Cool Renovation: A Tour of GlenStar's $30M Board of Trade Building Upgrades
Even national landmarks need a facelift. GlenStar Properties has spent $30M to upgrade the Chicago Board of Trade Building's common areas and amenities since buying the building at 141 W Jackson in 2012.
GlenStar Asset Management VP/GM Michael Giese and leasing director Sandy Macaluso led us on a tour of the building showcasing the completed renovations to the 85-year-old building and the progress of the latest project, the construction of a 4,300 SF rooftop terrace on the 23rd floor.
When the build-out is complete, the rooftop will transform from what you see here into an oasis capable of accommodating 150 guests with a full bar, Cozumel curver sofas and sectionals, a 20-foot illuminated water wall and 10-foot planter, leather benches and wood deck tiling. The deck will be heated for use year-round by the building's tenants, who will enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan, downtown and the South Loop.
As guests head to the rooftop deck, they'll pass a completely redesigned rooftop interior featuring tabletop games like ping-pong and foosball, video screens and restrooms, and more seating. Michael says the rooftop deck is the latest addition to a growing list of amenities GlenStar is offering its tenants at the BOT building.
One of the first changes GlenStar implemented was a complete relocation of the building's lobby to the second floor (pictured). Measuring 10k SF, it's now accessible via escalator from its old ground-level location, which improves the flow of pedestrian traffic and makes catching public transit easier. The lobby also provides concierge service.
Elevator banks on the lobby level (pictured) were installed two years ago and designed to complement the Art Deco flourishes of the original floor.
Another new amenity is a fitness center to which tenants have 24-7 access. The center has a massage room and towel service, while Fitness Formula Club personal trainers are available for one-on-one sessions.
GlenStar had a video conference center built as well. Totaling 4,500 SF with three rooms, the center features 60-inch LED screens and wireless access points, and is available 24-7 for the building's overnight population, Sandy says.
The BOT's 12th-floor atrium, originally added in the 1980s, was given a redesign courtesy of Perkins+Will and Fujikawa Johnson, including modern furniture, new elevator banks and light fixtures. A giant video board above the elevator bank shows the latest news and sports stories. Tenants and their guests will be able to access the rooftop deck from a dedicated elevator in the atrium.
