Weese tower gets $25M atrium overhaul to attract tenants
Loop building owners plan $25M atrium renovation at Harry Weese-designed 1 North Wacker Drive tower to attract tenants in competitive downtown office market.
The owners of a Harry Weese-designed office tower in the Loop plan to spend $25 million renovating the building’s atrium to attract new tenants in Chicago’s competitive downtown office market.
The 30-story building at 1 North Wacker Drive will undergo a major transformation of its ground-floor public spaces, according to property management company JLL. The renovation aims to create modern amenities and flexible workspace options that building owners hope will draw businesses back to downtown offices.
“This is about creating the kind of environment that today’s tenants want,” said a JLL spokesperson. “The atrium renovation will provide collaborative spaces and updated technology that weren’t part of the original 1970s design.”
The project reflects broader efforts by Loop landlords to reinvent their properties as remote work continues to reshape demand for office space. Many downtown buildings have struggled with high vacancy rates since the pandemic, forcing owners to invest in upgrades to remain competitive.
Weese, the late Chicago architect known for his modernist designs, completed the Wacker Drive tower in 1971. The building’s distinctive concrete facade and geometric patterns made it a notable example of brutalist architecture in the city’s financial district.
The atrium renovation will include new seating areas, updated lighting, and improved connectivity for mobile devices. Building management expects the work to begin this spring and finish by early 2025.
Similar renovation projects have emerged across the Loop as property owners respond to changing tenant preferences. The investments come as Chicago’s office market faces continued uncertainty, with many companies maintaining hybrid work policies that reduce their space needs.
City officials have supported efforts to modernize downtown office buildings, viewing them as essential to maintaining the Loop’s role as the region’s business center. The renovations could help preserve the area’s tax base while adapting historic structures for contemporary use.