400EAST Mixed-Use Revitalization

Impact

A decade of revitalization created a new signature image for this notable structure from the 60ies. Competition for new residents in the area is fierce. 400 EAST became a source of pride to its resident owners, and a highly desirable living option for many, enjoying its amenities, location and refreshed look.

“Our building has set a new bar, a shining new standard by which to approach and create new public spaces…A building in decline, like ours, might have been better replaced with a new one. Instead, ambitious transformations were made, and we have set the standard for future rehabs and developments in our city. Our entire public space embodies the holistic approach of nurturing the body and the mind. It is utopian, extraordinary in its scope, and breathtaking.” – Rebecca Bachleda, Resident

When constructed in 1963 on the Chicago lakefront, Outer Drive East Tower (aka 400EAST) was one of the largest apartment buildings in the world. The building is known for its prominent location on the S curve on Lake Shore Drive and the Buckminster Fuller-inspired geodesic glass dome covering the swimming pool, a setting for scenes in several movies. RADA Architects’ designs over the last decade have been transformative to the urban renewal of this notable mixed-use structure.

The reconstruction of the swimming pool and glass dome in 2009 used unique kinetic color light to create a draw in the new Lakeshore East neighborhood, just steps away from Millennium Park. The fitness club, spa, winter gardens, children’s playroom, offices and new public areas were redone in 2010. The old fitness club with dark and closed-off rooms gave way to large, open and light-filled spaces. New designs for residential hallways and lobbies – more than 40 stories and 1,000 units – carved out a contemporary and competitive image for this landmark property, ushering in a new era in 2012.

The main lobby was upgraded in 2014. Large, color-changing lanterns fill the tall space, inviting the eye and people to a place of fun, relaxation, and urban energy. The festive lights “connect the dots” of urban renewal with the activity in nearby Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park.

Awards and Recognitions:

“Rada Rejuvenates 400 E Randolph” by Daniel Patton, New Eastside News, December 2016
“Identity and Kinetic Lighting in Urban Revitalization” (Course No. W312), NeoCon, Chicago, 2016
2015 Design Award of Merit for Lobby Revitalization, Association of Licensed Architects
2015 Illumination Award of Merit for Lobby Revitalization, The Illuminating Engineering Society of America
“Leverage Light! Endless Possibilities” (Course No. T219), NeoCon, Chicago, 2011
2010 Good Neighbor Award for Club & Offices, Chicago Association of Realtors
“Building Rehab and Urban Renewal: Role of ‘Identity Tech,’ Color and Kinetic Lighting” (Course No. T233), NeoCon, Chicago, 2010
“Building Rehab and Urban Renewal: Role of ‘Identity Tech,’ Color and Kinetic Lighting” (Course No. F32), NeoCon Canada/IIDEX, Toronto, Canada, 2010
“Health Club Revitalizes 400 East Randolph,” Condo Lifestyles, 14.2, July 2010
2009 Illumination Award for Swimming Pool Redesign, The Illuminating Engineering Society of America
“RADA Architects: Pioneers of Ecological Architecture in Chicago,” Architectura, Issue 6, 2009
2008 Design Award of Merit for Swimming Pool Redesign, Association of Licensed Architects

400EAST Mixed-Use Revitalization | The 400 Condominium Association | Chicago, Illinois

Awards and Recognitions:

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