and Koroseal; Turf Acoustical Baffles; GKD Metal Mesh Ceiling; Wilsonart and Formica Laminates; Caesarstone Quartz; Furnishings by Altalia, Herman Miller, Nienkamper, Rove Concepts
Photography
Michael Alan Kaskel

5th and Brazos

Located in downtown Austin, this mixed-use tower consists of retail, residential, hotel, and amenity spaces. Designed to achieve LEED Silver, 5th and Brazos features generous landscaped roof decks and streetscapes giving residents and guests a vibrant, urban experience. Tenants experience the exhilarating pulse of the city with both onsite and surrounding entertainment: live music venues, restaurants, shops, eclectic museums, and Austin’s festivals.

The 298 residences are configured as studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments, all with modern finishes and appliances.

Residents and hotel guests experience hundreds of thousands of square feet of concierge-style indoor and outdoor amenities. These spaces include a state-of-the-art fitness center, music room, chef-inspired presentation kitchen, private work and conference rooms, billiard and game rooms, indoor dog run and spa, and two lush outdoor amenity decks.

The interior design of the building is inspired by Austin’s alternative culture. Geometric shapes, and finishes that present an edgy feel, are intermixed with eclectic, brutalist elements such as charred wood, steel, leather, and textured, monolithic stone. The amenity spaces are activated by unique design features to give residents a myriad of invigorating experiences within the confines of their home.

Location
Austin, TX
Construction
Completed 2021
Project Area
770,000 square feet
Consultants
MKA, Structural; Stantec, Civil; dbHMS, LEED
Contractor
Ryan Companies
Photography
Matthew Niemann

Wolf Point West

The 500-foot-tall Wolf Point West residential project rises 48 stories from the converging banks of the north, south and east branches of the Chicago River. From this vantage point, residents enjoy unparalleled views of the city, river and lakefront.

Designed with comfort in mind, the interior amenity spaces feature refined architectural detailing, sophisticated finishes inspired by reflections from the river, and tasteful furnishings appointed to convey luxurious hospitality. The museum-quality art collection in the tower’s entry complements its well-known location and direct access to the riverfront, city views and nightlife.

Located on the riverfront level, a riparian lounge offers spectacular 360 degree views of the river and city beyond. An expansive pool deck and four-acre park provide direct access to the river. Residents can enjoy the pool and sundeck located along the waterfront or enjoy a stroll along the newest portion of the river walk.

On the rooftop, a deck and double-height Fitness Center offer opportunities for relaxing and working out; the upscale Sky Lounge provides flawless service and comfort. All three feature spectacular views.

Resident services include a state-of-the art business center with views of the riverfront, a mailroom, and a dry cleaning and package receiving room. Additional resident amenities include a private pet owner’s lounge, bike wash and golf simulator room.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2014-2015
Construction
Completed 2016
Project Area
571,000 square feet
Consultants
Halvorson and Partners, Structural; Epstein, Civil; Wolff Landscape Architecture, Landscape; Pelli Clark Pelli, Master Planner; Alvine Engineering, MEP; Sebesta Blomberg, LEED Consultant; Archiluce International, Lighting
Contractor
McHugh/Clark
Materials
Stainless Steel, European Rift Oak (Stained), Antique Mirror, Grey Onyx, Tundra Grey stone flooring, Bloomsburg, Chilewich, J&J Invision and Interface carpeting, Carnegie Wall coverings
Awards
CISCO Project of the Year award: New Construction (Chicago) 2016
NAIOP Chicago Awards for Excellence: Multifamily Development of the Year 2017
Photography
Jon Miller (c) Hedrich Blessing
Maxamillian Studio

Crow Holdings Industrial

Crow Holdings Industrial was looking to lease an office space within the Fulton Market neighborhood. Once they selected a suite at 318 N Carpenter, they enlisted bKL Interiors to deliver the interior design. Since the building was recently completed, their space was a raw shell. bKL was tasked with creating a professional, activity-based office environment while respecting the industrial feel of the Fulton Market neighborhood.

