Historic Chicago Water Tower
Bauer Latoza Studio served as architect to the City of Chicago Department of General Services for the restoration of the exterior of the Water Tower. The Firm assessed and documented the condition of every individual stone of the facade, using that data to devise a step-by-step method to repair and clean the Joliet Lemont Limestone exterior. Consolidant and water repellant products were applied to retard the inevitable occurrence of stone shaling.
BauerLatoza directed a low pressure, chemical-free, water cleaning through a grid system of nozzles. The copper cupola was then reconstructed precisely according to the design drawings of 1866. Additionally, BauerLatoza Studio assisted in the design of new exterior uplighting with which to showcase the Tower on North Michigan Avenue. The work was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.
- Client: City of Chicago: Department of General Services
- Project Address: 806 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
- Project Size: 1,900 square feet, 180 feet tall
- Construction Cost: $1.75 million
- Services Provided: Restoration, Assessment, Lighting Design, Critical Examination, Design and Construction Documents, Construction Administration
- Awards: 1999 Best Renovation of Urban Space from Friends of Downtown
- 1999 Guth Award from Illuminating Engineering Society
2003 Preservation Excellence Award from the City of Chicago – Commission on Chicago Landmarks