October 13, 2016
200 West Jackson Brings the Outside In—On the 28th Floor
Published on ChicagoArchitecture.org.
Together with White Oak Realty, Wright Heerema Architects announces the grand re-opening of 200 W. Jackson, a classic 29-story office building in the heart of Chicago’s Loop that is now anything but traditional. With an eye on companies seeking an engaging space to ignite employee engagement and culture, the high rise now features a new amenity space on the 28th floor, which boasts The Notch, a four-seasons hospitality lounge open to everyone who works in the building, with windows that open out to the city, and a bar and recreation area designed to recall a hotel indoor/outdoor reception area and give employees a break from the daily grind.
“The game has changed for office buildings as companies realize they need to create a comfortable and differentiated working environment to recruit and retain the best talent,” observes Judy DeMike, Project Manager, Wright Heerema Architects. “The renovations at 200 W. Jackson meet the needs of today’s tenants who seek top-of-the-line meeting and collaboration spaces, as well as opportunities to enable employee well-being.”
The Notch lounge located on the top floor, can be seen outside from the bustling city below with the different aluminum framed fenestration and full height glass. Operable windows allow tenants to enjoy fresh outside air during the warm weather months. The room features a bar for entertainment purposes and multiple seating areas and chair types to allow for collaboration, independent working and networking. The main area is an airy, open space with abundant natural light, glass walls, outdoor furniture and plentiful green plantings. Modern furnishings complement the raw exposed concrete columns and ceiling, porcelain tile flooring and reclaimed wood feature wall behind the bar.
A full service conference facility is available for internal and external booking, featuring standard technological capabilities with in-room iPad controls, lecterns, projection screens, catering counters, the flexibility to transform into two rooms and adaptable furniture.
The fitness center is equipped with a variety of fitness machines, locker rooms and a “fitness on demand” room that can be used for a variety of different types of classes, such as yoga, spin and pilates. Access to healthy and convenient food is also available through a “free fruit for tenants” program. Vending machines are stocked with freshly prepared snack and meal options from Farmer’s Fridge.
The building exterior was renovated by the Wright Heerema team as well. It includes a new curtain wall fascia that projects 18” from the building with new address signage made of stainless steel and frosted backlit glass to highlight the new facade. The base of the building received a charcoal gray stain and the floors above received a fresh coat of white paint, giving the entire building an updated, fresh look.
