The Tribune Tower is a long-standing, well-known architectural landmark for the city of Chicago. The original Tribune Tower burned down in 1871 by the Great Chicago Fire, only four short years after it was built. Following the fire, the Chicago Tribune created a building design competition hoping to get some of the best architectural firms to create their new headquarters. The winning entry was designed by Raymond Hood and John Mead Howells from New York.
The design and construction of the Tribune Tower showcased ornate neo-Gothic detailing, with many carvings and gargoyle details around the exterior. Rocks and bricks were included from various historical sites around the world. There are 149 unique pieces from places such as the Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal and at one point, the building held a Moon rock from Buzz Aldrin. Hall of Inscriptions is one of the most notable features of the building; located in the lobby, the Hall showcases notable historic quotes supporting freedom of the press
But in recent years, this beautiful building has seen a complete revitalization. Co-developers CIM Group and Golub & Company bought the building in 2016, with plans to convert it from great architectural monument to luxury condominiums in downtown Chicago. Some of the more historical aspects of the building still remain, the Hall of Inscriptions being one of them. Additionally, they were able to save the original fireplace from the former owner of the Chicago Tribune, now featured in the great room on the third-floor of the complex. Lastly, one of the most iconic parts of the structure, the Tribune sign on the exterior of the building remains, a reminder of the building’s great history.
Some of the more modern expansions to the building include a great room, which includes a kitchen for hosting purposes, as well as open-concept areas to lounge or work. Walk through the great room and you will find yourself looking at a private park with a garden courtyard and walking paths. The historic main lobby was large enough they had the ability to turn an additional part of it into another amenity area, with a game room and a library area. Additionally, behind the building’s gothic accents on the 25th floor you will find a terrace that wraps around the entire exterior of the building, a space for outdoor gathering, grills and even an herb garden. 162 condominium units were added throughout the complex. Other amenities include a lap pool, spa, locker rooms, golf simulator and putting green. One of the old but new renovations includes a beautiful sun-deck built directly behind the Chicago Tribune sign with more seating and grilling stations.
It is here you will find the KLIK LEDpod XL50, the largest downlight offered by KLIK USA. The sun-deck includes metal beams that attach the Chicago Tribune sign to the building. The bezels on the XL50s were custom powder coated to match the color of the beams. An easy way to bring light to the space, the LEDpod XL50 was installed in the beams, going up the beams behind the sign and into the beams facing down, providing a unique architectural look, as well as a lot of light to an a space that didn’t have a great deal of lighting capabilities.
Engineer: Elara Engineering
Architect: Solomon Cordwell Buenz
Lighting Designer: Schuler Shook
Sources:
https://tribunetower.com/history/
https://www.optima.inc/chicago-skyscraper-history-tribune-tower/ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tribune-Tower
https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/photos-peek-inside-newly-completed-tribune-tower-condos
