A Chicago Masterpiece Rediscovered

CHICAGO—Even though downtown Chicago has a worldwide reputation for great architecture, many of its treasures suffer from neglect and disinvestment. But an increasing number of businesses believe that occupying historically-significant space can bring a type of prestige that modern office buildings don’t provide and have decided to restore some older buildings to their former glory.

Back in 2006, for example, J&J ARNACO LLC, headed by Jennifer N. Pritzker, acquired the Monroe Building at 104 S. Michigan Ave. and began planning a full-scale renovation that would eventually bring the aging structure into the 21st century and simultaneously restore its lost elegance. BOMA/Chicago recently honored the company’s efforts with its 2014/2015 TOBY Award for best historic building.