209 South LaSalle Street, Chicago Illinois
Architects: Burnham and Root, 1888

The Rookery Building was designed in 1888 by the renowned architecture firm of Burnham and Root.  The masonry and terra cotta clad 11-story building has been named a Chicago Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Klein and Hoffman, Inc. was retained to perform critical examinations of the building facades in 2001, 2003, and 2005.

K&H’s examinations of the building identified numerous areas that required restoration including terra cotta and brick masonry.  Based on the findings from the investigation, and discussions with the owner, K&H produced an engineering opinion of cost, and the restoration design and construction documents.  Phase 1 of the restoration program concentrated on the corner turrets and the west elevation parapet wall.

Phase II will complete the rebuilding of the exterior wythe of the parapet walls and terra cotta replacement.  The replacement of terra cotta units includes the recreation of ornamentation that has been missing from the building for decades.  The design of the replacement units required study of original drawings and historical photographs.

Extensive efforts have been made to clean and reinstall the original bricks to maintain the integrity of the historic building.  Innovative repair details were also required due to unconventional use of steel railroad rails throughout the original construction of the exterior walls.

Completion is anticipated August 2005.