Project Scope

Graycor was selected to construct the new Ignite Glass Studio in Chicago’s West Loop. Repurposing the 50-year old structure on a tight city lot required Graycor’s depth of experience in harmonizing a multitude of contrasts: art and engineering, structural steel and glass, and an effortless garden within a teeming cityscape.

Preconstruction and scheduling were key to the success of transforming the 15,000-square-foot brick and cement warehouse into a fresh, light-filled center that offers the community a place for learning, appreciating and practicing glass artistry, as well as an event space for up to 200 seated guests.

Working with subcontractors that reflected the makeup of the community, the complete basement to roof renovation required investigating existing conditions in and around the building, selective demolition, new structural steel, replacing and expanding MEP, installing specialty glass blowing equipment, new elevator and stairs and setting a rooftop garden. Selective demolition of 6,000 square feet was required for new masonry bearing and precast walls for the added event space.

Light now pours into the inviting studio through the banks of windows that replaced the brick front. Thoughtful design and construction makes this the new home for glass art inspiration and creativity.