January 2, 2013 – (Above) The lower level lobby of Marina City’s west tower, hours before the start of a major renovation. In the main lobby and elevator lobby, furniture and plants had been removed and decorations taken down. On Monday, residents of the west tower were given two day’s notice that the lobby would be closed for about two months. The only other way in for residents, including many who are elderly, is outside on the plaza level.

On Friday, a petition signed by about 250 unit owners was delivered to Marina City’s condo association, calling a special meeting on January 24 to discuss the $258,599 project to remodel the lobbies of both towers.

Although Marina Towers Condominium Association approved the project on November 15, many residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the new lobby design and a process they say approved the project with limited input from owners. Two members of the condo board have said the project as currently designed is not a good use of association funds.

(Left) View from the elevator lobby, looking back toward the main entrance, its windows covered up on Wednesday. The carpet and walls will be replaced, along with a new security desk. Photo by Andre Malek.

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 Related story: Marina owners petition to stop remodeling project