Tribune Tower Conversion
Location
Chicago, IL
The Tribune Tower is one of Chicago’s most treasured historic landmarks. Originally constructed in 1925 and designed by Raymond Hood and John Mead Howells, the tower was located adjacent to an existing printing plant. In 1935, the Radio Building was added to the site, followed by the Television Building in 1950. In 2018, the Chicago Tribune vacated the building and SCB was engaged to convert the 34-story Chicago landmark office tower and surrounding buildings into 162 luxury condominium units.
The tower’s historic façade was preserved and restored, ensuring its continued architectural stature. Historically sensitive enhancements to the Radio and TV buildings support flagship retail and provide a new entry and drop off for the residences. The original entry and tower lobby were preserved and remain open to the public. The retail frontage of the original printing plant was also redeveloped, activating a reimagined Pioneer Court and public plaza.
Four additional floors were added to the northeast side above the TV Building, providing a modern, glass complement to the existing limestone façades. This addition frames a new elevated courtyard, providing a shared greenspace for residents. A full luxury amenity program is dispersed throughout the building, including several unique spaces.
A pool and terrace is nestled behind the original Chicago Tribune sign, while a lounge and a wrap-around terrace at the tower’s crown gives residents a one-of-a-kind experience beneath the iconic, gothic buttresses.
Awards
AIA Chicago Honor Award for Design Excellence
AIA Chicago Lerch Bates People’s Choice Award
AIA Illinois Honor Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation
CTBUH Award of Excellence, Repositioning
American Architecture Award
Best in American Living Award, Adaptive Reuse, Multifamily
Landmarks Illinois, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Adaptive Reuse
Architizer A+ Awards, Multi Unit Housing – High Rise (16+ Floors) Finalist
American Society of Landscape Architects, Merit Award
Excellence in Masonry Architectural Awards, Best of Rainscreen
Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI) Excellence in Structural Engineering Award – Best Renovation/Retrofit Project
