SGW Architecture & Design Portfolio: DWS

Exemplary Client Care

We are unwaveringly committed to the art of client service. We dedicate ourselves to the systems and structures that guide our clients with confidence.

As guardians of the process, we treat every project like the bottom line is our own.

Strong Partnerships

We are collaborators at heart. We treat everyone, their ideas, and their time with respect. And while sometimes we have to have tough conversations, we always embark on those exchanges with empathy and kindness.

We strongly believe that a collaborative approach to design and construction is the foundation of long-lasting relationships and successful projects.

Endlessly Resourceful

Among our notable skills:

• Creative-yet-cost-effective design solutions that save you money.

• National presence with licensure in 35 states.

• Experience with the nuances of state and local code.

• Swift feasibility studies.

• Entitlements and preconstruction planning.

Self-Storage Work

Among many accomplishments in the commercial sector, SGW is proud to say that we were at the forefront of redefining self-storage. Though commercial work is not usually considered “high design,” we see each project as a significant opportunity to best represent our client’s brand. This has helped immensely in our stellar track record of entitlements approvals.

A few national partners we’ve worked with include:

An industry leader, since 1994

Our 30-person firm, led by its two Founding Partners, Associate Partner, and five Senior Project Architects, is ready to meet you wherever you are.

• Licensure in 35 states

• Successful relationships with more than 10 national operators

• 20 million sq. ft. of completed self-storage projects

Fifth Avenue 615 Larchmont, NY

This elegant exterior met the Village of Larchmont’s expectations, while still being cost-effective for the owner.

• We led our client through all of the entitlement issues they encountered, including the complexity of the lot, the architectural design, and the coordination with consultants and the town of Mamaroneck.

2930 Mariner Square Drive

Alameda, CA

Our team successfully navigated an intense permit process for this 6-story, 110,000 sq. ft. modern facility.

• Given the odd footprint of the building — not a single 90 degree corner — we emphasized the front corner of the building into a tower element with metal panel and glazing.

• The site was constrained by a network of water mains, sewer lines, automobile tunnels, and multiple right of ways that required vigorous planning and coordination.

622 W. 51st Manhattan, NY

This 140’ tall building was carefully planned to win as-of right city approval.

• Our innovative use of zoning provisions allowed us to avoid a lengthy entitlements process.

• 20-foot high floors accommodate triple stacked units.

• We utilized a standard — rather than storage-specific — structural system for future conversion flexibility.

1331 S. 55th Ct. Cicero, IL

Working with multiple buildings from varying construction eras, we converted this existing warehouse and manufacturing space into a premier, climate-controlled, residential selfstorage facility.

• To successfully knit the buildings together and ensure all storage units could be accessed on even ground, we created ramps that connected the spaces while also negotiating their inconsistent levels.

• Honored with a “Conversion Facility of the year” award.

3963 U.S. Route 1 South Brunswick, NJ

This modern and sophisticated facility is one of the newest self-storage centers to be built in this market in more than 10 years.

• Another successful utilization of prototype design standards created by SGW for implementation ease of entitlements, and predictability of construction.

• Continuation of a thriving partnership with Metro Self Storage, marking our 38th project together.

• Multi-story, 100% climate-controlled building in addition to three single-story, drive-up, non-climatecontrolled buildings.

57 W 85th St Chicago, IL

Though this storage facility benefited from good general visibility due to its prime location near a major expressway, one challenge we faced was attributed to proper navigation once consumers actually attempted to visit the building.

• Due to one-ways and the innate and sometimes confusing nature of city streets, directing potential consumers to the facility was top of mind when designing this 150,000 sq. ft. building.

• Directional blade signage surrounding the building, branded reskinning, and faux storage doors were just a few solutions to help lead consumers to their intended location.

4455 W. Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL

This 120,000 sq. ft. facility was one of the first in a new class —and approach — for self-storage design.

• Our inventive interpretation of the building code permitted an industry first: premium drive-up storage units on the interior.

• This prominently-located building shows our pioneering approach to design excellence in selfstorage.

877 IL-83 Elmhurst, IL

Working within the constrained space of an existing warehouse, SGW cleverly increased the overall area of the building by one third for this storage facility.

• Innovative planning allowed our team to implement a 3-level mezzanine system when only 2 levels seemed viable originally.

• The reskinned front of the building presents a modern, clean, rebranded experience for both consumers and the client.

Multi-Family Residential & Mixed Use Work

SGW has designed and built more than 5,000 residential units in successful condominium and apartment rental projects.

One of our favorite compliments from a client—

“You think like a developer.”

Water Street Naperville

This $100 million complex—

5 buildings surrounding a new plaza, fountain, and riverwalk—provides a vibrant new destination within downtown Naperville.

• The master planning phase was kicked off with a community design charrette. SGW executed planning, entitlement, architectural design, and construction document services to bring the project to fruition.

• A 168-key hotel and numerous restaurant & retail establishments are among the mixed uses incorporated.

CA6

Three and four-bedroom luxury residences based on a unit type that we have developed with Belgravia Group over the course of several projects.

• The building features 72 residences and five floorplans, including expansive two-story penthouses.

• Our team suggested creating several top floor duplex units to add value and vary the skyline. These units were so popular that we redesigned the entire top floor to accommodate duplexes.

PRESIDENT & MANAGING PRINCIPAL

Mark Sullivan

+ An accomplished photographer, Mark takes candid photos of the people and places he sees here in Chicago and through his travels.

Mark oversees SGW’s operations, including urban design, land planning, and is an industry specialist in self storage projects.

+ Mark is an avid golfer. His favorite course is Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic.

Mark is a registered architect in 28 states. He has served in numerous trade associations including his time as the Regional Director of the Chicago Homeowner’s Association.

PARTNER

Christopher Michalek

+ An urban explorer, Chris is inspired by the complexity of his surroundings; unexpected moments in the city revive his spirit.

Known for his crisp design eye and his pragmatic approach to space and cost efficiency, Chris’ work satisfies customers and clients, alike.

+ Chris’ toddler-aged son, Theo, provides an endless source of energy and entertainment.

Armed with his Midwestern work ethic, affability, and command of state codes, Chris is the project lead for our clients across the country.

PARTNER

Christopher Payne

+ Aside from his passion of architecture and interior design, Chris enjoys being creative by painting, drawing, and printmaking.

Self-described as “inquisitive,”

Chris is engaged by projects with a challenging level of complexity. He is motivated most when exercising problem solving and organizational skills.

+ Enjoying the outdoors running and hiking is one of Chris’ favorite hobbies.

Chris enjoys the close engagement between internal design professionals, external engineers, and consultants on projects.