Modernization transforms vacant floor in Metra’s 547 West Jackson building into light-filled, ADA accessible Pace offices Pace, the suburban bus division of the Regional Transportation Authority, ran its Chicago operations from the tenth floor of Metra commuter rail’s headquarters at 547 West Jackson Boulevard. Many interior walls and an inefficient layout gave the eighties-era office […]
Archives for July 2018
Harper College Library Undergoes Physical and Philosophical Transformation
Renovation of 50-year-old library building breaks down the barriers and brings in the light to create a “third place” at the heart of Harper College’s campus. Harper College’s Library, built in 1969, had not had a significant renovation in over 20 years—several portions of the building and its systems had been virtually untouched for nearly […]
Glenbard West High School Expansion Wins Excellence in Masonry Award
Masonry Advisory Council honors “clean, handsome” expansion to 96-year-old high school In the spring of 2014, it was not uncommon to see Legat Architects’ Rob Wroble circling Glenbard West High School and holding brick samples against its near century-old façade. Over one month, Wroble would end up testing 25 different bricks. The reason for this […]
Train station design: regaining the power of rail
Taking the train used to be an exciting experience. For many travelers, passing by beautiful train stations was an enjoyable part of their journey. However, in the ’60s and ’70s, the train station lost its power as a community focal point and a symbol of connection between towns. Speed of construction and saving dollars took […]
Zach Wiese Appointed Director of Legat Architects’ Oak Brook, Illinois Studio
Respected 18-year firm veteran to “lead from the front” at DuPage County architectural studio Zach Wiese got into architecture because he enjoys solving problems. During his 18 years with Legat Architects, he has solved many problems. Building owners have turned to Wiese to help with challenges ranging from code compliance issues and roof leaks to […]
Moline Preservation Society Honors 5 & 15 Apartments and Element Moline Hotel
Adaptive reuse projects transform century-old buildings into modern dwelling places while preserving historic features The Chase Bank building and the O’Rourke Building have beautified downtown Moline for nearly a century. But this year, both buildings finished a conversion that completely changes how the buildings are used. The renovations celebrate, rather than cover up, the buildings’ […]
