Location: 
Chicago, Illinois
Total Square Feet: 25,470
Construction Period: Feb 1999 to Apr 2000

Construction Team
General Contractor: Neri Development - 7760 W. Devon, Chicago, IL 60631
Structural Engineer: Structural Associates, Inc. - 6015 N. Nina Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631
Electrical & Mechanical Engineer: Kougan & Associates - 7434 N. Harlem Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631
Landscape Architect: Neri Architects - 7760 W. Devon, Chicago, IL 60631
Cost Estimator: Neri Development - 7760 W. Devon, Chicago, IL 60631

This project for a banking establishment was a retrofit and addition to an existing warehouse located on a corner lot in Chicago’s West Loop area. The Chicago Patrolman’s Federal Credit Union is the exclusive financial institution for Members of the Chicago Police Department. They offer members various banking services, ranging from simple savings and loans to mortgages. The challenge for the architect was to provide a design that encapsulated all these services in a floor plan that addresses both the public everyday banking functions of a bank as well as the private functions such as mortgage agreements and closings.

The existing structure consisted of conjoined buildings, both of similar construction. The wood frame floors bear on masonry exterior and demising walls, and steel beams on columns. The west structure was a two story building while the east was a one story structure which was modified to accept a second floor.

An existing garage door opening on the west face was used as the entrance to the new interior drive-thru. The rest of the ground floor is comprised of an information desk, teller stations, open office space and small conference rooms. The new and restructured second floor was created for the more private aspects of banking. The areas were divided into open office space and private offices separated into different departments. In addition, this floor also contains a large conference room (situated in the middle of the plan), central computer room and a lunchroom, with kitchen facilities. The kitchen and several of the private offices opens onto a rooftop deck.

A modern banking facility, such as this, required extensive updating ofthe electrical and mechanical system. The new electrical requirements include state-of-the-art computer and communication wiring, 2 ATM machines, alarm systems and a backup diesel generator to support all necessary systems during an emergency. Such equipment requires a very specialized mechanical system. Therefore a zoned mechanical system was installed to maintain the proper operating temperature in the computer room, as well as a comfortable level in the offices and customer banking areas.

The entire building was also updated to meet current ADA standards. 

New to the building are a two-story atrium and a two story bank lobby, both with frosted skylights. These, along with enlarged windows, bring natural light to the 2nd floor interior spaces which would otherwise need to be lit by electrical means. This modification resulted in a more electrically efficient building and a more pleasant place to work and conduct business.

The well lit interior, detailed with custom millwork, in conjunction with the exterior break-metal detailing, were seamlessly designed recalling art deco commercial architecture from the golden era of skyscrapers. The exterior materials, comprised of masonry and synthetic stucco, are accented by break-metal banding and finished in a dynamic color palette; make for exciting elevations.

In a facility which offers so many different and interconnected services, the relationship between departments along with the location of building infrastructure is very important. The job of the architect is to coordinate these aspects of a building into a cohesive and elegant structure which addresses ease and comfort of use, for both employees and customers alike.

Manufacturers/Suppliers
DIV 07: Skylights: Kalwall. 
DIV 08: Entrances & Storefronts, Metal Windows, Special Windows: EFCO Corporation; Glazing: Guardian; Revolving Door: Crane Fulview; Metal Doors & Frames: Steelcraft; Hardware: Hager, Ingersoll-Rand, Schlage, Security Lock, Von Duprin.
DIV 14: Elevators: Otis.