Archive Archives: Projects

We have expanded into Wisconsin! Our new showroom at 275 Investment Ct, in Verona, was previously a milk manufacturer’s office. After over a year of renovations, the showroom is ready for the public.

LOCATION: 275 Investment Ct, Verona, WI 53593
DESIGNER: Design AGN
MASON: EnZ Masonry
METAL: D5 Metals
INSTALLER: Meyer Guild

No Longer Human Tea Shop offers a quiet, intentional escape in Evanston. Located at 1810 Central St, the space isn’t designed to overwhelm on entry — but to stay with you long after you leave.

As architect Sam Park puts it, the experience “lies entirely on how people feel when they leave — just a little more present and hopefully a little more human.”

LOCATION: 1801 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201
ARCHITECT: Sam Sang Chai Park 
MASON: ENZ Masonry
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Reclaimed Chicago Commons

A collaboration by Northworks Architects, Devon Grace Interiors, and The SH Builders — The Forest Home marks a new chapter for homeowners leaving the bustling neighborhood of West Loop. A new peaceful haven for their family.

ARCHITECT:  Northworks Architects
INTERIORS:  Devon Grace Interiors
GC:  The SH Builders
PRODUCT: Randers Tegl

The owners of this private residence were on the market for minimal sightlines for a renovation. The solution? Brombal.

INSTALLER: Meyer Guild

Thrive Exchange South marks a major step forward for the South Shore neighborhood as part of the INVEST South/West initiative in Chicago.

To avoid a monotonous facade, KOO Architecture designed a masonry blend using 20% Pewter Matte and 80% Ash Matte from Interstate Brick. Most of the exterior features full-bed-depth Emperor units (4 × 2 1/4 × 16), while modular units were used to achieve the tighter radius corners you see throughout the facade.

The new mixed-use development brings affordable, market-rate, and for-sale condos to the area, along with job opportunities through ground-floor retail and a federally qualified health center—helping increase residential density and community investment in South Shore.

ARCHITECT: KOO Architecture
GC: GMA Builds
MASON: Sandsmith Masonry
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick

This lake house’s newly renovated sunroom is to die for.

The previous wood windows had a bi-folding 2-2 configuration, leaving a mull post in the middle, limiting their gorgeous view! Thankfully, the homeowners have trusted En Masse Architecture and Design and Meyer Guild to transform their space.

Knowing the sunroom and upstairs rooms are facing Lake Geneva, architects knew they had to minimize their sightlines and maximize their view, which led them to BROMBAL.

The bi-folding FARO65 series comes in many configurations, and the 3-1 configuration would be the one to remove that mull post. Another great upgrade was the removal of the fixed bottom units on the second floor, removing yet another mull post.

The architects decided to match the previous fenestration hardware and frame colors and SDL bars. Swipe to see the beautiful unlaquered brass hardware on the new doors.

ARCHITECT: En Masse Architecture and Design
INSTALLER:Meyer Guild
GC: Matusik Builders

A landmark renovation is underway in Chicago’s prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood, where a distinctive art moderne property stands out between towering buildings, claiming a unique presence despite its modest stature. From the street, its dark red brick and curved glass block wall lend the property a truly one-of-a-kind charm.

Originally designed and built in 1938 by architect Andrew N. Rebori as his personal residence, the property also featured a coach house he used as a rental. Years later, Rebori sold both buildings to renowned sculptor Lilian Florsheim. In 1949, her son-in-law, celebrated architect Bertrand Goldberg, added a bridge kitchen that cleverly connects the two buildings through a central courtyard—a practical solution for Chicago’s harsh winters. With contributions from two notable architects, this property has cemented its status as an icon of historical Chicago architecture.

Today, firm Harboe & Becker is leading extensive internal renovations and careful exterior restorations as the contractor. As a designated landmark, the property’s exterior facade must meet stringent preservation standards to retain its original character. Long-awaited fenestration updates have been installed by our friends, Meyer Guild. The street-facing and alley-facing windows will feature thermally broken galvanized steel frames from Brombal, with beveled sdl bars on both interior and exterior sides, preserving the building’s architectural style. These high-quality steel windows are a significant upgrade from the originals, which were prone to rust in moisture-trapping areas. The custom paint finish is in a distinctive RAL color, 7024. In other parts of the property, Quaker Windows’ H450 series closely replicates the look of the previous windows.

LOCATION: Chicago, IL
ARCHITECT: Harboe & Becker
INSTALLER: Meyer Guild
PRODUCT(S) SUPPLIED: Brombal, Quaker Windows

In 2025, the Art Institute of Chicago renovated its Michigan Ave lobby to redirect traffic through a single check-in entry rather than 3. Their request for large doors had to comply with the museum’s architecture, design, and installation regulations.

The 11′ x 15′ pivot doors feature a customized steel profile with a custom liquid paint finish. The slim frame and finish blend seamlessly into the existing lobby. The doors match the design of the patinated stair railings outside the lobby.

