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When the new Loews Hotel opened at 455 N. Park in Chicago last March, one of the many fine details that reviewers marveled at were its floral ceilings. The project, designed by local Chicago architect Simeone Deary Partners, included a floral ceiling pattern in the lobby and prefunction areas.

Plasterform was contacted to handle this important piece of the project. The ceiling was ultimately manufactured out of GRG and is just one of many stunning details carefully included in the project’s execution.

Founded in 1987, Plasterform is one of the world’s largest custom casting manufacturers. Arcspec has represented Plasterform in the Chicago architectural community for over 20 years. With installations as familiar as Soldier Field and McCormick Place and as innovative as Harrah’s Casino and the new Loews Hotel, Plasterform’s appeal is evident throughout the region.

The experts at Plasterform have been linked to some of the most impressive, creative, and iconic projects around the globe. They provide consultation to architects, designers, and contractors to ensure that the manufacturing process proceeds in a smooth and cost-effective manner. Using CNC (computer numeric control) routers for pattern making allows them to achieve tighter tolerances than traditional pattern making.

Plasterform utilizes the industry’s best methods throughout every step of the process – from design, to estimating, to production. Whether you need to maintain a historical aesthetic or wish to establish a new one, Plasterform has a product that fits your purpose.

Committed to sustainability, the design team of HDR Architecture lived up to the task with the help of Curt Finfrock who has extensive experience in designing research laboratories and other advanced technology facilities. In the early stages of designing the Argonne Energy Sciences Building, Finfrock consulted with Arcspec and investigated several façade products, including TerraClad terra cotta rain screen panels, Swisspearl cement composite panels and aluminum plate wall panels which were ultimately chosen.

Currently under construction, the façade of the ESB includes a copper and clear anodized finished dry joint metal panel system supplied by Arcspec and is being installed by G & L Associates of Des Plaines, IL. Click here to hear how the Energy Sciences Building will be helping the DOE and Argonne address the nation’s energy challenges.

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As a former resident of Uptown, I am keenly aware of the residents’ desire for a long-awaited revitalization of the neighborhood. Home to the Green Mill Jazz Club, the neighborhood drew the likes of Al Capone “when big jazz names graced the stage, and even Frank Sinatra slung back a few through a couple of sets.”

Venues like the Aragon and the “Riv” (Riviera) continue to draw music lovers to the area, but the vitality of the neighborhood that once existed in the swing area diminished over the following decades. “Uptown began a slow slide, morphing into a low-rent district known for crime, grime and arson fires.” Burdened by corruption and misallocated tax dollars, buildings fell into disrepair, and such landmarks as the Uptown Theater and Bridgeview Bank, formerly known as Uptown National Bank, awaited long overdue restoration.

Slowly but surely, the neighborhood is experiencing a revitalization with the completion of Uptown Square/Borders project, funding being raised for the Uptown Theater, and the $16 million dollar renovation of the Bridgeview Bank. The circa 1920’s art deco building is “the second largest terra cotta structure outside the Loop, and serves as an Uptown anchor, hosting special events and public gatherings.”

The three year rehabilitation project based on Klein and Hoffman’s façade inspection is being performed by Design Installation Systems of Morton Grove. The project will include removal, repair and replacement of damaged terra cotta.

The terra cotta will be replaced with ARC’s glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) supplied by Arcspec. Due to its ability to replicate building ornaments and terra cotta, GFRC is becoming more commonly used.

The strength, durability and low weight of this material make GFRC an appealing option for restoration projects. “Lower weights mean easier hoisting and installation, and replacing terracotta with a lightweight material like GFRC will also reduce loads on the structure.”

GFRC’s characteristics provide a long life span and make it a viable alternative for replacement of terra cotta; however, the determination of which material should be used for restoration should be evaluated based on the type of pieces to be replaced, structural, mold and field conditions, and the budget of each project.

With the recent election of three new aldermen and their plans to draw businesses and retailers back into the area, perhaps there will be more opportunities to use these materials to restore more of Chicago’s historic buildings and promote a much anticipated upswing in the not so “up-and-coming” Uptown.