Final landmark status has been approved for the historic high-rise at 19 South LaSalle Street in The Loop. Located mid-block between West Madison Street and Monroe Street, the former office-retail mixed-use building is set to be converted into housing as part of the larger LaSalle Street Reimagined initiative. We covered its preliminary approval late last year.
Original Central YMCA building (left) – expansion (right) via Chicagology
Built in 1893, the 16-story building was designed by William Le Baron Jenney. Jenney is considered the father of the skyscraper after completing the nearby Home Insurance Building, which pioneered the concept of a central and exterior steel structure. The tower on LaSalle is one of Jenney’s last remaining works in the Loop and previously served as the headquarters for the YMCA’s central region.
Image of Central YMCA gym via HistoryOfSports
The building meets multiple city criteria for landmark designation, including exemplary architecture, association with an important architect, and the retention of its historical integrity. The approval protects all exterior elevations and significant features. With landmark status, developer Envoi Partners can also apply for various tax incentives for the conversion.
Rendering of 19 S LaSalle St conversion by HPA
Designed by local firm HPA, the plans call for the conversion of 159,000 square feet of space into 207 residences, along with new retail space along the street front and side alley. Of those units, 30 percent will be designated as affordable. Work is set to commence on the $64 million conversion this spring, as interior demolition permits have been issued.
Further information can be found on Chicagology. Further information on Basketball within Chicago YMCA can be found here.
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Nice
I hope the side arcade turns into a pedestrian only promenade like that. Would be a great addition to the redone building.
Thanks for the BB read . Everyone should read .
Still a great looking building , too !
Wow! A revelation that this relatively small, handsome, Jenney-designed building is part of the LaSalle corridor. A great candidate for conversion, may it all go quickly and smoothly.
Using the alley for outdoor dining would create the lively street scene that will make that neighborhood thrive