AMA Plaza, Wrigley Building win award for landmarks

(Above) Lobby of The Langham hotel on August 20, 2013. Click on images to view larger versions.

19-May-14 – The Commission on Chicago Landmarks has recognized two River North buildings for notable rehabilitation of historic architecture.

Among the 13 recipients of this year’s Preservation Excellence Awards are AMA Plaza and Wrigley Building.

Formerly known as IBM Plaza, the 52-story riverfront building, the last major work of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, won for rehabilitation and adaptive reuse. The commission noted renovation of offices and common areas, conversion of floors 2-13 into a luxury hotel, restoration of the ground floor lobby, and a canopy over the building’s Wabash Avenue entrance.

“Interior rehabilitation work was a significant part of the project,” reads an announcement from the commission, “and included asbestos abatement, installation of sprinklers throughout the building, elevator modernization, as well as installation of new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to support the hotel.”

Zeller Realty Group’s rehab of Wrigley Building included extensive work both inside and outside. Terra cotta was restored, windows replaced, offices and lobbies renovated, and the plaza between Wrigley’s two buildings on North Michigan Avenue was enhanced for pedestrian use.

(Left) Wrigley Building from Trump International Hotel & Tower on March 17, 2012.

Wrigley Building has been an official Chicago landmark since 2012. AMA Plaza, since 2008.

The winners were announced on May 15. Started in 2000, the award honors “individuals and organizations for notable achievements in restoring, reusing, and promoting the city’s historic architecture.”