Chicago has issued a $45 million building permit to renovate and convert a 13-story office building at 29 S. LaSalle to residential apartments.
The permit, issued to DLC Residential, finally begins work on the site’s redevelopment after false starts and delays. The property was originally the National Life Building –designed by Jenney & Mundie and completed in 1902. The building was renovated in 1940 and was most recently known as Barrister Hall.
Before last decade’s recession, Hamilton Partners planned to develop 29 and 39 LaSalle into a 59-story skyscraper. But that project died with the real estate crash. The current concept — a redevelopment of the existing building into apartments — was first announced with construction expected to start in 2015.
The permit says:
Alterations and addition to existing 13-story office building to convert to residential apartment building including one story and mechanical penthouse additions to roof to make a total of 14-story building.The building will include 103 efficiency units and 104 dwelling units for a total of 207 residential units and five retail spaces on the ground level. No foundation/micro pile or elevator pit work to be performed under this permit. – no work requiring foundation micro/pile or elevator pit is required as a prerequisite under this permit.
Momentum Construction Co., based in Avantura, FL, is the general contractor. (The construction company operates out of the owner’s address.) Key subtrades listed on the building permit include: Electrical – ABCO Electrical Construction & Design, LLC; masonry, Berglund Construction; plumbing, Stanton Mechanical; refrigeration and ventilation – AT Mechanical.
Robert Whitney of FitzGerald Associates Architects is listed as the architect of record.
In 2015, FitzGerald issued this news release describing the Millennium at LaSalle:
FitzGerald was chosen by Florida-based DLC Residential to provide full architectural services for the firm’s latest apartment development, The Millennium on LaSalle. Located at 29 South LaSalle in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, Millennium represents the complete conversion of the existing 13-story office building to a highly amenitized development that blends contemporary finishes and conveniences with captivating historic elements. 216 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments are planned. Units will include the latest in “smart” mechanical systems and technological conveniences, including integrated USB power sources throughout, a pre-wired media hub, and bluetooth audio.
A new 14th floor amenity level will be added to the building and will include a pool, a lounge, a sport court with fitness room, a dog run, and landscaped roof deck. In the basement, residents will have access to a large screening room, two console game media rooms, a computer LAN lounge, a musical practice space with recording booth, a dog wash room, laundry/dry cleaning valet, and secure private storage. Bicycle storage in the basement will connect to a first-floor bike workshop via a stair with bike-friendly ramp. The workshop will offer part and supply vending, work stands, and convenient digital media resources for entertainment and technical reference.
The lobby will be renovated with new contemporary finishes, furniture, and lighting–providing a modern aesthetic within the historic marble-clad space. A coffee/media lounge will be created on the first floor, and the development team is seeking approvals to include access to outdoor cafe-style seating in the adjacent Arcade Place. The building will feature approximately 7,000 sq. ft. of retail space.