Forced to relocate after 30 years in the crown of Tribune Tower, Eastlake Studio saw huge potential across the river in 333 North Michigan. Split into two suites, the north wing is part of the original 1928 art deco building designed by Holabird & Root, with views down Michigan Avenue. It became the ideal space for formal presentations and reflection for the firm, and includes a large conference room and executive offices. Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chairs and a reproduction of a Richard Boch sculpture in the space give a nod to the surrounding architectural history, and two seating areas provide a respite from the bustling staff down the hall.
The south suite, housed in a more contemporary structure, is the active studio side. It was once part of the famed Tavern Club, a private membership lounge where Chicago's cultural elite gathered for libations and salon-style events. Surrounded by 17’ tall windows and views of the skyline, the studio has an expansive open workspace that is adjacent to a town hall area used for breaks, presentations and entertaining. Height-adjustable tables with an industrial vibe emanate the firm’s communal, culture-driven values, and enable all staff members to gather there for weekly meetings. A large resource library with an island for intimate presentations and plentiful storage allows designers to envision schemes and organize materials. Eastlake’s bold new logo and a black, grey and red color scheme exemplifies what they do best—create workplace interiors with an edge.
