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Redevelopment of Chicago's Old Main Post Office moves forward

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Redevelopment of Chicago's Old Main Post Office moves forward

After over 20 years sitting empty, Chicago’s Old Main Post is set to be redeveloped. The City of Chicago announced a court-approved agreement which will allow 601W Companies LLC to begin the renovations and restoration immediately. 601W is also the owner of Chicago’s AON Center, Prudential Plaza, and the former Montgomery Ward warehouse.

Over the next five years, 601W will transform the multi-million-square-foot structure into office space for an estimated 12,000 workers. As part of the agreement with the city, 601W will start the renovation by replacing the roof, refurbishing the building’s facade, and restoring the buildings historic Art Deco lobby. A series of deadlines have been established for the work over 2016, 2017, and 2018. Improvements will also include new high speed elevators, public space along the river, new mechanical systems, and updated plumbing and electrical.

The previous owner, International Property Developers North America, have agreed to pay $800,000 to the city for building code violations that began in 2012. 601W will work to remedy those violations as well.

The Post Office was built in phases from 1921 through 1932. Designed by Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Gensler is the design architect for the redevelopment.

“With Gensler’s prior experience on the Post Office, we come with a long standing familiarity to the site and building. Additionally, our design for the redevelopment of 600 West Chicago, and our work with tech office and creative spaces in both the Merchandise Mart and Fulton Market brings added planning experience and redevelopment expertise to the Post Office project,” remarked Grant Uhlir, Principal and Managing Director of Gensler Chicago.

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