Completed in 2018, Wrightwood 659 is a non-profit art museum designed by noted Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The project reuses a 1930's-era apartment building with an entirely new interior plan, structure, and finishes. VHA served as Construction Administration Architect and liaison to the Ando office during CD and CA phases.
The Ando design features large expanses of smooth concrete walls throughout. The three story entry atrium has granite floors, an oak slat ceiling, and walls of recycled Chicago Common brick.
The three levels of flexible galleries feature oak floors, acoustic plaster ceilings and utilize the latest technology for lighting/controls and security.
The new fourth level features a full curtain wall, cantilevered roof and views of the Chicago skyline.
Construction involved underpinning the existing foundations, inserting a new steel frame to support the 1930's perimeter masonry bearing wall and then demolishing all other original construction. The steel frame established new floor levels and added a top fourth floor. The steel was then encased in concrete, exterior walls insulated and triple glazing installed at windows and curtain walls.
CREDITS
Design Architect: Tadao Ando Architect & Associates
General Contractor: Norcon, Inc.
Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
MEP Engineer: AEI, Inc.
Photographer: Jeff Goldberg - ESTO
Construction Images: VHA