Change Comes From Within at the New Ability Institute Building

Ability Institute of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago still under construction, but close to done.

At first glance, there’s not much to see at the new Ability Institute Building at 355 East Erie Street, soon to be home of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.  That’s because exterior work is pretty much wrapped up, and all of the action is happening inside.  According to a construction update from senior vice president Nancy Paridy:

The building structure and enclosure are substantially complete. The East and South hoist have been removed and the windows are complete. Interior build outs, including mechanical piping, duct work and drywall, are being completed on various levels throughout the building and will also remain a primary focus in the coming months. Currently, the exterior sidewalk, planters, and driveways are being constructed and such construction will continue through 2016. The majority of the work will be performed behind the existing barricades which will ultimately be removed when fencing will be utilized until all exterior work is complete; this is expected to be finished at the end of the year (2016). Additional lane closures will be required at times along McClurg in order to complete this work. During these closures, appropriate signage and flagging will be used.

Exterior construction work and full manpower levels (between 250 to 350 workers) continue Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and regular, permitted work will continue to occur with a small crew on Sundays. Additionally, we will continue to have certain deliveries occurring beyond typical work hours. This activity will entail a limited crew remaining on site to unload and distribute materials via the exterior hoists up until the 10 p.m. All dates and times are permitted by the City of Chicago and are weather dependent. Moreover, all work will be performed consistent with the City noise code requirements.

Now that the building is substantially enclosed and building systems are operational, lighting will be similar to that of a typical building. Namely, interior lighting will be maintained at all times throughout the building as staff are now operating the building system 24/7.

The new R.I.C. building by Gensler and HDR Architecture has 27 stories and rises 480 feet into the air.  Those of you who are history buffs probably already know that back when this was the location of Chicago’s CBS Building, it was were the first televised presidential debate took place.

Ability Institute of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago still under construction, but close to done.

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from Chicago Architecture http://www.chicagoarchitecture.org/2016/04/04/change-comes-from-within-at-the-new-ability-institute-building/