Developer takes wraps off of Old Chicago Main Post Office concept

Developer 601W Companies and Mayor Emanuel are taking the wraps off of the Old Main Post Office renovation this afternoon by revealing new renderings and more details on the $600 million project. While the renovation of the hulking 2.8 million square foot building has been underway for about a year, today signals the beginning of a major marketing push to attract interest and leases for future office tenants.

Originally built in the 1930s to help serve Chicago’s mail order behemoths such as Sears and Montgomery Ward, the Art Deco giant is currently being transformed by a team of 200 construction workers representing 27 different contractors, 601W reveals in a press release. Simply titled The Post Office, the upcoming development will feature large spans of office space for 21st century businesses.

601W Companies/Gensler

Global architecture firm Gensler was tapped early on to oversee design for the project. The development has been through a number of early conceptual iterations, but today, 601W and Gensler are finally offering a thorough and holistic look at the interiors of the building, including the lobby, amenities, and food and beverage spaces.

Speaking of amenities, the new Post Office will feature large spans of common areas and other offerings. According to 601W, the new development will deliver 80,000 square feet of tenant amenities, including features like a fitness center, conference rooms, and a sweeping rooftop deck. In addition, the building’s prominent river frontage will see the addition of outdoor cafes and a landscaped riverwalk.

According to 601W, leasing is currently underway with a completion timeline of early 2019. Office tenants are expected to be able to start building out their spaces next year.

• The most detailed look at the Old Chicago Main Post Office development yet [Curbed Chicago]
• Chicago’s Old Post Office building is getting some new windows—2,400 to be exact [Curbed Chicago]