UIC College of Medicine West Building, Envelope Restoration

Chicago, IL

As a trusted and valued partner to University of Illinois at Chicago’s Facility Services and the Office of Capital Planning, AltusWorks was awarded two contracts for architectural services in 2007 and 2013, addressing envelope repairs at the National Register eligible 1930 College of Medicine West classroom and laboratory Building, commonly referred to as COMWest. Combined the two projects restored the north and west street elevations, the north and west courtyard elevations, and the distinctive Collegiate Gothic tower for a total construction cost of $4.5M.

Executed during occupancy, and in coordination with a 3-story interior renovation for the new high-tech Learning Center, AltusWorks identified and designed solutions to rectify masonry deterioration, air and water leakage, and roof failures; increase thermal performance; and eliminate abandoned laboratory surface mounted ductwork. Preservation techniques and methods complied with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties and were readily approved by the State Historic Preservation Officer. Multiple bid packages were structured to address the compressed schedule, long lead-time items, and proper sequencing of the work for the overlapping and interfacing projects.