CERMAK PLAZA

Distinguished Building Award Submission

Cermak Plaza is a well-known retail shopping center dating back to the 1950's, which has undergone several phases of growth. In 2007 the property ownership began a multi-million dollar redevelopment project.
The program was to re-invent and update the property, while recalling certain mid-century modernism themes present in the center’s history. The ownership desired a landmark design to propel the center into the 21st century retailing culture, providing a dynamic and memorable shopping experience for consumers.
The Architect’s solution includes a composition of elements including landmark towers, an elevated wing canopy (constructed independently of the existing structure, and planned for future photo-voltaic panels) and a super-truss marquee. The scale and height of the center was increased to provide better visibility from adjacent traffic, and the signboard was re-built in a masonry veneer to connect visually to nearby neighborhoods.
A key design feature is over 400 linear feet of RGB LED lighting within the perforated-panel wing canopy which creates a dramatically colorful and changing ambiance each evening. This feature transforms the otherwise opaque wing canopy into an engaging light show. Complementing the wing are back-lit crowns on each architectural tower, and backlit wall panels framing the super-truss marquee.

overall project photo (see addtl photos as uploaded PDF documents)

Architect

ETHOS WORKSHOP

Client

CONCORDIA REALTY CORPORATION

Consultants

MLT CONSULTING ENGINEERS

General contractor

WEIS BUILDERS

Location

BERWYN, IL

Category

Commercial