SDI Presence
Chicago, IL
This adaptive reuse project transformed a 1950s Masonic Temple into a vibrant, modern law office. LJC reimagined the two-story structure with a focus on preserving its historic character while creating a contemporary workplace.
The design approach was rooted in discovery, revealing the building’s original bowstring trusses and wood joists that had been hidden for decades. These elements are central features of the renovated space, imbuing it with texture, warmth, and a connection to its mid-century origins.
LJC carefully restructured the building for openness and flow by replacing load-bearing walls with recessed steel beams. With ceiling heights limited on the ground floor, exposed infrastructure was meticulously organized within a tight horizontal datum, creating a clean and cohesive visual plane despite spatial constraints.
The second floor capitalized on its lofty trussed ceiling, with freestanding glass-enclosed offices placed to preserve the volume of the space and frame dramatic views of the exposed structure. A clean, modern material palette, including cement panels, blackened steel, warm wood tones, and terrazzo-inspired flooring, balances sophistication and approachability, reflecting the identity of a progressive law practice. Thoughtful amenities like a second-floor terrace, pantry, and collaborative spaces support flexibility, wellness, and connection. Exterior upgrades modernized the building’s street presence while improving energy performance, and sustainable design strategies ensured a future-forward workspace.
LJC’s design bridges past and present, preserving the essence of the original structure while redefining it to support a dynamic and modern legal practice.
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