Landmarks of modern architecture, the twin towers at 860-880 Lake Shore Drive stand as testaments to Mies van der Rohe’s innovative architecture and are registered with the Illinois Historic Preservation Association (IHPA). Constructed in 1950, the development was showing significant deterioration and in need of repair. The project included a complete rebuild of the plaza and replacement of the glass and framing on the first two floors, as well as restoring the finish to the exterior steel structure and re-roofing both towers.

Cotter Consulting was hired as the owner’s representative from pre-construction through closeout, leading the effort to engage a team of professionals that understood the building’s historic significance, could work with the IHPA to correct various deficiencies in the original design, replace worn materials with like-in-kind to preserve the historic look of the buildings and plaza, and maintain the budget.