Crow emphasized having a prominent social area, clubroom concept used to host clients and guests. To achieve their desires, bKL programmed the open area to include a pool table, lounge, and breakroom to allow ample space for collaboration, relaxation, and more. Additionally, bKL implemented four generously sized private offices along the office perimeter to support focus work. Bold design elements, modern furnishings, and navy accents consistent with Crow’s brand completed the overall design.

For privacy and space division, bKL designed a feature wall finished in a metallic paint. One side of the wall serves as a focal point for Crow’s signage and guest seating, while the other side serves as a home for their vintage juke box.

Location
Chicago, IL
Construction
Completed 2022
Project Area
2,300 square feet
Contractor
Arco Murray
Materials
Tarkett carpet, Watson private offices, Blu Dot lounge seating, Smeg appliances
Photography
Andrew Bruah

Exhibit on Superior

This modern glass and masonry residential tower was inspired by the historical buildings in its surrounding River North neighborhood. Bordered on the north by Superior Street, on the west by Wells Street and on the east by LaSalle Street, the site includes a 34-story rental apartment tower with a 5-story podium.

Catering to the creative professional, the edgy interior of this residential building creatively uses a concept of “smart-living” throughout the entire tower.

The artistic, textured residential lobby entrance provides an open communication between the building’s indoor and outdoor presence. Outside, a park features extensive landscaping and a dog run that is accessible to the public.

As the building features microunits, the 5th level amenity floor serves as an extended living space for residents. bKL designed multiple spatial uses to accommodate a variety of purposes, providing users the opportunity to reserve private work rooms for study spaces, event gatherings, as well as dining spaces. Additional amenities include a spa, sauna, fitness center, arcade games, quiet library zone, and lounge that all have direct access to the landscaped podium roof deck and outdoor lap pool.

This project is LEED Gold certified.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2015-2017
Construction
Completed 2017
Project Area
381,000 square feet
Consultants
Halvorson and Partners, Structural; dbHMS, MEP/FP and LEED; Mackie Consultants, Civil; Kettelkamp & Kettelkamp, LLC, Landscape; Desmond Associates, Inc., Vertical Transportation
Contractor
Linn-Mathes Inc.
Materials
Icon Modern blackened steel panels and trim, Stone Source reclaimed wood paneling, Bendheim art glass panels, Star Moulding custom and antique decorative frames, Icon Modern custom woven rope ceiling, and Abnormals Anonymous /Holly Hunt: Trove specialty wallcoverings. Restoration Hardware, Geiger International, Bright Furniture, Andreu World and various furniture and furnishing manufacturers.
Awards
Friends of Downtown Best New Building Award 2017
CAMME Award: Two/Three Bedroom Model Unit 2017
Photography
Tom Harris
Maxamillian Studio

Goddess and the Baker

Located in the heart of River North’s historic gallery district, bKL Interiors was tasked with designing a space for local retail brand, Goddess and the Baker. Adjacent to the bKL designed Exhibit apartment building, the team had a vision to create a space that felt fresh, inviting, and would appeal to the demographic of Chicago’s River North neighborhood.

bKL Interiors successfully implemented the existing design and furniture standards for the Goddess and Baker brand. The cohesive team worked closely to program the first level space to provide ample seating for customers while also allowing space for ordering, queues, and to-go orders.

For the entire space to flow, it was important to activate the stairwell that serves as a transition up to the second floor. bKL Interiors commissioned a local artist to create a mural of giant and colorful flowers that draws guests up the steps to the second floor.

Upstairs, bKL designed a custom metal screening element above the banquette seating to visually screen customers from the kitchen and service areas. This feature is striking and functions to allow guests added privacy.

