Archive Archives: Projects

When Pinstripes first opened in  Oak Brook, Illinois, the high-end bistro and entertainment destination featured three outdoor bocce courts on its second floor terrace. Though protected from the rain by a large timber roof, the owners of this ultra-popular wedding & events venue were unable to fully utilize the area in Chicago’s colder months.

That’s where we came in! Once the room was retrofitted with new glass curtain walls, we provided three giant sets of 18-foot wide sliding windows from LaCantina Doors to help open it up. The airy, sunlight-filled space overlooking the first-floor patio was able to maintain its breezy appeal in the summertime — while also gaining a weather-resistant upgrade for the winter.

In the Midwest, multi-season functionality is key for maximizing the potential of your home or business. Aren’t you ready to see what some creative fenestration can do for you?

LOCATION: 7 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523

ARCHITECT: RDL Architects
GC: Northern Glass Inc
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

Entertaining spaces are always a little better if you can open them up to the outdoors in good weather. Take this awesome multifamily building we worked on with STUDIO 222 as proof!

Known as The Buckingham Apartments, residents of these Des Plaines apartments share several awesome community areas on the first floor. Among them are the recreation room — outfitted with a bocce ball court, pool tables, TVs, comfy couches, and more — and the shared demonstration kitchen area, which is adjacent to dining areas and a cozy lounge. Both of these enviable hangout spots connect to the pool deck, located in the central courtyard of the wraparound complex.

Obviously, if you’re throwing a killer party in either of these spaces, your guests are going to want to go for a swim! We supplied giant, 180″ x 96″ bifolding LaCantina Doors for each room, allowing the poolside walls to fully retract. Residents and visitors alike can breezily walk from the outdoor cabana… to the indoor bar… back outside to the fire pit… back inside for another drink… all evening long.

This Chicagoland suburb has tons of rental units to choose from, but the owners of Buckingham Place know they’ve got nothing to worry about. Anyone walking through these common areas will know it’s one-of-a-kind!

LOCATION: 750 E Northwest Hwy, Des Plaines, IL 60016

ACHITECT: STUDIO 222
DEVELOPER: Boka Restaurant Group
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

A little throwback today to this gorgeous custom stone blend we provided for a single family residence in Highland Park! Although just one matte texture of “Aqua Grantique” stone was used, the architects created visual interest by cutting the pieces to three different heights and varying how deeply they were set into the wall.

The client for this project was super hands-on and had a clear vision for their dream home’s exterior masonry. As detail-obsessed people ourselves, we never take that spirit for granite! 😉

See more photos and read more about the project here.

Architect: Northworks Architects

GC: Sylvester Construction Services
Mason: Total Masonry

Interior Designer :   Kara Mann
General Contractor :   Sylvester Construction Services, Inc.
Landscape Architect :   Rocco Fiore & Sons, Inc.
Photographer :   Mike Schwartz Photography

Products supplied: Krukowski Stone “Aqua Grantique”

At the heart of the 2019 Chicago Architectural Biennial, in one of the Chicago Cultural Center‘s expansive, light-filled galleries, we worked with exhibition coordinators to supply just over 900 vintage, long-format red bricks for Brussels-based artist Vincent Meessen‘s installation “SIISIS.”

Inspired by the work of ’60s urban-oriented artist collective Situationist International, Meessen’s piece consists of a labyrinth-like arrangement of brick walls that draw viewers into a central room containing an architectural model of an imaginary island city. Delicate drawings of the same subject replicated on clear acrylic punctuate the brick walls.  The experimental and surrealist city plan was designed for an uninhabited Greek island currently up for sale; Meessen’s work acts as a thought-provoking proposal for the land to be used and managed by European-bound asylum seekers.

Across the room from Meessen’s installation, work was installed by local artist Theaster Gates — yet another brick lover and artist interested in urbanism, collective endeavors, public dialogue, and social justice. With 2021 upon us, we can’t help but be excited for another year of Chicago’s influential Biennial… and hope to see more artists incorporating brick!

Read more on the artist’s collective website.
Read more about the project on the Biennial’s website.

LOCATION: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
EXHIBITION ON DISPLAY: September 19, 2019 — January 5, 2020

MASON: A Horn Masonry
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Red 4x4x16 Stark Brick

The design principles of traditional Japanese and Chicago architecture have quite a bit in common: fierce attention to detail, thoughtful consideration of a project’s surroundings, respect for old-world craftsmanship and historic materials… the list goes on! Suffice it to say, when plans were announced for the 12-story Nobu Hotel, we knew we had to get involved.

