Western Specialty Contractors

Office Assessment and Feasibility Report

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Client: Western Specialty Contractors

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Status: Completed 2019

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Responsibilities:

+ Marketing Lead

+ Project Architect, Preservation Specialist

+ Conditions assessment and analysis

+ Space Planning

+ Zoning review and cost analysis 

+ Report preparation and submission

+ Direct client engagement and presentations

+ Internal team coordination 

+ Consultant coordination

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(*completed while employed at RATIO)

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Western Specialty Contractor's Chicago office is located on the City's west side in the West Garfield Park Neighborhood, immediately adjacent to and overlooking Interstate I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway). Western has occupied the site since 1982, which includes a 3-story late-19th century building used for their offices and a separate c. 1910 warehouse building on the opposite end of the site. The two buildings are separated by private lots. Western engaged RATIO to prepare an assessment and feasibility study to provide recommendations for the renovation and potential expansion of their office/warehouse and site.    

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Proposed improvements included renovating the unused upper floors of the building for additional office space, new stairs/elevator access, renovating the ground floor, exposing the existing pressed metal ceilings, and a potential two story addition to provide additional office space. The Team also recommended recreating the exterior storefront  in order to improve the office building's curb appeal, adding modern touches to compliment the existing historic design. 

As Project Director and Preservation Specialist, I was responsible for all aspects of the project, including building documentation and conditions assessment, zoning review, space planning, internal design team direction and oversight, client communication and presentation, consultant coordination, cost estimation coordination, and preparation and completion of the report.