LOCATION: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
ARCHITECT: Barrozi Veiga
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Mortenson
INSTALLER: SG Metal & Glass
CONSULTANTS: Meyer Guild
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: BROMBAL

See more: https://barozziveiga.com/projects/aic-allerton-lobby

This new café addition in Oak Brook is taking shape with a clean, modern exterior that sets the tone before you even walk inside. The façade pairs FRONTEK extruded porcelain in color ‘Iceberg’ with warm wood panels and split-face AAA Natural Stone in the color ‘Stella’, creating a balanced palette of minimalism and material richness.

Along the patio, large window openings equipped with Progressive Screens and vinyl panels will allow guests to enjoy outdoor dining comfortably all year round—a thoughtful detail that blends design with functionality.

The result? A crisp, bright envelope with subtle warmth—hinting at the airy atmosphere this space will offer once complete.

GC: VDR Development
DESIGNER: Design AGN
MATERIALS: Glendale Supply 
PRODUCT(S): Progressive Screens, FRONTEK, AAA Natural Stone

When Scharnett Associates Architects LLC reached out for a sunroom renovation for this Bloomington home, the existing fenestration featured white, aluminum-clad wood doors with bulky frames and transoms above. While functional, the thickness of the frames limited both light and views.

The new BROMBAL thermally broken steel doors replace both the doors and transom windows, dramatically minimizing sightlines. The result is a lighter, more refined opening that invites natural light and frames the outdoors with clarity, proving that thoughtful fenestration can completely transform a space.

ARCHITECT: Scharnett Associates Architects LLC
INSTALLER: Meyer Guild
PRODUCT: BROMBAL

The Superior House rooftop solarium is a testament to high-performance design in an urban environment. Engineered with Reynaers Master Patio Slim Chicane and Master Line 8 HI systems, this glass enclosure is built to withstand the intense Chicago elements—harsh sun, sub-zero winters, and gusty winds off the lake.

The façades feature sun control and Low-E coatings on both sides, ensuring superior thermal insulation and light transmission. Laminated glazing enhances impact resistance and structural integrity—essential qualities for rooftop applications in a dense urban core.

Crowning the structure is a custom-fabricated CW 50 sloped roof system, which offers the same advanced energy performance, thermal breaks, and slim sightlines as the vertical units. With Reynaers, architectural freedom comes standard—this system accommodates custom glass dimensions, angular geometries, and integrates seamlessly with smart home technologies.

ARCHITECT: Studio Dwell Architects
CONTRACTOR: Product Chicago
INSTALLER: Sash & Frame
PRODUCT(S): Reynaers Aluminum, Quaker Quartz, Loewen Windows

If you ever find yourself at the corner of Green Bay & Elm Street in Winnetka, don’t just walk by—look up.  You might miss a true one-of-a-kind brick mural hiding in plain sight.
This new Chase retail banking and corporate offices building, designed by Gensler, features a hand-carved brick mural that blends art, architecture, and craftsmanship into the building envelope itself.
How a brick mural comes to life:
• Utility-size bricks are extruded and dry stacked while still wet
• A sculptor stencils the design directly onto the clay using the architect’s drawings
• Each brick is carefully carved by hand, revealing the final design
• Bricks are numbered on a non-visible face for precise mason mapping
• The carved bricks are fired in a kiln to permanently set the design
• Finally, they’re shipped to the jobsite and installed by skilled masons

Proof that brick isn’t just a material… It’s a canvas.

LOCATION: Green Bay Road & Elm Street, Winnetka, IL
ARCHITECT: Gensler Chicago
GC: Skender
DEVELOPER: Riverside Investment & Development Company

See more:
BBA World Portfolio “Into the Light”
BIGANE Construction “Lakeview Transitional”

405 W Armitage is a collaborative residential project by 360 Design Studio LLC, En Masse Architecture and Design, and Barret Homes Chicago, located at the intersection of Lincoln Park and Old Town. This boutique condominium development features six wide residences, each thoughtfully designed with top-of-the-line interior appliances, a private patio balcony, and an outdoor garden space on the rooftop.

The exterior architecture balances timeless materials with contemporary details. The ground floor is clad in limestone, complemented by reclaimed brick patios, while crisp white brick defines the upper levels. Protruding brick elements add depth and texture to the façade, and subtle brick trim elegantly frames the casement windows above.

The project is scheduled for completion in March 2026, bringing a refined architectural presence to one of Chicago’s most desirable neighborhoods.

ARCHITECT: 360 Design Studio LLC
INTERIOR DESIGNER: En Masse Architecture and Design
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Barret Homes Chicago 
PRODUCT(S) SUPPLIED: Summit Brick in Alaskan and Thistledown Grain + Pacific Clay Products Special Shapes

Designed by Perkins Eastman and built by Bulley & Andrews, the project features full bed depth Normans, thin brick, and special shapes from Interstate Brick.

The façade’s vertical gradient transitions through four (5 in other areas) custom brick blends, each carefully designed to shift in tone from rich and grounding at the base to light and warm at the top.