After a few starts and stops, we were pleased to be able to work alongside the architects on the structure’s unique masonry façade. Given the association with anchor tenant Nobu Restaurants — a Japanese eatery known for their signature miso-marinated black cod — it was only fitting that we find an extremely special black brick! This two-color custom blend from Summit Brick features one matte and one iridescent shade, giving the building a slight shimmer in direct sunlight. In addition to modular face brick, we provided matching lipped brick and black mortar from Spec Mix.

Industrial-inspired massing and classic brickwork help the new construction blend seamlessly into the landmarked historic district around it, while the contemporary color choice hints at its ultra-modern interior.

In the last decade, we’ve completed over 20 projects in the area, with even more on the way. Transformation is still afoot in Fulton Market, though it seems bricks are here to stay!

LOCATION: 854 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

ARCHITECT: Modif Architecture
MASON: Four Province Masonry
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Summit Brick, Spec Mix

Formerly home to a recording studio, this gorgeous 1920s corner building got a retail-friendly facelift to awaken this section of Evanston’s bustling Davis Street. Multi-slide LaCantina windows on the front façade were customized with a 3” horizontal SDL (simulated divided light) bar to match the aesthetic of the existing entrance doors — while also allowing this Philz Coffee location to open up to the outdoors in nice weather.

Meanwhile, the western elevation got a suite of new double-hung Quaker Windows to let light into the new space for Cornerstone Health Evanston.

The final product was completed with some expert brick matching: Interstate “Copperstone” with a vertical scratch texture was so close to the existing brick that you can barely see the infill. Overall, the improvements are a minimal change from the original appearance, while allowing much better functionality for the tenants within!

LOCATION: 1030 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201

ARCHITECT: Myefski Architects
GC: LG Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Quaker Windows,  LaCantina Windows, Interstate Brick

We were thrilled to supply a custom, bright blue circular bartop to Kostali by Naha, a hip Mediterranean restaurant located at The Gwen Hotel. Fabricated from lava harvested in France, this durable masonry material can be cut into almost any shape or size. Pyrolave also provides custom glazing colors; in this instance, it was toned to match other accent elements in the space including glass light cladding by Bendheim.

Pyrolave also produced our very own showroom coffee station bartop, which inspired the design folks in charge of Kostali’s interiors. We are eager to see more amazing Pyrolave projects appear citywide and beyond.

See more examples of Pyrolave’s work here — from glazed lava “bricks,” to sinks, swimming pools, kitchen counters and more, they do it all!

LOCATION: The Gwen Hotel, 521 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL, 60611

ARCHITECT: Bureau of Architecture & Design
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Pyrolave Glazed Lava

To say we were delighted to work with SPACE Architects back in 2016 to create River North’s Tao Chicago would be an understatement! Located within a landmarked building designed in 1892 by legendary architect Henry Ives Cobb, the supposedly-haunted property has lived many lives since its original tenant moved out in 1930. Built as the headquarters for the Chicago History Museum‘s predecessor, over the years it’s been home to a magazine publisher, a design school, multiple recording studios, and at least four #nightclubs… to name just a few!

We supplied over 7,000 SF of “Full Range” Chicago common brick, cut thin and installed throughout the lavishly redecorated interior. The old-world, Asian-inspired interior design of Tao’s brand played nicely with the structure’s original masonry walls, wood beams, and vaulted ceilings. Luxury finishes and colorful modern lighting emphasize the history of the space while keeping the design fresh and chic.

Many of our favorite projects creatively blend the old with the new — as a supplier of both historic, reclaimed brick and top-tier contemporary fenestration; as a 53-year old small business with cool-kid web presence; as specialists in both restoration and new construction … this combo is baked into our very DNA!

LOCATION: 632 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654

ARCHITECT: SPACE Architects & Planners;  Rockwell Group
DEVELOPER: 4 Corners Tavern Group & Sterling Bay
GC: Leopardo Companies
MASON: Bourbon Tile & Marble
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: “Full Range” Reclaimed Chicago common brick

Painted brick is all the rage, but as we’ve said many times — it’s important to tackle it correctly so as to not damage your masonry! The two locations of Mexican restaurant Ancho & Agave we worked on are the perfect example of that painted look without any damaging side effects.

