As a stunning example of Art Deco design, 121 West Wacker embodies the statuesque architectural grace of the era, and all redesign efforts prioritized honoring that history. Built in 1930, the 41-floor downtown high rise is located adjacent to the Chicago River, where the gorgeous original limestone and granite façade was enhanced with a new awning to greet visitors as they enter. The rich wood accents in the redesigned lobby space feature original stone on the walls, with gold pattern work layered on the walls and ceiling. The refined detail of the lobby floor tiling and entry level elevator corridor is a nod to the era of the building, with the interplay of black and white hues serving as a common theme throughout the interior of the structure. With the overarching goal of creating a hospitality and residential feel, the warmth and texture of the fireplace lounge provide people with a quiet place to work, relax, and greet guests, and the light and bright amenity space includes cozy furniture and an abundance of plant life to make an ideal environment for meetings, special events, and even mid-day yoga sessions. As a capstone component of the entire project, the rooftop deck is an urban oasis overlooking the river, populated with outdoor plants and furniture pieces to produce a welcoming destination for events ranging in size from intimate gatherings to large parties. Thanks to both the expertise of Partners By Design and the enthusiasm of Sterling Bay, the redesign of such pivotal aspects of the property have taken the whole structure to the next level, providing an aesthetic experience that is nothing short of cinematic.
Tom Harris Architectural Photography
