Downtown Chicago: Holabird and Roche’s Storefront Restoration, Downtown Chicago

Problem

The project was to develop Restoration drawings to replicate the original 1898, Holabird and Roche storefront. In the 1950’s the cast iron storefront was replaced with a contemporary granite surface. By merging a practical approach with historic appreciation, this multi-faceted solutions achieved the client’s objective without scarifying restoration integrity. Historically, the building has been known as the Edson Keith and Company Building and is located on 24 S. Michigan Ave.  The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 14, 1985 and was designated a Chicago Landmark on September 11, 1996. Moreover, it is a historic district contributing property for the Chicago Landmark Historic Michigan Boulevard District.

Solution

• Research historical photographs and documents as the original drawings were lost in time.

• Explore several types of materials and methods to precisely replicate the original design.

• Contact and interview various manufacturing facilities that were up to the task of fabricating a unique and customized storefront.

• Manage the fabricating procedures to ensure the manufacturing staff accurately follows the drawings and details.

•  Monitor the installation process to warrant the storefront sections are mounted as intended.

Value

The utilization of an industrial paint provided the stainless-steel surface with the aesthetic of a cast iron exterior. The steel skeleton was framed into the existing steel structure of the building and was used to support the cornice.

By merging a practical approach with historic appreciation, this multifaceted solution achieved our client’s tight economic objective without sacrificing restoration integrity.