project WINDOWS & DOORS Designers working on the renovation of the Old Republic Building specified doors that meet modern standards while maintaining a historical look.
A Chicago landmark retains its charm despite an extensive rehab.
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t’s a common issue encountered on several remodel and rehabilitation projects: How can architects and contractors include modern technology while matching the original look and charm of a historical building? The Old Republic Building’s project team faced this challenge during a remodel of the 90-year-old structure in Chicago. At the time of its construction in 1924, the 23-story Old Republic Building—then known as the Bell Building—was the first high-rise in the area east of Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Grant Park, making it visible from a great distance on all sides. Original architects K.M. Vitzthum & Co. and J.J. Burns designed the building in the Classic Revival style. After nearly a century of heavy use, however, it needed a facelift. The Old Republic Building, which achieved Chicago-landmark status during the renovation, has a steel-frame and concrete structure and rises to 264 feet, the maximum height allowed at the time by the Chicago Zoning Ordinance for a building without a setback tower. The exterior of the building is faced with light-buff terra cotta, some of which was colored to mimic the appearance of many different building materials, including stone. Additional terra cotta was used for ornamentation on the entry. The front façade of the building was set apart from surrounding structures with a threestory entry that featured rope and floral designs to highlight the marquee entrance. Above the entry doors are 3-foot by 4-foot glass panels divided by metal mullions.
Stepping back
Contemporary Doors Provide Historical Elegance 34
COMMERCIAL BUILDING PRODUCTS
APRIL 2012
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The building owner and the Commission on Chicago Landmarks insisted the original swingdoor construction be restored. Their intent was to have the new doors match the original bronze doors as closely as possible. This specification presented the challenge of replacing the original entry system with one that could withstand high volumes of traffic and the city’s lakefront winds over many years. Adding to the problem was the need to retain the classical style. The new doors also had to include some modern conveniences and technology to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Chicago city guidelines. To deal with the challenges, the team turned to a door manufacturer with a history as
