Gold Coast Redux

Constructed in 1966, this luxury high rise was designed by renown architects Hirschfield, Pawlan, & Reinheimer. This skyscraper was one of the firm’s earlier projects, boasting 34 stories of luxury condominiums showcasing pristine views of Lake Michigan, and was a catalyst for a series of iconic structures designed by these architects in Chicago and across the nation. Our project consisted of the interior renovation of an approximately 1,750 square foot condominium unit. This project was developed as a two-phase construction schedule. Following careful planning and logistics in collaboration with Chris Turley Architects, we determined that the master suite and replacement of flooring throughout the unit was the best approach for Phase I and offered the least opportunities for costly rework during Phase II. As such, our initial scope included the gut rehab and remodel of the master suite and replacement of hardwood flooring and decorative lighting throughout the unit.

As in all high-rise projects, Integro was challenged to deliver this project while accommodating the demands of the building management. This included protecting the common hallways, reserving elevators, managing confined working hours, collaborating with building management for oversight, tying into pressurized common utility piping and chases, and working around the structural reinforced concrete without compromising the design intent. We performed extensive collaboration and coordination between our low voltage contractor and the building management to relocate an inconvenient main chase in critical path of our master bathroom vanity. Additionally, our team was tasked to manage this project remotely through intense coordination and communication with our client whose primary residence was located out of state during construction.

The architectural design of the master suite was primarily focused on replacing the existing, problematic layout with a new layout that maximized corners for storage areas and function while providing ample privacy and ambiance. An interior hallway entrance was designed with a foyer featuring glass shelving and downlighting to showcase our client’s valuable collections. This interior hallway was flanked with sconces and led to the master bedroom which featured a custom headboard for the bed fabricated from barnwood retrieved from the client’s family farm. A separate room was created within the master suite for the walk-in closet. The closet was carefully designed to maximize its functionality and provide a privacy barrier between the master bedroom and the master bathroom.

The hardwood flooring throughout the unit consisted of prefinished maple. The casework and stone in the master bath was fabricated by Porcelanosa and shipped from Spain. Warm toned porcelain tile covered the bathroom floors and was contrasted with a vibrant glass accent tile in the shower. Careful consideration was given to the light fixtures for these creative, yet confined spaces in order to provide an effortless sense of luxury. In addition to the use of high quality finishes and fixtures, the primary focal point of the master suite was the architectural ceiling, designed by Rebecca Liddy. The master closet and master bathroom ceilings were clad in wooden slats which were custom fabricated tom ask the unsightly and unavoidable exposed conduit needed to power the new light fixtures. These ceilings, originally considered an unwelcome requirement to mask an eye sore, were used as design inspiration to elevate the space and create an unexpected and elegant experience in the master suite.

In collaboration with Chris Turley Architects and Rebecca Liddy, we were able to deliver a final product that was as functional as it was stunning. We performed limited construction throughout the unit to enhance the panoramic views of the lake in the primary living areas and we transformed an existing master bedroom with an awkward layout into a luxurious master suite boasting the “wow” factor that our client dreamed