The architect’s goal was to design a residential tower in a heavily urban neighborhood in Chicago themed on bringing unexpected daylight into the building. The 15-story, 199-unit apartment building is in a dense area of Chicago with very little green space, guiding the architect’s desire for incorporating daylight as a design priority.

On the first floor of the two-story lobby is a large picture window overlooking a pocket park and the historic Haymarket
monument located on-site. On the second floor, there is a smaller, more intimate space with a view of the park and lobby below. To connect the stairs to the loft library and the building offices, instead of using concrete, carpet, and other materials that would darken the space, translucent glass was used. The glass catwalk brings daylight into the area while still being highly usable and functional.

The fire-rated glass walkway, LITEFLAM XT60, allows light transition through the glass from the above skylight and surrounding windows. LED light strips were added beneath the glass to create a glowing impression, and the glass catwalk adds light to the concierge desk located directly below.