Gymnasium Precast Wall Construction Process:
To meet storm shelter requirements, the gymnasium walls incorporate precast concrete panels with embedded thin brick veneer, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic cohesion. The fabrication process follows these key steps:

1. Brick Selection & Blending – Thin brick units are grouped according to their designated blend. (NOT PICTURED)
• Blend 1: 50% Platinum / 20% Midnight Black / 20% Mountain Red / 10% Desert Sand
• Blend 2: 65% Platinum / 20% Desert Sand / 10% Mountain Red / 5% Midnight Black
• Blend 3: 40% Sawgrass / 30% Platinum / 20% Desert Sand / 10% Mountain Red
• Blend 4: 50% Sawgrass / 25% Desert Sand / 20% Platinum / 5% Mountain Red

2. Wax Coating – The brick faces are coated with a protective wax to aid in demolding and post-construction cleaning. (NOT PICTURED)
3. Form Liner Installation – Custom form liners are secured and inspected for precision.
4. Brick Placement – Thin bricks are meticulously set face-down into the form liners.
5. Structural Reinforcement – Steel reinforcement and wire mesh are laid over the arranged brick.
6. First Concrete Pour – The initial concrete layer is poured to encapsulate the brick and reinforcement. (NOT PICTURED)
7. Insulation Placement – A rigid foam insulation board is positioned atop the cured concrete layer. (NOT PICTURED)
8. Final Concrete Pour – A second concrete layer is applied, completing the panel assembly. (NOT PICTURED)

This prefabrication approach enhances construction efficiency while maintaining high-performance thermal and structural properties. The result is a resilient, visually compelling building envelope that aligns with the school’s sustainability goals.

ARCHITECT: Perkins Eastman
GC: Bulley & Andrews
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick

Michael Abraham Architects’ recent office expansion into the neighboring space is nothing short of stunning. It perfectly embodies the firm’s philosophy of “melding traditional forms with modern lifestyles.”

The façade features long-format glazed brick from S.Anselmo, carefully crafted through extrusion, firing, glazing, and firing again to achieve its reflective finish. Even though the clay body is consistent, the varied levels of clear glaze create dynamic shifts in tone—some bricks gleam golden, while others reflect deep blue and black hues.

This shimmering, textural wall plays beautifully against the crisp geometry of the black inset framing and the warmth of the bold terracotta-colored door. Paired with the vertical rhythm of the glazing above and soft greenery at the base, the design strikes a perfect balance between sleek modernity and timeless craftsmanship.

SHIFT: Chicago Architecture Biennial
TRACES is a new collective space in Jackson Park, constructed from 10,000 dry-stacked bricks. Situated on the site of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, the project reflects on the monumental scale of the exhibition and the techniques used to simulate permanence, white spray paint and plaster applied to temporary structures to resemble neoclassical architecture.

These buildings were never meant to last; they acted as props within the spectacle of the fair.
The installation takes the form of a long, shallow brick line that traces the footprint of the Great Buildings, those central to the Fair of 1893. By using a durable material like brick in an impermanent, unbound way, TRACES offers a quiet critique of shifting architectural values: from spectacle to substance, from permanence as illusion to impermanence as intention.
TRACES is both a curated reconstruction of what was lost and a framework for what might come, a collective space shaped not by nostalgia, but by presence, activated again during this century’s own architectural event: the Biennial.

For more information visit: traces-chicago.com
Project by Balsa Crosetto Piazzi & Giorgis Ortiz
Photographs by: Marcos Guiponi

TRACES was created with the support of: BRICKS INC, MIT CAST, Fay Chandler, Creativity Grant, Virginia Tech School of Architecture. College of Architecture, Arts, and Design (AAD) MIT Architecture, Chicago Architecture Biennial, The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
With the help of students from the Virginia Tech School of Architecture
Gabriella Riethmueller, Isabella Valant, Steven Waker, Dane Sosna, Abigail Bogin, Julian Dunn, Daniel Robles, Fernando Rosales, Hudeeja Ijaz, Vy Le, Alaina Cerven, Logan Safranek and Lucy Thomas
And Joyce Tullis from the MIT School of Architecture

Canvas at Leland Plaza officially opened this January—a fresh, modern addition to Lincoln Square, just steps from the Western Brown Line. Designed by Design Bridge Architects and developed by The Community Builders, this mixed-use project offers affordable housing in a prime location surrounded by restaurants, shops, and community spaces.
The façade showcases a bold mix of materials and textures. Instead of a typical modular size, the brick used here is an Interstate Brick “emperor” size (4×2¼x16)—twice the length of a modular brick—creating long, elegant lines across the building.

The masonry blend features:

60% Interstate Smokey Mountain
40% Interstate Tumbleweed

Both in a matte texture, the mix brings dynamic movement to the linear walls.
Custom angled dog-leg bricks define the corners, while design elements like protruding brick, soldier coursing, and continuous linear patterns give the façade architectural depth.
Higher up, white paneling creates a crisp contrast against black window frames and the darker brick, while subtly tying in with the lighter Tumbleweed tone. The parking garage is seamlessly integrated behind sleek black steel fencing.
And don’t miss the lobby, clad in striking green glazed brick laid in a clean stack bond.

ARCHITECT: Design Bridge Architects + Planners
GC: Leopardo Construction
MASON: A.L.L. Masonry
DEVELOPER: The Community Builders
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick

Take a look at this project by third-year architecture students at UIC in their Matter, Materials, and Materiality class. Their assignment was to replicate a portion of the Vitra Schaudepot in Weil am Rhein, Germany—a furniture exhibition and retail space located on the Vitra Campus, designed by Herzog & de Meuron.