In addition to the interiors, furniture was specified for the outdoor space overlooking the park just west of the building. The interior space seamlessly transitions outdoors with large, sliding glass panels for an inviting indoor-outdoor connection—creating a space for guests to enjoy during the warmer months.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2020
Construction
Completed 2021
Project Area
3,886 square feet
Consultants
Interface Engineering, MEP/FP Engineers; Olympic Restaurant Equipment, Food Service Consultant
Contractor
JackLee Construction Services
Materials
Polished concrete floors, custom metal screen elements, custom banquette seating with upholstered cushion, walnut and solid surface countertops, decorative concrete masonry block, accent wallcoverings and decorative mosaic tiles
Awards
IIDA RED Award - Best of Retail 2022
Photography
Andrew Bruah

LIFT Management

At this office for LIFT Management, bKL Interiors created an elegant, inviting environment inspired by the client’s bespoke collection of artwork and mid-century modern furniture. The reception space, meant to serve as a social space for intimate gatherings, is punctuated by the client’s artwork and refined finishes. A professional kitchen by Snaidero is an extension to the reception area and popular meeting space as well. The large, light filled conference room features more artwork and classic furniture pieces by Florence Knoll and Charles Eames. The central lounge allows the family to gather for informal meetings and business discussions in a casual, yet refined setting. Private offices feature an abundance of daylight and city views with timeless furniture pieces from Herman Miller and Knoll.

Location
Chicago, IL
Construction
Completed 2020
Project Area
4,000 square feet
Contractor
Contractor Construction Group, Inc.
Materials
Masland LVT flooring; Bentley carpet; Phillip Jefferies, Knoll and Maya Romanoff wallcovering; Benjamin Moore paint; Snaidero cabinetry; Focal Point, Flos and RH Modern lighting; Knoll, Herman Miller, Davis, Datesweiser and Owners Private Collection furniture
Photography
Christopher Barrett

Confidential Technology Office

This confidential technology company engaged bKL Architecture to re-envision their Customer Experience / Training Center and their Sales, Marketing and Support Staff offices in Chicago, Illinois. The client sought to create a rich “client centric” environment where customers, guests and employees can engage their products and services in a manner that encourages curiosity and the human spirit.

The design team set out to create a space that fosters the client’s journey of discovery. Layered architectural gestures, lighting and material applications create visual vistas that feature key points where guests may interact with technology. Vistas provide glimpses of key focal elements and views to the outside, encouraging movement throughout the space. Highly textural materials, upholsteries and unique lighting applications create a casual and approachable environment.

The customer space includes a divisible multi-purpose room, large, medium and small conference rooms and a large open lounge area that promotes casual interactions between formal meetings. The employee space located on an adjacent floor encourages employees to find a work point that suits their varied work styles while providing support services in convenient and accessible locations that promote productivity and employee satisfaction.

The result is a unique experience rich with opportunities that encourage curiosity and creativity where customers and employees are empowered to explore and challenge their notions about the future of this company.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2015
Construction
2016
Project Area
30,000 square feet
Consultants
Environmental Systems Design, MEP/FP; ARUP, AV/Technology; Gwen Grossman Lighting Design, Lighting; Threshold Acoustics, LLC, Acoustics
Contractor
Executive Construction Inc.
Photography
Tom Harris

Whitney Young Library

Located in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago, the existing Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch Library held a prominence within the community, not only as a library but as a local community center. Adhering to the goals set forth by the Chicago Public Library, bKL Architecture, under the supervision of the Public Building Commission, renovated and reorganized the existing 11,000 square foot building and added 2,500 square feet complementing the existing library and creating a new vision that reflects our time. The Chicago Public Library’s main goals were to bring the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch Library into the 21st century with building program, technology offerings, and making the library accessible.

The exterior massing and material choice is intended to complement the existing mid-century architecture, allowing the original brick building to still read against the lightness and scale of the new glass façade that frames the entry. This secure and welcoming entry was relocated adjacent to a new landscaped plaza and parking lot. The floor plan was organized to provide user groups both collaborative and individual spaces, while maintaining a cohesive design that is open and light. Equally important, the library’s new multi-purpose room, located adjacent to the entry, provides a space where community activities can be accommodated.

