WARE MALCOMB ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY ON HISTORIC 79 W. MONROE RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION PROJECT IN CHICAGO
CHICAGO (April 15, 2025) – Ware Malcomb, an award-winning international design firm, announced construction has begun on 79 W. Monroe, Chicago’s first office-to-residential conversion under the City of Chicago’s ‘LaSalle Street Reimagined’ initiative and Major Johnson’s “Build Better Together”—a bold, citywide strategy for inclusive economic growth. Ware Malcomb is providing architecture and interior design services for the transformation of the historic 14-story masonry high-rise known as the Rector Building, located in The Loop of Downtown Chicago. The firm is working with developer R2 Companies and building owner Lagfin, to spearhead the project.
Built in 1905, 79 W. Monroe is the oldest surviving commercial structure designed by Chicago Architect Jarvis Hunt. The renovation project includes converting seven floors to create 117 residential units (with 41 units affordable), an upscale lobby, and a full indoor/outdoor amenity floor.
“We are extremely pleased 79 W. Monroe is the first project to get underway as part of the LaSalle Corridor initiative, as it kicks off a wave of economic renaissance through Downtown Chicago,” said Mark Schwamel, Director, Interior Architecture & Design, Ware Malcomb. “Preserving and transforming this 120-year-old landmark building will make a significant impact to our community, and we look forward to expanding the access to affordable housing in our downtown.
The project design for 79 W. Monroe is “Neoclassical Nautical,” combining the historical architecture, materials and details of this beaux-art building with the elegance of our beautiful beaches and maritime lifestyle on Lake Michigan, creating a refined, adventurous ambiance. The overall concept blends timeless beauty with the spirit of exploration.
On the ground floor, the renovated lobby along Monroe Street will feature a dedicated, refreshed entrance for residents only, enhancing security and accessibility. Rooftop amenities include a spacious indoor tenant lounge with gathering and meeting spaces, an upscale fitness center, and outdoor living areas. The lower level will feature generous bike storage, a dog wash station, and a contemporary gaming room.
Working within the building’s historic significance, Ware Malcomb included new architectural elements to compliment it, such as ornate details, motifs, historic ceilings, clad columns, and arched doorways. These elements emphasize a timeless elegance and proportion while maintaining the space’s history. Muted tones like navy and ivory, accented with gold, bronze, and warm wood tones, evoke delight and a maritime charm.
Preservation and building landmark efforts will focus on retaining and repairing the building’s character-defining exterior masonry, including brick, stone, and terra-cotta elements. To enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs for future tenants, the existing single-pane glass windows will be replaced with double-pane insulated glass, matching the existing profile as required by the local Historic Review Board. To ensure accuracy, the team is working closely with a specialized window fabricator experienced in historic window replacement.
Construction services are being provided by a joint venture of Leopardo Companies and GMA Construction Group.
About Ware Malcomb (waremalcomb.com)
Established in 1972, Ware Malcomb is a contemporary and expanding full-service design firm providing professional architecture, planning, interior design, civil engineering, branding and building measurement services to corporate, commercial/residential developer and public/institutional clients throughout the world. With office locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, the firm specializes in the design of office, industrial, science & technology, healthcare, multifamily, retail, and public/institutional projects. The firm is also ranked among the top 15 architecture/engineering firms in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms and the top 30 interior design firms in Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants. For more information, visit waremalcomb.com.
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Ware Malcomb Chicago
500 W. Madison St #1000
Chicago, IL 60661
312.837.4600
