Scaffolding Spotted for Illinois Bell Building Renovation in The Loop

The historic Illinois Bell Building, located at 225 W Randolph Street in The Loop, is finally set for renovation as scaffolding rises around the structure, signaling the imminent start of construction. The building, which has been granted landmark status and Class L tax incentive by the Chicago City Council, is being redeveloped by Onni Group, with work expected to reach completion for the revamped offices in 2024.

225 W Randolph Street. Photo by Jack Crawford

225 W Randolph Street. Photo by Jack Crawford

225 W Randolph Street. Photo by Jack Crawford

Illinois Bell Building Lobby circa 1966. Image by Chicago History Museum

Illinois Bell Building Exterior Work Drawing and Renderings. Images by Developer

Constructed in 1965 and designed by the firm Holabird & Root, the Illinois Bell Building is known for its New Formalist architectural style featuring a marble and granite façade. The 31-story tower stands 427 feet tall and once served as the headquarters for its namesake tenant, the Illinois Bell Telephone Company, and more recently, AT&T offices.

225 W Randolph Street. Photo by Jack Crawford

225 W Randolph Street. Photo by Jack Crawford

225 W Randolph Street. Photo by Jack Crawford

The renovation plan, which has an estimated total cost of $342 million, including the cost of buying the property, encompasses both exterior and interior work. Exterior work includes marble and granite repairs, façade cleaning, curtain wall repairs, and the modification of plaza pavers and planters. On the interior, the lobby will be rehabilitated, replacing non-historic wall panels with stone and updating the 1980s-era ceiling. Additionally, a new stair will be constructed to access the basement from the lobby, and a new entrance will be added in the center bay of the W Randolph Street elevation.

225 W Randolph Street. Photo by Jack Crawford

225 W Randolph Street. Photo by Jack Crawford

The upper floors will also see a significant transformation, with the demolition of interior non-load bearing walls and finishes. Elevator lobbies, common corridors, and bathrooms will be renovated, and elevator cores will be restored. The project will also feature a rooftop deck and a penthouse.

Illinois Bell Building Lobby Comparison. Images by Onni Group

First Floor Plan of Illinois Bell Building. Image by Onni Group

225 W Randolph Street. Photo by Jack Crawford

Furthermore, the Class L incentive includes sustainability requirements, where the renovated building must exceed the energy code by 5 percent. Interior water use reduction, proximity to transit, and the inclusion of bike parking are also required. During construction, 80 percent of waste must be diverted from landfills.

225 W Randolph Street. Photo by Jack Crawford

With the scaffolding now in place, construction is slated to begin shortly, and the revitalized Illinois Bell Building is expected to reemerge as a significant and sustainable landmark in Chicago’s urban landscape by March 2024.

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