The focal point of the original building was an underutilized exterior courtyard. bKL’s new design revived the central outdoor space, allowing for light to permeate the surrounding functions. The courtyard now serves as an exterior communal space for the library and its users.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2017
Construction
Completed 2019
Project Area
11,000 square foot renovation
2,500 square foot addition
Consultants
Johnson & Lee, Ltd, Architect of Record; Larson Engineering, Structural; Terra Engineering, Civil & Landscape; dbHMS, MEP & LEED Consultant; Terracon, Environmental
Contractor
F.H. Paschen
Materials
Aluminum curtain wall with Low-E vision glass, fritted glass, brick, metal panel canopy, existing waffle slab ceiling, Shaw flooring, Allsteel & Izzy+ furnishings
Awards
AIA Illinois Greatest Impact Award 2021
Photography
Tom Rossiter

The Gallery on Wells

bKL provided interior architectural services for The Gallery on Wells, a new residential tower located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Residents are welcomed to a depth of layering upon entering the dark and textured lobby. An element of surprise is introduced as one moves through the entry, as a featured wall of black concrete blocks and stained wood slats unveil a bright elevator foyer. Honoring its name, references to pop art are seen throughout the building, while furnishings are contemporary and bright.

A unique amenity at The Gallery on Wells is a coffee shop proposed to be in the main residential entry. The client envisioned a fluidity between the residential lobby and the coffee shop to result in a casual yet sophisticated interior space. To retain the formality of a residential entrance, the bKL design team introduced a concept to distinguish a transition between the spaces: a large entry portal of blackened steel, heavy velvet drapery and decorative floor tile, which now creates a marked hospitality niche.

Residential amenities include an entertaining lounge with kitchen, living area, private study rooms, and a library space. Additional amenities include a roof deck, outdoor lap pool, fitness center and various lounge rooms, including a game room.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2016-2017
Construction
2017
Project Area
500,445 square feet
Contractor
Linn-Mathes
Materials
Maharam Digital Projects Wallcoverings, Tom Dixon light fixtures, B&B Italia furnishings, Knoll private offices, Interface carpet, McGrory smoked glass, Chilewich vinyl flooring, Maya Romanoff wallcovering
Photography
Tom Harris

The Van Buren

This 12-story residential building, comprised of vision glass and white metal panels, is inspired by its Grecian neighborhood and driven by its underlying relationship with light and shadow. A modernist composition of offset horizontal and vertical panels lends to its visual depth thereby creating an intentional presence at the gateway to Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood.

Upon entering the lobby, an interior palette of neutral tones welcomes residents, showcasing the sophisticated design seen throughout the tower.

Containing 148 rental units, floor plans were designed in response to the massing of the building, which provides transparency with its deliberate glass corners and framed window wall system. The feeling of light transforms each unit to be bright, transparent and open. The composition of the façade responds to the layout of the individual units, providing an increased interaction between the exterior and interior. Clean architectural lines emphasize the ordered layouts of the interior.

A landscaped terrace and roof pool deck provides residents a private, vibrant outdoor experience that is connected to the skyline of the city. Additional amenities include: a fitness center; a lounge featuring kitchen and dining spaces, and a study nook; and an outdoor grill and seating area.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2016
Construction
Completed 2019
Project Area
185,500 square feet
Consultants
C.E. Anderson, Structural; Spaceco, Civil; Wolff Landscape, Landscape; WMA, MEP/FP
Contractor
Lendlease
Materials
Extruded aluminum metal panels, Sydney limestone flooring, Modular Arts wall panels, porcelain floor tiles, various textiles, hand woven carpet, wood flooring
Photography
Christopher Barrett

Datassential

Datassential, a digital market research firm for the food industry, hired bKL to design their new offices in Chicago, Illinois. Previously housed in a sublet office space, this growing firm sought to create their new offices within the historic Gage Building on Michigan Avenue.

The client wished to create an energetic and progressive work environment that fostered improved staff collaboration and conveyed the technology driven brand of this growing company. The design team set out to develop a flexible space plan that optimized the access to views of the city and lakefront, and promotes collaboration and long term flexibility.