For expertise on masonry wall construction, the students consulted Jeff Diqui from the International Masonry Institute who referred them to Bricks Incorporated for material selection. The ideal solution was Lee Brick’s “Red” smooth modular bricks with core holes, chosen for their precision and visual consistency.

The students constructed an initial, smaller-scale mockup as a prototype to refine their techniques. In this phase, they manually cut bricks with hammers, resulting in variable sizes. To ensure uniformity in mortar joints and accurately replicate the raked joints, they utilized foam strips as spacers and guides.

For the second iteration, the students decided to recreate a corner rather than just a flat surface. This time, they opted for 3/8” mortar joints instead of the previous 1/2” joints and used a 3/8” mortar trowel to achieve cleaner, more precise raked joints. Wall ties were incorporated to provide structural support for the masonry, and the mortar was dyed to match the brick, mimicking the design of the Vitra Schaudepot. To ensure accurate and clean cuts, we graciously extended the use of our saw, elevating the craftsmanship of their work.

This hands-on assignment provided valuable insights into material behavior and construction detailing, essential skills for any aspiring architect.

Thank you to students: Tolu Oluyede, Racheal Olujide, and Karlie Azar.

Designed by Northworks Architects, this striking single-family residence in Lake View is nearing completion and promises to make a lasting impression.

Previously occupied by an old warehouse, this double lot—located across from Margaret Donahue Park—has been transformed into a thoughtfully designed home that complements the surrounding neighborhood.
The residence is defined by its timeless design and distinctive masonry elements, including:
• A central courtyard that enhances natural light and spatial flow.
• A meticulously crafted masonry fence providing privacy and character.
• A decorative masonry lattice wall with an elegant cross motif.

The homeowners, inspired by a recent stay at the St. Regis in Aspen, Colorado, selected Summit Brick in the “Firestone” colorway. This decision was pivotal in achieving the home’s warm and inviting aesthetic.

To further refine the look:
• Brick texture: The bricks were extruded and then tumbled post-firing to achieve a distressed, weathered appearance reminiscent of historic craftsmanship.

• Mortar choice: Red mortar was selected to enrich the brick’s vibrant red tones, enhancing the façade’s visual appeal.

• Black bricks: A special coating was applied before firing, creating depth and contrast in the masonry, resulting in a more dynamic and contemporary façade.

ARCHITECT: Northworks Architects
GC: Ferndale Construction

Exciting developments are underway in Fulton Market!
919 Fulton will be a thoughtfully designed commercial and multi-use building at the heart of this vibrant neighborhood. Crafted by the talented team at Fitzgerald Associates, the project showcases the introduction of McNear Brick into the area’s architectural landscape.

The brick selected, “Norfolk” from McNear’s Town series, features a distinctive mix of red, black, and brown tones within its flashing. Though darker than its neighboring facades, the Norfolk brick reveals a beautiful bronze-like shimmer under sunlight, adding a dynamic visual element to the design.

Another of the project’s standout features is its unique pillars, which extend from the ground level to the 5th floor. While most of the façade uses Norman-sized bricks, the pillars presented a challenge with their sharp 135-degree angles. The solution? A brand-new custom brick shape!

Swipe to see a close-up of this innovative “Shape B” brick and how it enhances the pillars’ design.

Fulton Market just keeps getting better—stay tuned for more updates and details on this exciting addition!

ARCHITECT: Fitzgerald Associates
GC: Skender
MASON: Midwest Masonry
DEVELOPER: Fulton Street Companies

 The Arthur on Aberdeen: A Modern Tribute to Chicago’s Architectural Legacy

A couple of years ago, The Arthur graced the Chicago skyline, blending modern design with historic reverence. Designed by the visionary team at NORR Architects, this 18-story residential tower, built by Power Construction Group, sits behind the historic Arthur-Harris Building, originally constructed in 1904.

The use of Endicott Brick Medium Ironspot #77 was no accident; its rich orange and brown hues pay homage to the traditional colors of Fulton Market’s original warehouses. Endicott’s ability to capture the essence of history in a single brick is nothing short of incredible.

Architect: NORR Architects
Interior Design: lg group
GC: Power Construction Group
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Endicott Brick

It’s always incredible to witness the transformation from concept to completion. This stunning single-family home is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, featuring exterior elements that highlight a modern contemporary style—@liv_modern’s signature approach. The linear structure is reflected in the masonry, fenestration, and the blend of wood and steel panels. The white stucco perfectly complements the light grey @arriscraftstone “Avalanche,” while the black fenestration and wood panels create a subtle yet striking contrast.

Peek behind the curtain of excellence! This new work in progress by Barret Homes and 360 Design Studio is shaping up quite nicely.

These new construction luxury condos in Wrigleyville use Cherokee Brick’s “Rae’s Creek” Tumbled modulars. Cherokee Brick’s Georgia Handcrafted series is created by hand and in return it produces more rustic, reclaimed textures than extruded brick or machine-tumbled. With Cherokee Brick’s ‘Rae’s Creek’ Tumbled modular infusing rustic charm and Endicott Brick’s ‘Grey Blend’ velour utilities maintaining a seamless color palette (used for the sides), every detail speaks of quality and meticulous design alignment.

