LondonHouse Chicago Receives the 2016 Richard H. Driehaus Preservation Award for Adaptive Use

The LondonHouse Chicago was awarded the prestigious Richard H. Driehaus Preservation Award for Adaptive Use at a celebration hosted by Landmarks Illinois on October 22. The project entailed the restoration and conversion of the London Guarantee and Accident Building — an exemplary, 1923 Beaux-Arts skyscraper designed by Alfred Alschuler — and the construction of a new, slender infill tower constructed on an adjacent site. The combined buildings serve as a 452-key hotel. This adaptive use introduced a new function for what was previously a struggling office building on an iconic site along the Chicago River.

“LondonHouse completes the rejuvenation of one of the nation’s most important commercial and historic corridors,” said Landmarks Illinois President and CEO Bonnie McDonald. “An elegant contemporary addition proves that preservation and modern design can go hand-in-hand and be approved by the Landmarks Commission. Stunning, gorgeous, luxurious, classic – all adjectives used to describe the transformation grounded in the principles of preservation, adaptive reuse and contextual design. Bravo to all involved in polishing this landmark into a brilliant future.”

Click here to see additional information about the award.