When we heard that the top section of 55 E. Monroe St. was being converted into condos we were skeptical to say the least. Would location, location trump a total lack of curb appeal? Developer GlenStar Properties isn’t taking any chances, so architect Goettsch Partners is performing some cosmetic surgery to try and turn the Beast into the Beauty. Will it just be a case of slapping lipstick on a pig? Click “More” for details. The building’s glass facade is covered in metal panels, some structural and some (allegedly) decorative. The idea is to strip the building’s skin and remove every second panel (fingers crossed the structural ones will stay), install longer walls of fresh glass and create little terraces here and there for the units.
On floors 35 and 42 the developer will install long bands of glass without terraces. (Geddit? It’s to emphasize the building’s skeleton ala the Chicago School.)
Considering that the lower half of the building will still be offices without terraces, Yo fears the overall effect may be a little strange. Oink.