These new condos will feature a traditional segmental corbel arch at the entry and stacked coursing surrounding the fenestration openings.

LOCATION: 3930 N Janssen
ARCHITECT: 360 Design Studio
GC: Barret Homes
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Cherokee Brick and Endicott Brick

Designed by the visionary minds of bKL Architecture and brought to life by Sterling Bay and Ascentris, The Dylan Chicago graced the skyline of Fulton Market since its rise in 2022. This architectural gem boasts a captivating blend of form and function, highlighted by its distinctive Y-shaped supporting columns.

Embracing modernity, the building showcases a seamless integration of elements, with floor-to-ceiling windows inviting natural light to dance within its spaces. Grounded in tradition, the lower floors feature the timeless allure of masonry, adorned with the exquisite Medium Ironspot 46 bricks by Endicott Brick.

Endicott’s craftsmanship shines through, quite literally, with a captivating sheen that plays with the hues of brown, red, and orange under the ever-changing canvas of daylight. This courtesy of the high manganese concentration in the bricks, adds a dynamic dimension to the building’s façade to all those who behold it.

LOCATION: 160 N Morgan, Chicago IL
ARCHITECT: bKL Architecture
DEVELOPERS: Sterling Bay  and Ascentris
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Endicott Brick

Take a look at the masonry details on these Parq Fulton luxury condos.

This building is a nice combination of modern and traditional architecture. The touch of a Ragland Brick “English” klinker modular ties the property in with its surrounding neighborhoods. While the top glass elevations and protruding brick details add a modern touch.
You may notice “imperfections” in the klinker bricks but these are intentional. Using a flashed brick instead of a solid color also adds more character to the brick screens and the protruding walls.

LOCATION: 1400 W Randolph, Chicago
ARCHITECT: ParkFowler Plus 
GC: Power Construction
DEVELOPER: Marquette Management

How lovely are these green windows from Weather Shield? #nofilter

This traditional worker’s cottage in Evanston is undergoing renovation. The homeowners are thankfully keeping the exterior masonry charm and changing their fenestration color from black to this beautiful “Arcadian” green shade (more fitting if you ask us). Double hung units with colonial-style SDL grills are in the foyer, while awnings, and casements are in the bedrooms and basement.

LOCATION: Evanston IL
INSTALLER: Meyer Guild

Take a look at the brick details on this new animal shelter in Evanston designed by Holabird and Root.

Currently a work in progress, this shelter is set to open in summer 2024 — stay tuned for finished images. Holabird and Root architects came to Bricks Inc. with blueprints and colors from Endicott Brick in mind. Once seeing the brick in person and taking some sample boards they made their decision.

While the main Grey Blend brick has core holes, the Burgundy and Dark Iron spot are solid to “come out” the façade without showing core holes or doing anything extra behind the wall.

LOCATION: 2310 N Oakton Ave, Skokie IL
ARCHITECT: Holabird and Root
GC: CCC Holdings
MASON: RV Builders

This project with SPACE Architects and Bigane Construction uses our unique S.Anselmo SK1N in VTB on the 2nd-floor elevations and transitions into Vetter Stone Silver Shadow Veine Cut in Honed 80-grit texture for the 1st floor.

Vetter Stone’s Silver Shadow comes from their Alabama Quarry which produces oolitic limestone. They can produce different textures, cut patterns, and veins. S.Anselmo’s SK1N collection is a blend of terracotta beauty and ceramic colors. They are suitable for walls and layered roofs and are fastened with screws onto steel battens.

LOCATION:  Lincoln Park, Chicago
ARCHITECT: SPACE Architects
GC:  Bigane Construction
PRODUCT SUPPLIED:  S.Anselmo, Vetter Stone

The new Guinness Open Gate Brewery designed by Studio K and Whitney Architects opened in September 2023. The brewery features hues of black, cream, and brown all alluding to their signature Guinness pint.
Swipe to see the interior palette created by Studio K. Notice how their palette translates into the space.

Bricks Incorporated was happy to supply the interior white brick you see pictured. “Artic White” matte thin flats + corners from Interstate Brick line the inside walls of the bar and bakery. The black and red accents create a moody feel yet in the day the space is bright thanks to the masonry. During its short time open, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery has won the award for Small Project of the Year at the CoreNet REAL awards!

Be sure to stop by for a drink and enjoy the space if you are ever in the area!

LOCATION: 901 W Kinzie, Fulton Market
ARCHITECT:  Whitney Architects
INTERIOR DESIGN: Studio K
GC: Clune Construction 

345 N Morgan designed by Eckenhoff Saunders  has been very popular in the community. It has been featured in the Chicago Architect Magazine Winter 2022 edition, has a Citation of Merit for Interior Architecture Large at the 2023 AIA Designight, and was named Best in Class for Thin Brick and Bronze in Commercial in the 2023 Brick Industry Association’s  Brick in Architecture Awards. That’s impressive!

This building features plenty of modern and traditional masonry using Interstate Brick thin brick in “Coal” matte texture. Swipe to see images of how the protruding brick effect was constructed and the building of the circular arches.
Unique masonry touches are the perfect way to ensure you have a modern yet timeless build.

