541 North Fairbanks Court Explained

541 North Fairbanks Court
Address:541 North Fairbanks Court
Completion Date:1969
Destruction Date:-->
Floor Count:30
Architect:Harry Weese

541 North Fairbanks Court, formerly the Time-Life Building, is a 404adj=midNaNadj=mid, 30-story skyscraper in Chicago, Illinois, designed by Harry Weese and completed in 1969.[1] Located on the Near North Side, it was among the first in the U.S. to use double-deck elevators.[2] The odd-numbered floors are accessible from the lower lobby, with even floors serviced from the upper level.

In 2014, the building was purchased by Northwestern Memorial Hospital, which already housed several back-office functions there, for $28 million (equivalent to $ in).. The Chicago Park District planned to vacate floors 3 through 7, which it used as its headquarters, in 2018.[3] It then negotiated an extension with rent of the lease while preparing a move to a new facility.[4]

Architecture

The structure is clad in Cor-Ten steel, the material used for the Daley Center and the Picasso sculpture in the Center's plaza. The metal rusts with age, an effect intended by the architects. The lobby floor is ½ level below ground, and an underground retail concourse is found another half level below. The coffered ceilings in the lobby and outdoor arcade are similar to Washington, D.C.'s subway system, designed by the same architect.[5] [6]

The 27adj=midNaNadj=mid lobby has a base of 87feet with 30adj=midNaNadj=mid bay windows.

Awards

External links

41.8922°N -87.6198°W

Notes and References

  1. News: Sharoff . Robert . On the Life and Work of Chicago Architect Harry Weese . . July 7, 2010 . October 19, 2018.
  2. Book: Strakosch . George R.. Caporale. Robert S. . The Vertical Transportation Handbook . . 2010 . 978-0-4709-1973-6.
  3. News: Northwestern Memorial pays $80 million for Streeterville office tower. Ryan. Ori. Crain's Chicago Business. April 18, 2014. March 27, 2022.
  4. News: Spielman . Fran . 2020-12-10 . Park District headquarters in Brighton Park moves closer to reality . en . Chicago Sun-Times . 2022-03-27.
  5. News: Muschamp . Herbert . Harry Weese, 83, Designer Of Metro System in Washington . . November 3, 1998 . October 19, 2018.
  6. News: Cilento . Karen . A look into the life and work of Harry Weese . . July 13, 2010 . October 19, 2018.