Soon after purchasing the 190 S LaSalle Building in 2006, CBRE hosted a design competition. With only 40% of the building occupied and facing increased competition for tenants due to the number of Class A buildings being constructed nearby, CBRE desired improvements that would refresh the image and desirability of this 1980s-era building.

190 S LaSalle’s existing lobby was inspired by the Masonic Temple designed by Burnham and Root in 1892. The three-story lobby featured extensive stone work and a gold-leaf ceiling. Poor lighting and worn-out furnishings made the space feel like a drab, run-down mausoleum.

Gary Lee Partners’ design highlighted the beauty of the existing elements and restored a sense of formality, humanity, scale, and elegance to the space. Furniture embodying classic forms with a modern twist, such as the wing-back chairs, were juxtaposed with modern pieces like gold-toned side tables and marble coffee tables. Uplights were added to highlight the gold leaf ceiling and bring warmth to the space. New, custom millwork security desks were also constructed.

Thanks largely to the restored splendor of the lobby, CBRE was able to increase the building occupancy to 80% within months of completing the renovations.