Value-Added Proposition Also Adds a Lot of Look to Loop

This rendering reveal is but a tease at this stage, but Skycraper Page's Spyguy has tied this outlandish facade manipulation to the 15-story office building at 311 W Monroe. Fantasy or no, the manner of makeover perfectly matches the portfolio of architecture firm JGMA, to whom the rendering is credited. Several JGMA proposals featuring new structures or altered ones envision scaly external panels with explosive palettes. The drab 385,000-square-foot office building, dwarfed by neighboring towers, was seen as a candidate for either teardown or turnaround when a Golub & Co venture bought it from NY-based AREA Partners last summer, reinforced by the pending departure of anchor tenant BMO Harris Bank. As Lee Golub told Crain's at the time, "We're always looking for value-add plays." Tasteful or tacky, this is at least an encouraging sign that this corner may be spared a lengthy demolition-rebuilding cycle.
·Highrise Projects & Construction [SSP]
·Sale of 311 W Monroe closes [Crain's]