101 N Wacker Amenity Hub

The lobby of a prominent commercial property in Chicago is reimagined as a hospitality-forward hub that invites and connects a community of discerning tenants.

OTJ Architects partnered with LaSalle Investment Management and the Telos Group to reintroduce prominent commercial asset 101 N Wacker to a discerning tenant segment of financial and technology sector companies. Our cost-savy spatial and finish interventions transform an underutilized lobby into an active, hospitality-forward ecosystem that fosters engagement and distinguishes the property on Chicago’s prominent Wacker Drive.

The project was shaped by an iterative exchange that resulted in a more holistic set of design solutions. Early concepts paired a modest refresh with speculative suites, but ongoing dialogue revealed that the lobby itself held the greatest potential to drive value. As goals were refined, focus shifted toward fully activating this space. Close collaboration with LaSalle, JLL, and the Telos Group supported informed decision-making as the team navigated shifting scope, exacting timelines, and construction challenges to align investment with experiential value.

Our design maximizes the possibilities of the lobby’s existing double-height volume and reshapes how occupants experience and inhabit the space. Custom felt ceiling baffles refine acoustics and define a more intimate scale to the reception lounge. Curved walls and flowing carpet pathways draw tenants and guests from the reception and through the lounge, encouraging exploration rather than quick passage. Varied seating zones, from intimate booths to a café, support touch-down breaks, informal meetings, focused work, and casual dining. Sculptural lighting elements reinforce wayfinding and character through form, placement, and texture rather than excessive graphics. Upgrades extend the experience into the elevator lobbies and a refreshed fitness center, where coordinated finishes, fluted glass, and custom signage create continuity across shared the amenities.

Materiality serves to warm the building’s original architecture. Existing stone floors, stainless steel columns, and granite-clad elements were preserved and selectively wrapped with millwork to soften their presence. Natural oak, leather panels, velvet textiles, and felt introduce tactile contrast, while muted jewel tones and biophilic accents add depth. Together, these materials create a layered experience that is curated, welcoming, and distinctly activated for tenants and visitors alike.

Design: OTJ Architects
General Contractor: Reed Construction
MEP: McGuire Engineers
Lighting: Chicago Lightworks
Custom Lighting: Square 1 Precision Lighting Inc.
AV: Allen Visual
Photography: Hall+Merrick+McCaugherty Photographers