Adaptive reuse work has made extensive progress at the Morton Salt Factory at 1357 N Elston Avenue in West Town. Developer trio R2 Companies, Blue Star Properties, and Skydeck have planned for a new office and entertainment complex within the shell of the former factory.
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Overview of Morton Salt Redevelopment. Diagram by Lamar Johnson Collaborative
While the easternmost shed has been demolished, the main shed building will become the focal point of the redevelopment, set to house the main gathering and event stage. There will be a new connecting corridor alongside the shed structure, while the new roof has been replaced but will retain the iconic Morton Salt signage. Despite the larger repurposing of the facility, Morton Salt will still maintain a tenant presence on site via R&D office space. These offices will be housed in the former packaging building just north of the entertainment shed. Lastly, the garage near the northeast corner will be turned into a food stand for use during events.
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Morton Salt Development. Rendering by Lamar Johnson Collaborative
Chicago-based Lamar Johnson Collaborative is behind the design aspect of the project, whose existing architectural features will be largely maintained in light of its repurposing. Notable exceptions to the preservation of the exterior include the replacement of the roof, due to asbestos present in the existing version, as well as new windows for the packaging building that were previously bricked-in.
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Packaging Buildings at Morton Salt Development. Rendering by Lamar Johnson Collaborative
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
As far as transit options, patrons, tenants, and staff will find closest bus service for Route 70 just a short walk to the south at the Division & Elston intersection. Closest CTA Blue Line service can be found via a 13-minute walk west to Division station, while Metra service is accessible via a 17-minute walk northwest to Clybourn station.
Site Plan for Morton Salt Development. Drawing by Lamar Johnson Collaborative
Second Floor Plan for Morton Salt Development. Drawing by Lamar Johnson Collaborative
Third Floor Plan for Morton Salt Development. Drawing by Lamar Johnson Collaborative
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Morton Salt adaptive reuse. Photo by Jack Crawford
Blue Star Properties is also serving as the general contractor behind the $46 million conversion, with work still on track to complete by end of summer.
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I get honoring the history but do they need to keep the conveyer belts?
What ever happened to the pedestrian bridge on Blackhawk over the river? Is that something that is still planned for this development?
The city and developers seem to have agreed no more bicycle or pedestrians paths. LY and the rest rebuilding the bridges for cars only it seems. They must prefer the suburban gated community approach. Look at Webster rebuild as an example. No underpass. Lori of course is sleeping as these things getting done under the radar it seems
I do not think she is sleeping, i think she does not care. It is not the South or West sides.
I keep driving past and wondering why the new lettering and logo were put up a few months ago, only to be flaking off already?