O’Hare International Center, Rosemont, Ill.
RETROFIT TEAM
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Davis & Davis Interior Design
ARCHITECT: Fitzgerald Architecture Planning Design
CONTRACTORS: Ostrander Construction and BEAR Construction
MATERIALS
The design team opted for creative and easily cleanable design elements that activate curiosity. Existing granite is covered with large-scale porcelain tile. New flooring resembles pressed metal, and walls look like white marble. A custom chandelier cascades from the main lobby down to the lower lounge, drawing the eye through the levels. In the auditorium lounge, the designers developed a new seating area with high-top tables serviced by an underutilized coat closet turned coffee bar.
The following is a sampling of materials used in the project:
COMMERCIAL-GRADE FLOORING: Shaw Contract, Mohawk Group and Patcraft
FLOORING: IRIS
FLOOR AND WALL TILES: Fiandre Architectural Surfaces
DECORATIVE WALL PANELS: Interlam
SPECIALTY WOOD WALL PANEL: Plyboo
SPECIALTY METAL PANELS: Moz Designs
DIGITAL PRINTED LOBBY IMAGES: MDC Interior Solutions
CUSTOM LOBBY PENDANT: Kuzco Lighting
INTERIOR LED LIGHTING: Pure Lighting, Finelite, Coronet and Klus
THE RETROFIT
Located adjacent to Chicago’s famed airport, the O’Hare International Center had become unappealing to current and prospective office tenants. Red-granite floors and walls enveloped the entire lobby and an outdated security desk in the center appeared like a relic from yesteryear. The space needed thoughtful and strategic enhancements, increased light levels, and engaging and dynamic amenities.
Davis & Davis Interior Design accepted the task of reimagining the center’s interior, including two lobbies, an auditorium and lounge area, a lower-level lounge area and an outdoor patio. “The goal was to ensure that the building’s occupants are engaged as they progress through the lobby to the elevator core and on to the amenity pavilion,” explains Michelle Davis, principal and design director for Davis & Davis Interior Design.
The 12,500-square-foot project was completed in 2020.