The Belden Stratford was constructed in 1922 to the design of Meyer Fridstein, an alumni of the office of Chicago architect Benjamin Marshall. The 16 story steel-framed building, clad in terra-cotta, brick, and granite originally featured 650 hotel rooms, a large 2-story ballroom, two restaurants and a large Louis XIV style Lobby with open mezzanines on the East and West sides. VHA teamed with Chicago-based SCB in the renovation of this Lincoln Park residential landmark, which received a federal restoration tax credit.
VHA'S scope encompassed exterior and interior restoration design. Work included the removal of non-original alterations, the restoration of historic finishes and integration of accessibility features, including ramps, and lifts, making the building accessible.
A 1980's-era porte cochere was removed and replaced by a cantilevered steel and glass canopy referencing the long-missing original. Granite entry stairs and ramps with bronze entry doors and railings were installed at the main entry at Lincoln Park West. All non-original windows and doors were replaced by energy efficient units, finished in the original 1920's teal blue.
Main lobby - Before
Main Lobby - After
In the 1980's, the original east and west mezzanines overlooking the main lobby were closed off and converted to apartments. These spaces were re-opened and, with the main lobby, original marble plaster and ornamental iron details and finishes were restored or recreated. The lobby's original walnut and mirrored glass partitions, hidden by earlier remodeling, were uncovered, restored or entirely recreated. New handrails, lighting and decorative finishes were implemented throughout and accessibility lifts were installed at the public entries.
Main Lobby - Before
Main Lobby - After
Plaster surfaces were restored, the original decorative pain scheme with gilding was recreated and the original Carthage gray marble floor was uncovered and refinished.
The original mezzanine lobby had been converted into an apartment (left) It was restored and reopened to the main lobby (right).
CREDITS
Client: Waterton Residential
Architect of Record: SCB
General Contractor: Bulley & Andrews
Lighting Designer: CharterSills Architectural Lighting Design
Photographer: Vinci Hamp Architects
Renderings: SCB
Historic Finish Research: EverGreene Architectural Arts