Check out this new Necessary & Sufficient Coffee in Printers Row.

For this job, we supplied a La Cantina Doors folding door. Fun fact: when getting folding doors you have to consider the space and path it will use when interacted with. If you have a restaurant like the one pictured, you also want to make sure your doors are IN-swing so that they don’t obstruct the pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Another key point to remember when working with restaurant patio doors, build them “as windows” meaning no handle on the outside!

Be sure to stop in and enjoy a coffee next to La Cantina Doors before it gets too chilly!

LOCATION: 728 S Dearborn, Chicago IL 60605
ARCHITECT: Bureau of Architecture and Design
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: La Cantina Doors

Check out these installation pictures of Panda Windows in Oak Brook!

This new construction designed by @design_agn features Panda’s TS64 Slim Profile Thermally Broken Aluminum pivot door in a dark bronze, powder coat finish. Panda Windows offers 3 different finishes and unlimited colors! The strength of the extruded aluminum frames makes it the perfect alternative to steel when it comes to large openings.

You can rest assured knowing that Panda’s thermally broken

aluminum improves thermal efficiency and reduces condensation regardless of size!

Designer: Design AGN
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Panda Windows

3 years ago we worked with OKW Architects on this preservation project in Fulton Market. This area of Fulton Market lands in the designated historic landmark strip of the neighborhood meaning new construction needs to maintain historic characteristics that blend in and not stand out.

Previously, this was a bank (swipe to take a look) The façade was stripped, and additions were made. The new façade features McNear Brick in Tivoli Centurion thin flats and corners on the first two floors and glass curtains on the third floor. Tivoli is a part of McNear’s “Sand Molded” series which uses a layer of sand on the bricks to create a distinctive grainy texture and give it that “old-timey” appearance. While most of the bricks in the series are modular, they can produce many different sizes like the one pictured here. This building was awarded the 2022 Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence by the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development!

LOCATION: 932 W Randolph
ARCHITECT: OKW Architects
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: McNear Brick

Last summer the new Howard Brown Health Center center in Lakeview East was completed. Working with Eckenhoff Saunders Architects, we were able to supply Endicott Brick for their masonry façade while the rest of the façade is a glass curtain.

For the first floor of the new health center, Endicott’s Dark Ironspot was used in a running bond and then a double-stacked soldier course. The rest

of the bricks are Medium Ironspot #77. If you look closely, you can not only see the protruding brick design in the top half of the building, but you can also spot a few special shapes! (swipe to see).

This project won the 2024 AIA Healthcare Design Award!

LOCATION: 3501 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
ARCHITECT: Eckenhoff Saunders Architects
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Endicott Brick

A couple of years ago we supplied Krukowski Stone for a newly constructed single-family home in Lincoln Park. Safe to say the “Aqua Grantique 2.25 Ledgerock” is the highlight of the façade (and sidewalk).

Krukowski, based out of Wisconsin, has multiple quarries that produce different colors of stone for whatever you may be looking for. Their stone colors range from white, yellow, and black. The Aqua Grantique stone is formed from metamorphosed volcanic rock. This produces the dusty blue stone with olive, white quartz, and rust you see pictured here. 100% split face, you can see the irregular saw and split cut ends close up.

If you are looking for Krukowski Stone options stop by our Little Village showroom to see our sample wall!

PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Krukowski Stone

Completed early this year in Uptown, this new construction was designed by NORR Architects to feature ground-level retail space and residential units on top.

Using a mix of materials, Mavrek Development  and NORR Architects decided on the popular Endicott Brick in Manganese Ironspot velour norman size and paired it with Custom Cast Stone Super Black sills for the dark portions of the façade. You can barely see the super black sills when zooming in!

We love how Endicott’s black shiny bricks play with complements of white-toned panels. And look at the effect that different lighting has on the appearance!

LOCATION: 4501 N Sheridan, Chicago, IL 60640
ARCHITECT: NORR Architects
DEVELOPER: Mavrek Development
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Endicott Brick , Custom Cast Stone

After nearly 2 years of site meetings, planning, and construction, the Chicago Park District Headquarters is complete and open to the neighborhood!

Working with John Ronan Architects ,  ALL Construction Group, and Site Design Group on this project required a ton of meticulous planning and execution. From the start, the architect came to our brickyard and selected our reclaimed Chicago Commons in “Medium Pink” and “Full Range”. But it didn’t simply end at the selection. The architect came plenty of times to HAND pick the commons that were “approved” making sure that the vision would be exactly how they pictured.

Walking up to, and even driving by, you notice the round façade of the building right away. Then your eyes are captivated by the glass + metal wall and the protruding brick at the entrance. Inside, there are many brick screens in the many different rooms. This is an intentional choice that comes with functionality. The screens help with deafening the echoes, especially in their indoor gym.

Complete with a courtyard in the middle of the headquarters and outdoor playground areas designed by Site Design Group, this project is one for the books. If you are ever in the Brighton Park neighborhood be sure to check it out!