We sold a classic red utility brick from our existing yard stock for use on the exterior of both restaurants. We created numerous whitewashed mockup panels for eventual approval by the design team. Once coated in breathable, opaque layers of masonry stain from Permatint, you’d never know the original color of the affordable brick underneath! The white surface formed a perfect blank canvas, which was then painted with a subtle, ultra-cool mural.

For the interior of the eateries, we supplied thin brick in “Chicago Common” color from McNear. Heavily applied and smeared mortar gives the walls a rustic, industrial look perfect for the décor of these snazzy cantinas. If you plan to alter the color of your masonry, remember to look for permeable, water-based paints, limewash solutions, or mineral stains. Several years on, these taco joints are still looking fresh!

LOCATIONS: 3006 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL 61704 and 1601 Aspen Commons, Middleton, WI 53562

DEVELOPER: Biaggi’s Restaurants
ARCHITECT: Carr Warner
GC: 41 North Contractors
MASON: Rural Masonry (WI), Garneau Construction (IL)
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: McNear Brick, vintage yard stock

Love a great before-and-after transformation? Check out the gallery of images in this post to see what this Lakeview single-family home looked like before its 2014 makeover — and prepare yourself for the major “doctor’s office” vibes of its original 1982 design…

Despite its dated exterior, the original homeowners had no problem finding a buyer for their desirable property. With its street-facing two-car garage and driveway, the home is unique within its neighborhood, and sacrifices no backyard space to parking. In fact, behind this house you’ll find the ultimate rarity in Chicago real-estate: a tree-lined inground pool!

The amazing minds at SPACE Architects + Planners came up with the artful new facade you see here, which incorporates traditional brick work, limestone details, and “divided lite”-style windows that harmonize the building with its many 19th-century neighbors.

We provided tried-and-true “Ironstone” Interstate Brick to this project, which brings warmth and subtle iridescence to the walls, and all the custom stone pieces. Local fabricator Ital-Tec did a great job with the many details… how great are these classic dentil bands & fenestration headers?

It’s always interesting to see a house with “good bones” preserved or adaptively reused. The extent of the remodeling here was no small feat, but undoubtedly less than the cost of demolition and rebuilding from scratch!

LOCATION: Lakeview, Chicago

ARCHITECT: SPACE Architects + Planners
GC: Calvene Inc
MASON: Al Masonry Inc.
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Ital-Tec, Interstate Brick

Tucked away along a quiet residential street in Lincoln Square, this hidden gem is a reminder of Chicago’s once-ornate municipal architecture. Known as the Thomas Jefferson Pumping Station, the water pressurization facility was constructed in 1928 by Argyle Robinson. We were thrilled to provide brick matching assistance a hundred years later for its restoration!

At the beginning of the 20th century, Robinson rose to prominence in Chicago thanks to his beautifully patterned brick creations (such as the Washington Park Fireproof Warehouse of 1905), and for his public proclamations decrying the city’s subpar architect licensure requirements that produced countless unsafe, shoddy designs. He was appointed to the prestigious position of City Architect in 1926, designing this station, along with several fire houses and public safety facilities. The Thomas Jefferson Pumping Station is emblematic of his career producing well-built, artfully decorated buildings.

Although this match job might look easy, the distinctive “chamfered,” or rolled edges, of the 8″ brick on the corners was a tricky proposition (swipe through the gallery for a closeup). Fortunately, Ragland Brick came through with a perfect product from their solid paver series, which we supplied along with matching smooth “Red Select” facebrick.

Pop by 2230 W Eastwood the next time you’re nearby to admire this relic of vintage civic construction — and if you live in the area, make sure you tell the workers here THANKS for helping ensure the flow of purified water through your taps!

LOCATION: 2230 W. Eastwood, Chicago, IL 60625

ARCHITECT: Globetrotters
MASON: MBB Masonry
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Ragland Brick

Take a little journey through the brick matching process with us! Our resident architect-turned-salesman Dave Kafer shared the story of his work with St. James Parish (Arlington Heights) to supply the perfect brick for a seamless addition to their 1950s masonry church.

In Dave’s words, “They needed a better match, as the ones that were initially presented by other suppliers were not making the grade. I went out, measured the bricks, took photos,” — here’s where we add that he did so in both the shade and sun, both close up, and far away (all important for great results) — “got samples put together with options, made a mockup” of the best contenders, “and provided brick! You can see the results. It was a great collaboration between Bricks Inc, the architect, general contractor, and mason!”

