145 S Wells is one of the only new office structures in the Loop in recent years. The project was very logistically challenging. The structure took full advantage of the site in spite of being boxed in by existing buildings on the east and south sides, and the CTA tracks on the west and the north side offered only a small alley for access. We overcame some of the logistical limitations of the site by pre-building the columns offsite at our yard in Lombard. This allowed us to conserve much needed space onsite that typically would have been used for this work. We also worked with Chicago Steel to coordinate a complex tower crane dismantle with the use of a Derrick crane that was mounted to the roof of the structure.
During preconstruction, we explored multiple structural options. After reviewing various core configurations, structural supported slab options, and perimeter façade solutions, the team decided on an optimized approach. We reduced the concrete core to two interior shear walls, with the lateral system transferring to the perimeter beam and columns. By converting an architectural concrete curb to upturned structural beam, our team was able to effectively create the aesthetic Moceri+Roszak were looking for with substantial structural savings in the core. We chose mild steel floor slabs in lieu of post tensioning to allow full tenant flexibility during future build-outs. A rough formed ceiling finish offered additional savings to the client while providing a less traditional and more loft style look to the tenants.
This was our third partnership with General Contractor Clark Construction and Developer Moceri+Roszak.
145 South Wells Street, Chicago, IL