Modular planning strategies, highly reflective finishes, colored glass panels and clean architectural lines create an atmosphere that is young, energetic and professional. The team worked closely with the general contractor and furniture dealer to develop a cost conscious and efficient solution that can adapt as this rapidly changing business evolves.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2014-2015
Construction
Completed 2015
Project Area
9,000 square feet
Contractor
Clune Construction Company
Materials
Epoxy Flooring, Chilewich vinyl floor covering, 3M tinted glazing film, Knoll Dividends office and workstation furnishings, Delray lighting
Photography
Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

SCIO at the Medical District

Located between the University Village, Little Italy and Illinois Medical District neighborhoods of Chicago, SCIO at the Medical District contains two 12-story buildings, each comprised of 205 residential units connected by a small entry pavilion with management offices. bKL designed the interior renovation of the two existing buildings and enlarged the central pavilion with a simple glass modernist enclosure, integrating the fabric of the existing buildings with the new mid-century modern inspired interior design.

The new 7,800 square foot amenity building is comprised of a new entrance lobby, a management and leasing office, a gym, study rooms, indoor lounge and gaming space. The outdoor amenity space includes a new pool, lounge area and barbecue grill stations. bKL additionally provided interior design services to renovate the residential corridors and apartment unit finishes.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2016-2017
Construction
Completed 2018
Project Area
7,800 square foot new addition
Consultants
Wolff Landscape Architecture, Landscape
Contractor
Focus Construction
Photography
Dave Burk, Matt Mansueto

Fusion92

bKL provided interior design services for this rapidly growing marketing agency as it relocated from suburban offices to establish its headquarters in the River North neighborhood in Chicago. Choosing a stand-alone loft building to occupy, Fusion92 challenged the bKL design team to create a transformative work environment that fosters increased collaboration as well as privacy for spirited discussions. A paramount goal for the leadership of this agency is an environment that conveys the firm’s values, brand and culture.

The bright open work spaces provide direct access to natural light and views of the city. They are surrounded by themed, private workrooms for more focused activities. Each workroom is outfitted with the latest technology and collaboration tools to ensure seamless workflow for individuals and teams.

The lower level of this facility is comprised of a sound stage, audio recording booth and technology workrooms for the development of interactive marketing content for Fusion92’s innovative client base. The result is an environment that reinforces the relaxed, playful brand and culture of this agency while providing employees with the tools and spaces to create their best work.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2014
Construction
2014
Project Area
24,000 square feet
Contractor
Executive Construction Inc.
Broker
The J. Rich Company, LLC
Materials
Walls & Deco Wall covering, Murals Your Way Vinyl Graphics, Modular Arts Hive GRG Block Wall, Filzfelt Felt Screens, Shaw Carpet, Watson Tonic workstations, Allermuir Seating
Photography
Darris Lee Harris

GEMS Lower School

GEMS Lower School
GEMS Lower School
GEMS Lower School
GEMS Lower School

GEMS World Academy is a private K–12 school in Chicago’s Lakeshore East Community. The two-building vertical campus marries GEMS’ program with local requirements, creating a new model for a high-rise school in an arena of limited precedents. The use of state-of-the art technology enables students to collaborate with classrooms throughout the world, providing an international perspective on education.

The Lower School houses 660 students within 10 stories on a limited site. Juxtaposed against an adjacent park, the playful exterior is a modernist composition of interlacing colored panels and glass. The configuration responds to internal program elements while rationalizing the construction, allowing for fast-paced fabrication.

Organized to reduce travel times, the common areas are stacked centrally. Interior architecture is driven by flexibility, optimized floor area, connectivity, daylight and views.  The design responds to the unique site constraints, provides a variety of spatial experiences, and makes strategic use of color and materials while maintaining a consistent approach to detailing.