LOCATION: 4830 S Western, Chicago, IL 60609
ARCHITECT: John Ronan Architects
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Site Design Group
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: ALL Construction Group
PRODUCT SUPPLIED:  Reclaimed Chicago Commons in “Medium Pink” + “Full Range”

See more here:
Chicago Open House: Chicago Park District Headquarters
ARCH DAILY: Chicago Park District Headquarters
John Ronan Architects: Chicago Park District Headquarters

Working with long-time friends, Formed Space and Range Design & Architecture on this Logan Square renovation is turning out nicely. The new studio and showroom was previously an old dentist’s office. (Swipe to see pictures)

The lattice wall on Armitage is also NOT made from brick but from Interstate Brick True Pavers in “Terra Cotta” matte! With renovations, you need to consider the size of the original masonry which is why 8” pavers were perfect for this project! The lattice wall continues inside and up the stairs to the 2nd floor. We can’t wait for the finished product.

ARCHITECT: Range Design & Architecture 
GC: Formed Space
MASON: ENZ Masonry
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick

See more here:
World-Architects.com “World Building of the Week”
ARCH DAILY: Nothing Design Co. Headquarters
AIA Chicago People’s Choice Awards 2025: Finalists

Hopefully, this lightens your gloomy Monday!

Back in March, we had this @poesiaglass wall installed in our showroom and it looks fantastic! The glass bricks have a custom crocodile skin texture that continues into the @roeben_brick_usa black brick, creating a unique blend.

Because Poesia hand pours and molds every individual brick, this took a while to produce and complete but the result is worth the wait! Poesia Glass Studio is truly filled with a team of people who will find ways to make your wildest vision come true.

If you’re ever in the area and want to stop in just to look at this, we’d understand

Take a look at this historic building restored to its former glory!

Built in 1905 in Uptown. This neighborhood was known as the entertainment district during the Roaring 20s! This specific two-story building used to be a retail storefront in its heyday.

Working with our good friends at Formed Space on this project, you can always guarantee a successful job! Our salesman, Dave, did an amazing job of matching the existing brick for restoration! The perfect match turned out to be McNear Brick “Red Dieskin” smooth in standard sizes!
Restoration windows were also provided by our sister company Fenestration Solutions!

Because of the attention to detail, this building was awarded the Preservation Excellence Award from Landmark Illinois
Today this Landmark is a co-working space owned by Hackhaus.

A few doors down is 4629 N Broadway (another historic landmark) which is now home to the architects who worked on this project MDT Architects 

LOCATION: 4649 N Broadway, Uptown Chicago
ARCHITECT: MDT Architects 
GC: Formed Space
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: McNear Brick

Salesman, Dave Kafer worked with RM Swanson Architects on this new multifamily construction project to brick match to the two other apartment units nearby. The match ended up being perfect with @cherokeebrick “Andersonville” tumbled modulars.

Andersonville tumbled mimics the look and texture of reclaimed brick. This is a great choice for a reclaimed brick look when there is a lack of availability for the product. We love how the white accents on the masonry complement the color of the stone.

LOCATION: Lake Forest, Illinois
Architect: RM Swanson Architects
MASON: Iwanski Masonry

Last year this family in Lincoln Park added a sunroom to the back area of their home.

Architect, Jeremy Olsen suggested Komproment Vidal clay shingles to the homeowners after seeing them in our showroom. After a visit themselves, the owners saw why Jeremy had suggested this and they were convinced! Their selection came out to be Komproment’s railing system with Clay shingles in “ManchesterBlue”.

The railing system and the shingles themselves are low-weight enough to not require a strong foundation. And because these shingles are made from the same material as brick, they can be mounted all year long! These shingles come in 9 different colors and 18 textures. Rainscreens also provide your wall with an extra layer of protection from the harsh outdoor elements!

With the nice weather here once again, the homeowners are sure to be enjoying the breeze through the patio

LOCATION: Lincoln Park, Chicago
ARCHITECT: Jeremy Olsen
GC: Giant Construction Group

We’re excited to show off the new Optima Lakeview multi-family luxury condos.

The architects over Optima Inc. made a thoughtful selection picking Interstate Brick  “Ironspot” matte atlas for its dark, rich brown hues. The choice not only plays well with the bronze reflective fenestration of this building, but it complements the surrounding Lakeview neighborhood as well.

Interstate Brick has the ability to create special custom shapes that in this case, were used on the southeast corner of the building to provide continuity throughout the façade. Brick screens are very hot right now and MPZ Masonry  did a great job of incorporating them into the rooftop deck which adds a nice accent to a smooth façade.

ARCHITECT: Optima Inc.
MASON: MPZ Masonry 

Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood has many incredible historic homes, setting a high standard for new construction projects! This is a work in progress that incorporates some awesome old-school brick details.

We helped the architects from LeVaughn and Associates choose Endicott Brick “Ravenswood Ironspot” in a velour texture for the face of this 3-story single family home, adding a bit of contemporary flair to this classic design. Our sales team also supplied Sandkuhl fire box kits and herringbone brick panels for their rooftop, living room, and family room fireplaces (not pictured yet).

