Make an Entrance on McClurg

Investment: $285,000-$300,000

Photographer: Grace Juracka

Location: River East

Make An Entrance On McClurg

The line between a welcoming hospitality atmosphere and a functional office space is fading quickly in Chicago. Lifestyle corporate environments and luxury residential spaces are embracing a balance where durability meets aesthetic depth. At Areté Renovators, we specialize in creating spaces that withstand heavy daily use while maintaining a sense of luxury.

Our recent renovation at 512 N. McClurg Court is a prime example of this balance. This amenity space showcases how high-spec materials and precision installation can create a lasting architectural statement. The project called for a high-contrast, moody palette using materials that deliver both visual sophistication and commercial-grade performance.

Building a Foundation with High Performance Surface Systems

Every high-traffic commercial renovation begins with the floor. The wrong choice here can lead to rapid wear and a tired look within months. For this space, the choice of Mannington Commercial modular carpet tiles was pivotal. We specifically used the Tip-Sheared Patterned Loop style with the Infinity 2 backing system.

From a construction standpoint, modular tiles offer a significant advantage over traditional broadloom carpet. They allow for selective replacement in the future. If a specific area experiences a spill or heavy wear, you can simply replace the affected tiles rather than ripping up the entire floor.

The technical specifications for this material are impressive. It features Type 6,6 Nylon with a density of over 5,300. This ensures that the fibers will not crush or lose their luster even in the main thoroughfares of the office. It is a practical choice that does not sacrifice style for longevity.

Transitioning from the soft zones to the culinary hub required a different approach. We installed Luxury Vinyl Tile or LVT to provide a seamless and water-resistant surface. This material mimics the warmth of natural wood but offers the resilience of a synthetic composite.

For a contractor, the success of LVT lies in the subfloor preparation. We must ensure a perfectly level slab so that the wide planks lay flat. These planks are often 7 to 9 inches in width following current trends. If the floor is not level, you risk telescoping imperfections from the concrete below. Our team takes great care to prepare the surface correctly to ensure a flawless finish.

Designing a Culinary Hub that Lasts

The café area is often the heart of a modern office. In this project, it is anchored by a massive waterfall island. This feature requires immense structural precision to execute correctly. We worked with high-end Quartz composite for the countertops.

Many people love the look of natural marble. However, marble is porous and prone to staining in a communal kitchen. Quartz is non-porous and food-safe. It has become the industry standard for modern commercial hospitality because it offers the beauty of stone without the maintenance headaches.

Behind the scenes, the plumbing and appliance integration included several high-quality choices.

• Wells Sinkware SSU3018-45
  This is an 18-gauge undermount stainless steel sink featuring reserved-radius corners. These corners are easier to clean than sharp 90-degree corners. This design choice prevents the buildup of debris in a shared office environment.
• Hansgrohe Faucets
  We installed high-efficiency fixtures with magnetic sprayhead docking and QuickClean technology. These are designed to handle the high-volume usage of a busy corporate hub.
• Waterfall Fabrication
  Our team ensured the vein-matching on the quartz waterfall edges was precise. This creates the illusion of a single and solid block of stone. It is a hallmark of luxury construction that adds significant visual value.

Crafting Architectural Statements with Wood

Perhaps the most striking element of the project is the extensive use of Tambour or vertical wood slatting. This is not merely a decorative choice. It is a complex carpentry installation that adds texture and warmth to the space. Tambour consists of individual wood slats bonded to a flexible backing. This allows it to wrap around curves, such as the curved ceiling canopy seen in the lounge area.

From a construction perspective, this requires a specialized approach. We utilize a concealed click-on fixing system or high-strength construction adhesive paired with a spacer block. This ensures the gaps are perfectly consistent across the entire radius. The gaps are often 10mm to 15mm wide.

This vertical rhythm draws the eye upward and makes the ceilings feel taller. The recessed ridges of the slats play with the integrated lighting to create dynamic shadows throughout the day. It turns a standard wall into a piece of art.

Managing the Logistics for a Successful Project

A project of this scale involves more than just swinging hammers. The labor base price alone exceeded $260,000. As the general contractor, we managed the General Conditions that are often invisible but essential to the success of the project.

Working in a high-rise like River East Residences requires meticulous planning.

• Logistics and Coordination
  We handle elevator scheduling, water shutoff coordination, and sub-management. Our project managers ensure that heavy materials like quartz slabs and large-scale appliances are moved without damaging the building’s common areas.
• Protection and Site Management
  We implemented rigorous floor and wall protection throughout the build. In a luxury remodel, the existing finishes must be treated with the same reverence as the new materials. Even if something is not being replaced, we protect it.
• Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP)
  The proposal included extensive electrical work. We managed everything from the home run wiring for the kitchen appliances to the installation of high-end lighting fixtures. This included a capiz shell chandelier and mid-century modern pendants that define the space.

Designing for Chicago Environments

At Areté Renovators, our philosophy is rooted in the Art of Remodeling. However, our execution is driven by the science of construction. We understand that in a city like Chicago, materials must do more than just look beautiful. They must also withstand the freeze-thaw cycles and the humidity of a lakefront environment.

Every material we install is chosen for its ability to perform. We look at the sound-dampening qualities of the PET felt-backed acoustic slats. We consider the antimicrobial properties of the quartz surfaces. We do not just build offices. We build high-performance environments that serve as a testament to quality craftsmanship and thoughtful construction management.

If you are looking to elevate your commercial or residential space, our team is ready to help you bring your vision to life. Call us at 773.683.3033 or contact us to discuss your next project.