Opened in 1926 the Sky-Line Club has continuously operated as one of Chicago’s prestigious private penthouse clubs, serving as a restaurant and retreat for its members. Since opening, the club has only been accessible via a flight of stairs from the highest elevator served floor. This made access inconvenient (or impossible) for those with disabilities. NWD reconfigured the super-structure of the top of the tower and extended an elevator to the club level. In doing so, the club’s lobby was disassembled and carefully reconstructed to mate with the new configuration.

Working under the strict guidelines of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the National Park Service, NWD also peeled back previous remodels and restored the club to an appropriate historic state. This was successfully accomplished while adding new restroom facilities, creating an accessible environment and installing modern life safety systems.

Taking advantage of the club’s proximity in the Chicago skyline, a dining terrace was added to the club’s adjacent roof area. The new terrace required the addition of a fluid applied Kemper roof membrane system, a roof paver system, custom stainless railings and a glass windscreen. The club’s original exterior steel cased windows and doors that front the terrace were removed and fully restored.

Our client requested comprehensive services with the project. The delivered scope included architectural design, interiors design and procurement, art selection and restoration consultation, kitchen renovation and construction administration. NWD served as the owner’s consultant during the federal historic tax credit application process.