AKIRA

Chicago, Illinois

SERVICES:

Architecture

size:

27,000 sf

27,000 SF

PROJECT DETAILS:

• rehabilitation of former bookstore
• retail tenant: akira
• restaurant tenant: the promontory 

In an effort to revitalize the 53rd Street corridor in Chicago, Antunovich Associates worked closely with the University of Chicago to rehabilitate a former bookstore. Located near a major intersection with access to Metra trains as well as multiple bus lines, the corner building stands out from its neighbors with its use of darker materials and large storefront windows.

The second floor is divided between a yoga studio and a concert venue, which also pairs with the restaurant below. However, the true highlights of the project are its four facades and use of materials. Light gray zinc panels gradually checkerboard and transition to nearly black panels interspersed with display windows. Intended for occupation at all hours, a custom lighting scheme gives the building a night time presence unlike any structure nearby.