Beautiful custom arches surround all the openings on the front façade, requiring the talented masons at Duarte Stone Mason Inc. to order special shapes from the factory and create numerous mockups — practice makes perfect, and this step ensured everything flowed smoothly during construction (swipe to see pics)! This project isn’t the only one currently underway on this street of mostly brown, white, and red buildings, with many of the new additions also selecting black. Fortunately for these lucky homeowners, their home remains one-of-a-kind thanks to its unique brickwork entrance and choice of Endicott’s newest color offering. “Ravenswood Ironspot” debuted just two years ago, and this is our first project in the city to use it!

ARCHITECT: LeVaughn and Associates
GC: Hernandez Concrete Inc
MASON: Duarte StoneMason Inc.

It was an honor to work on the new Don and Betty Tucker Residence Hall at Aurora University — what a handsome addition to their campus!

The residence hall is now the FIRST in the nation to be designed to meet the needs of neurodivergent students. Tucker Hall was designed with muted colors and patterns to avoid overwhelming visual stimuli. Each floor in this hall has study rooms, flexible seating options, adjustable lighting, and acoustic ceiling panels to reduce noise. In total, more than 750 students now reside here.

This job required a classic redbrick to mimic the aesthetic of existing campus buildings (swipe to get a glimpse of the building just behind it). Working with our friends over Cordogan Clark and The Boldt Company, we sampled lots of options before settling on a mix of several Summit Brick  colors. Some portions of the building use darker “Plum,” while other areas use a lighter, 2-color custom brick blend. Over the years we’ve done lots of projects at AU, and suffice it to say… this is yet another contribution we’re proud to have been part of!

LOCATION: Aurora University
ARCHITECT: Cordogan Clark
GC: The Boldt Company
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED:  Summit Brick 

We’re excited to feature Triangle Square Apartments , an award-winning multifamily residential complex in Bucktown.

Walking past this building on the street, you wouldn’t know why it’s called ‘”Triangle” Square… but take a look from up high and the shape reveals itself! The luxury condo & apartment building offers light-filled units with private balconies (thanks to the property’s unique sloped roof), and an outdoor courtyard with pool just steps away from the Chicago River and the 606 trail. Before construction, the space was just an empty lot, so to say this is an improvement is quite the understatement…

Working alongside architects at the Lamar Johnson Collaborative, we provided 4″x16″ Interstate Brick in “Midnight Black” to accent the other exterior finishes of the building and create an eye-catching pattern on the lower-level facade. We love the choice to use matching dark mortar from Spec Mix too!

The sleek black brick was laid in a “stack bond” for a more modern look — and while we love to see this arrangement in new construction, there are a couple design nuances to keep in mind. Stack bond should have additional reinforcement in the back to help keep it secure (check out the Brick Industry’s  Association Tech Note 30), and it’s advisable to specify this brick to be made to “FBX” tolerances. Since brick is organic, it’s normal for the dimensions of each piece to vary a little bit. The FBX designation is only given to material that varies a maximum of 1/16″ in any direction! This is essential with stack bond applications, because you’ll want clean, straight vertical mortar joints, like the ones on this gorgeous project!

LOCATION:  2155 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

ARCHITECT: Lamar Johnson Collaborative
DESIGNER: Lamar Johnson Collaborative
GC: Power Construction
MASON: Jimmy Z Masonry
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick, Spec Mix

How gorgeous is this single family residence in LaGrange, Illinois?

Though distinctly modern, the home’s strong horizontality, deep eaves, and use of brick harkens back to traditional Prairie-style architecture.

The homeowners knew they wanted to use a shimmery black brick, so salesman Dave dropped off a selection of samples for them to review with their builder. “Manganese Ironspot” from Endicott, in a 2-1/4″ x 11-5/8″ norman size, won by a landslide. About 4″ longer than a traditional modular-size brick, this choice adds to the home’s linear aesthetic (while also saving on labor costs).

To harmonize the interior design with the distinctive exterior, 1/2″ deep thin brick, cut down from the same material used outdoors, was applied to an accent wall opposite the central staircase. We love the way it compliments the property’s soft grey details and black light fixtures, adding organic luxury to every room.

LOCATION: LaGrange, IL
ARCHITECT: JMB Architects
GC: Mondo Builders
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Endicott Brick

We love the way this awesome backyard patio in Geneva, Illinois looks surrounded by greenery — what a gorgeous place to imagine yourself sitting once the temperatures warm up…

One of our staff members designed this project himself, selecting large natural stone steppers and matching retaining wall pieces from Fond du Lac Natural Stone that he provided to a local landscaper to install. He had recently sold the same products to one of his clients, and decided it was the perfect choice for his own yard as well! It just goes to show you: we don’t sell anything we wouldn’t use ourselves.

Although you may not be able to tell from these pictures, this stone terrace is 14 feet wide and 25 feet long. During the summer, it serves as a sturdy platform for the family’s above-ground pool, while in cooler weather the deck transforms into a cozy hangout spot situated around a central firepit. All year round, nearby trees provide privacy and scenic views.

Fond du Lac Natural Stone offers a catalog of over 90 natural stone products, most quarried in the southern Wisconsin town of the same name. The geology of this region produces many lovely shades of high-quality grey stone, and the relatively short distance from Chicago keeps costs affordable. If you’re thinking of adding a feature piece to your yard this year, you’d be well served to take a page from these savvy homeowners’ playbook!

LOCATION: Geneva, IL
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Fond du Lac Natural Stone