208 S. LaSalle Apartments

The project at 208 South LaSalle involves converting the historic Continental and Commercial National Bank building, designed by Daniel Burnham in 1914, into residential units. This adaptive reuse aims to revitalize the financial district area of the Chicago Loop by transforming underutilized office space into 226 residential units on floors 13-16, with 30% designated as affordable housing. This initiative is part of the City of Chicago’s LaSalle Street Reimagined program, emphasizing the significance of the project for community impact.

LJC serves as the Architect of Record, with Lucien Lagrange as the Lead Architect and Designer. The building’s lower floors (1-12) are currently occupied by the JW Marriott, while the upper floors (18-21) house The LaSalle Autograph Hotel. The conversion work is strategically planned to take place between these occupied floors, requiring careful coordination with existing tenants.

The primary challenges included maximizing residential unit numbers, ensuring accessibility and affordability, and optimizing the building’s existing infrastructure, such as elevators, HVAC, and electrical systems. Additionally, creating a separation between hotel guests and residential tenants at the ground floor was crucial. LJC addressed these challenges through direct collaboration with the client, exploring multiple design options to find the most efficient solutions.

The 208 South LaSalle project not only preserves the historic character of the building but also contributes significantly to the reimagining of LaSalle Street as a residential neighborhood. By integrating the new apartments with the services of the adjacent hotels, residents will enjoy unparalleled amenities and facilities, offering a unique living experience in the heart of Chicago’s central business district. This transformation exemplifies innovative adaptive reuse, enhancing both the building’s legacy and the community’s vitality.