LERA is the structural engineer for the renovation and expansion of the existing museum facilities located on the Ground, Mezzanine and Second Floors of the Museum of Contemporary Photography. The project includes reimagining the interior space on the Ground Floor, an independent street-front entrance, larger and flexible gallery spaces, administrative and classroom spaces, larger archive/vault spaces, elevator access and ADA upgrades.

The existing 15-story building, constructed around 1906, is framed with structural steel and clad with a limestone and brick façade, and is a designated Chicago Landmark. Structural modifications include the reinforcement of the existing floor systems as required to create openings for new stairs and elevators, as well as MEP openings, the infill of existing openings no longer required, miscellaneous metals required to support new windows and signage, a new elevator pit, column enlargement/reinforcing at double-height spaces and a new circulation stair.

Location

Chicago, IL

 

Client 

Columbia College Chicago

 

Architect

Brininstool + Lynch