The Lower School facility has been planned in conjunction with an Upper School that is to be constructed in a future phase. Distribution of grade levels and spaces between the two separate but proximate sites was determined during the master planning process. The two buildings, planned to serve a total of 2,100 students, maintain a unified approach to interior and exterior design, make provisions for internal drop offs to limit street traffic, and assist in stitching together the neighborhood by filling two vacant sites.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2012 – 2013
Construction
Completed 2014
Project Area
83,000 square feet
Consultants
Halvorson and Partners, Structural; WMA Consulting Engineers, MEP/FP; Mackie Consultants, Civil; Wolff Landscape Architecture, Landscape; Archiluce International, Lighting
Contractor
Power Construction Company
Materials
Glazed curtain wall, LoE vision glass, translucent glass, and metal panels of various widths and colors
Awards
AIA IL 2016 Mies van der Rohe Citation of Merit
IIDA RED Award: exemplary design in Educational - PK12 interiors
ENR Midwest Best Projects Award of Merit: K-12 Education
ASA Chicago Outstanding Project 2015
Photography
Darris Lee Harris
Maxamillian Studio

Coast

This glass tower was designed in the tradition of Chicago modernism, rising 47 stories above Wacker Drive to overlook Lakeshore East Park, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. In addition to 515 residential units, the mixed-use tower contains retail and amenity spaces.

The building’s amenity level enhances the resident experience with meeting rooms, a resident lounge, and a technology center. A landscaped terrace, exterior lap pool, fitness center, sauna, whirlpool, steam room, and below-level parking provide other attractive features.

Inside, the classically modern design of the interiors is complemented by original art collected by bKL specifically for Coast. Pieces range from mid-century, silk screen prints to a contemporary abstract wall installation, to color photography.

A composition of light and translucency, the building itself features unique, continuous balconies on the north and south façades. A distinctive design element, they also provide private outdoor space nearly unmatched within the downtown Chicago rental market.

The visual character of Coast is also nearly unmatched. Glass handrails on the balconies create a strong horizontal line juxtaposed with curtain walls of clear, translucent, fritted glass. The horizontally captured balconies coupled with the glass end-walls combine to create the appearance of a pure glass tower form on the skyline.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2011 – 2012
Construction
Completed 2013
Project Area
671,000 square feet
Consultants
Loewenberg Architects, Architect of Record; CSA, Structural; Mackie Consultants, Civil; Wolff Landscape Architecture, Landscape
Contractor
McHugh
Materials
Stone floors, wood walls, backpainted glass walls, illuminated perforated glass feature wall
Awards
American Architecture Award 2016
CTBUH Best Tall Buildings Nominee 2013
Photography
Darris Lee Harris

Chicago White Sox Clubhouse

The Chicago White Sox sought to renovate their outdated Player’s Clubhouse at US Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. The bKL team worked closely with the design team at 360 Architecture (now HOK Sports) to create an updated facility that reflects this major league baseball organization, comprised of a player and coach’s locker room, player’s lounge, fitness facility and outfield maintenance facility.

A new entry corridor was created to reinforce the team brand and provide a more formal entry that leads into the suite. The player and coach’s locker rooms were reimagined, incorporating new custom millwork which accommodates the individual storage and equipment. Updated technology and audio visual provisions allow players and coaches to keep track of events on the field and within the league. Updated shower, dressing and laundry facilities, a new fitness, hydrotherapy and training area provide players and coaches a current and hotel like experience. A full service kitchen and lounge complete the pre and post-game experience. Due to the expansion of the player and coach facility, the design team was also required to relocate the maintenance staff area to a new addition in the outfield.

The result of our collaboration with 360 Architecture is an environment that provides players and coaches with an updated facility that supports the needs of this organization well into the future with style and sophistication.

Location
Chicago, IL
Design
2014-2015
Construction
2015
Project Area
Clubhouse: 14,750 square feet
Outfield Building: 2,200 square feet
Consultants
Thornton Tomasetti, Structural; HBK Engineering, Civil; Dynacept, MEP
Contractor
McHugh
Materials
Walnut wood veneer, perforated metal, ceramic tile, solid surface counters, carpet tile
Photography
Tom Harris/Hedrich Blessing