The Canadian firm Ste Marie has masterfully redesigned the interior amenity spaces of a vintage 1960s tower in Chicago, infusing them with the distinctive elegance and self-assurance characteristic of mid-20th-century office design. Originally built in 1966 as the Illinois Bell Telephone Company's headquarters, this 32-story structure at 225 West Randolph Street, situated in Chicago's vibrant Loop district, recently underwent a comprehensive upgrade by SCB and Onni Group to cater to contemporary office occupants. Ste Marie's approach for 'The Bell' involved transforming over 100,000 square feet of interior amenities, with a clear focus on mid-century modernism. Their objective was to reimagine the corporate skyscraper as a multifaceted environment, prioritizing hospitality, distinct ambiance, and a strong sense of identity. This design philosophy is evident in how the various areas, including the lobby, dining establishments, lounges, co-working spaces, wellness facilities, and outdoor terraces, are seamlessly integrated into a cohesive narrative, extending from the ground floor to the highest levels.
The mid-century design influence permeates all amenity areas, achieved through the strategic layering of gleaming metals, prominent lighting fixtures, and custom-commissioned large artworks that evoke the golden era of American advertising. Details such as back-lit wooden panels, brass pendant lights, and linear lighting elements accentuate the building's imposing scale. Furthermore, the inclusion of geometrically inspired furniture and patterns pays homage to the legacy of Italian designers like Gio Ponti and Ettore Sottsass. In the ground-level lobby, the original terrazzo flooring and Verde Guatemala marble are harmoniously combined with mid-century-style art, textiles, and rugs, creating a welcoming and sophisticated entrance. A 200-seat bistro and bar, named Solette, serves as a bridge between the lobby and the bustling streetscape, showcasing polished brass and reflective metal accents against custom banquettes and rich walnut millwork. Throughout the tower's office floors, lounges, collaborative workspaces, and meeting rooms are thoughtfully integrated, alongside library and game rooms that recall the social dimensions of the mid-century office, where professional and recreational activities often intertwined. Even the sports courts, wellness centers, and fitness studios maintain this sophisticated interior style, featuring elegant wood and travertine finishes.
The upper echelons of the tower host the multi-level Clubhouse, elegantly connected by a gracefully curving marble staircase. Indoor lounge and bar areas extend to beautifully landscaped cabanas and terraces, offering panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. Additionally, 'The Apartment' provides a more exclusive, club-like setting for private gatherings. According to Ste Marie, 'The Bell' project represents a cultural revival, a reimagining of Chicago's corporate landscape that thoughtfully blends hospitality with an emphasis on fostering connection, collaboration, rejuvenation, and enjoyment. By drawing upon an iconic period of American design, the renewed Bell building not only honors its rich heritage but also advances it into the dynamic context of the modern workplace, symbolizing a blend of historical charm and contemporary vitality.