Opportunity: Despite its prominent location, 303 East Wacker lacked the modern finishes that attract today’s tenants, and its colorless, rectilinear International Style architecture appeared bland and aged on the skyline.

Solution: After ESI’s repositioning, the building now shines brightly on the Chicago River through an updated design reminiscent of modern lighthouses.

A prominent stripe, or “zipper,” of dynamic color runs up the side of the building, making it pop in the crowded Chicago skyline. The design language of the stripe, its sleek silhouette and burst of color, is repeated in the font choices and accent colors used throughout the building.

Inside the lobby, lighting bays wrap the elevator and feature animations similar to the movement, pattern, and play of the lantern at the center of the lighthouse. Each bay features two RGBA lighting fixtures, concealed at the top and bottom of the wall. Each fixture has four individually-addressable pixels to allow for low-resolution animations and shows. Light emanating from the building core passes through translucent window treatments to create glowing presence.

Result: ESI’s work repositioning 303 East Wacker allows the property to shine with a revitalized presence.