Contemporary Doors Provide Historical Elegance

Designers working on the renovation of the Old Republic Building specifi ed doors that meet modern standards while maintaining a historical look.

A Chicago landmark retains its charm despite an extensive rehab.

It’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 fi rst 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 fl oral designs to highlight the marquee entrance. Above the entry doors are 3-foot by 4-foot glass panels divided by metal mullions.

Stepping back

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 specifi cation presented the challenge of replacing the original entry system with one that could withstand high volumes of traffi c 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

deeply rooted as the Old Republic Building itself: before it leaves the factory, allowing adjustments outer two-thirds of the door, the pressure helps Ellison Bronze Inc., Falconer, NY. The company, for perfect operation. The process also permits with the other third of the door opposite of the which invented the balanced door in 1927, still easy installation and is especially useful in fulcrum by pushing in the opposite direction. provides custom marquee doors to the world’s renovations where a building must remain This same principle closes the door after use. most famous addresses. Many of its doors accessible. have stood solidly since the late 1920s, making Maintaining classical charm the system a perfect match for the landmark Landmark doors The Old Republic Building features two sets of facility. The company began working on quality, Typically, an entry door will last 10 years with three single balanced doors. To complement balanced bronze doors that would refl ect the general use. Ellison doors contain parts that are historical characteristics, Ellison created custom historical charm of the building. cast and machined bronze glass-stop b

“With respect to the historical signifi cance in the factory with moldings to refl ect of the building and its location, there was a high high-grade materithe building’s original t demand for quality for the installation team and als. For this reason, profi le. A 280-alloy p the product itself,” said Lou Nutini, vice president and because of Muntz bronze with of Illinois Bronze Works/MTH Industries, Hillside, their balanced a satin fi nish and a IL, who served as entry-system installation design, the doors clear lacquer coating c manager for the project. maintains the elegant look and matches the Unhinged bronze letters above b Common entry doors have a fulcrum The new doors fi t seamlessly ▲ the doors that identify t on one side that is attached to the with the style of a classic the building.t frame with hinges, forcing a user to 1924 skyscraper. “This project is pull the entire weight of the door to an excellent example a open it. Additionally, the weight of the of identifying a unique o door leaf hangs on the architectural need a frame, constantly apand coming up with a plying force and pulling a solution,” said Mark a on the hinge and the Graves, president of G door frame. Ellison. “It requires

In contrast, the modern technology balanced-door design with a traditional look. w allows large, heavy Many designers are doors to be opened faced with this type of with ease. Despite a challenge, and we are c heavier door leaf, the very pleased with the way our system v balanced hardware, ▲ The doors look as is able to unify those objectives.” which has an inset elegant from the interior Ellison also provided detailed pivot point, permits a of the building as they record keeping, which is important fl uid range of motion do from outside. considering the expected lifespan c with reduced leaf of the door. Every door is imprinted o projection. A balanced with an individual project number w door pivots at two(similar to a vehicle’s VIN number) to thirds the width of generally last 80 g facilitate easy tracking and maintenance. Since the door, creating a years or more. y all components are made at the Ellison factory, balance that distributes To meet ADA replacements are readily available. the weight for easier and Chicago city a “Ellison is dependable,” said installation opening. Top and standards, the s manager Nutini. “We’ve installed many bottom arms that new doors use Ellison doors, and they are consistently of the support the door leaf replace hinges. Because an electric door opener, Ellison’s PowerNow. A highest quality. This particular set meets those weight is distributed to the bottom arm, down low-energy operator in the frame header powers expectations.” to the fl oor plate and ultimately to the fl oor an arm that opens the door only on demand, With the new balanced doors in place, itself, stress is transferred away from the reducing operator wear. Balanced doors also the Old Republic Building has kept its historical frame, eliminating problems that can plague have a concealed torsion-bar spring that closes charm and remains an outstanding example of conventional doors. the door after use and ensures it remains closed a classic 1920s skyscraper. Now the building can

Door construction includes minimum 2 until the next use. go on for another 90 years, and the long-lasting 3/4-inch stiles and top rails, a 6-inch minimum Another design feature puts natural wind doors will be there every step of the way. bottom rail (10 inches is recommended for ADA pressure to work. Conventional doors require compliance), and a corner-welded internal a user to pull against wind forces from outside for free information, CIRCLE 15 subframe for rigidity. The Old Republic Building or from stack-pressure force in the interior. A and visit our digital magazine at used 3 1/2-inch stiles for extra durability. Each balanced door allows wind pressures to work www.cbpmagazine.com/digital/apr2012 Ellison door is manufactured and pre-hung with the person using the door. As users pull the and click on the icon.