CHICAGO—Shortly after buying the iconic Chicago Board of Trade Building in 2012, GlenStar Properties launched a campaign to both refresh the property and bolster its tenant roster. And as they put the finishing touches on the 1.3 million square foot Art Deco tower, the owners have decided to once again light up LaSalle St. with its historic clock.
"We have restored the clock so it is fully operational,” says Michael Giese, vice president and general manager of the CBOT Building. Though always functional, the clock has not been lit in more than 40 years. Crews recently spent hours cleaning, painting and rewiring the vintage timepiece.
Two historic robed figures carved into the façade that represent the commodities traded on the CBOT options and futures exchanges flank the 13-foot in diameter clock. On the left a Mesopotamian farmer holds a sheaf of wheat and on the right a Native American holds an ear of corn.
GlenStar's massive capital improvement campaign transformed the CBOT into an amenity-rich property. To ensure that both trading and non-trading firms will consider occupying its space, the company installed up-to-date fiber optic technology, including a new “meet-me-room” and a fiber backbone riser system.
Other improvements included a new rooftop deck, a 10,000 square foot, 24/7 fitness center, a 24/7 video conference center, and a refurbished lobby. New restaurants and shops, including Mezza Grill and TR Napa Valley, a wine shop and tasting room, were also added.
“It's a rare opportunity to be part of the revitalization of such an iconic Chicago office building," says Giese, "we couldn't be more pleased with the results thus far.”
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Brian J. Rogal
Brian J. Rogal is a Chicago-based freelance writer with years of experience as an investigative reporter and editor, most notably at The Chicago Reporter, where he concentrated on housing issues. He also has written extensively on alternative energy and the payments card industry for national trade publications.