Check out the photos here for a little look at each part of the process. The addition was built onto back, or eastern side of the existing building. Thanks to this custom, 60% “Georgetown,” 40% “Cayuga” blend, it’s nearly impossible to see where old ends and new begins — which means this was a job well done!

LOCATION: 820 N. Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

See more great photos on the architects’ website.

ARCHITECT: Newman Architecture (Naperville)
GC: Bulley & Andrews
MASON: A. Horn Masonry
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Watsontown Brick

Grey brick is one of our most popular offerings these days, and it’s easy to see why when you look at projects like the Burr Ridge outpatient location of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab! This handsome structure, which opened in 2017, pairs Summit Brick‘s “Concorde” blend with a Brazilian hardwood that has weathered into a similar shade.

By breaking the massing of the commercial building into three parts, and mixing materials on the exterior façade, the 25,000 square foot facility has a smaller visual impact more aligned with its residential, neighborhood setting. We can’t help but love the way the softly tumbled edges of these variegated, slurry-coated bricks compliment the sharp lines of the angled roofline and soaring clerestory windows.

LOCATION: 7600 County Line Rd, Burr Ridge, IL 60527

ARCHITECT: HDR
GC: Krusinski Construction
MASON: Ebben Masonry

PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Summit Brick

Here in Chicago, our distinctive common brick was made with blue-grey clay harvested from the Chicago River and its canals. Variable levels of iron, lime, and glacial debris in the raw material, as well as slightly different firing processes plant to plant, led to the many sunset-hued colors we see today: yellows, pinks. oranges, light browns, and buffs. Today, we love Chicago brick for its array of colors, but for much of our history, this inconsistency was undesirable (which is why you mostly spot the brick on alley-facing elevations).

Milwaukee brickmakers, on the other hand, harvested reddish clay from their city’s three rivers. Rich in lime and sulfur, the Wisconsin material produced a more consistent range of lighter tones: yellows, greys, and soft whites. “Cream City brick” tends to be lighter in weight and more porous, meaning over time, it becomes darker as it absorbs pollutants and dirt. The most popular of the Milwaukee Commons today is a shade known as Silver Fox, a soft range of greys and whites with the signature rustication of all our salvaged and reclaimed bricks. Working with our sister business, The Brickyard, we supplied the brick lovers at Moment Design with this highly desirable color for the gorgeous Hinsdale, Illinois home you can see here! Check out the gallery for some close-ups showing off the visual reminders of this material’s history: bits of graffiti, varying shades of grey, edges that appear tumbled. The overall effect is stunning — giving just the right touch of history to this new construction design.

ARCHITECT: Moment Design
BUILDER: Garber Construction
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Reclaimed “Silver Fox” Milwaukee Commons

We enjoyed helping arts district anchor tenant Leeds Public House renovate a historic property in downtown Michigan City, Indiana. Early settler Daniel Leeds established the area’s first hospital here in 1837, rebuilding and constructing the building you see here today in 1903.

Occupied for over twenty years by an old-school Irish pub, the new owners of the structure wanted to establish an approachable, indoor/outdoor gastropub with craft cocktails, local beer on tap, and chef-crafted cuisine. Armed with a gut rehab plan drafted up by Raino Ogden Architects, the reimagining called for a whole new interior, masonry repairs, fenestration upgrades, and a small addition to the south serving the reworked patio.

We provided energy efficient double-hung windows for each elevation of the building, plus several large-format systems from LaCantina Doors. Two sets of bifolding doors allow the cozy bar area crafted by Siren Betty Design to spill outdoors in nice weather, while a pocketing sliding door inside can connect (or separate) the bar from the main dining room — perfect for private parties!

We love the “Light Grey Grain” Summit Brick supplied for the addition, which perfectly compliments the greyish-beige tone of the original brick work. Gorgeous murals by Ish Muhammad Nieves now adorn the walls!

ARCHITECT: Raino Ogden Architects
INTERIORS: Siren Betty Design
GC: VERO Design + Build LLC.
MASONRY: 5 Star Masonry
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Sierra Pacific Windows, LaCantina Doors, Summit Brick

Cats, coffee, and classy stone veneer? What a purrrfect combination! It was quite a treat to be involved in the construction of  Tree House Humane Society’s spacious animal shelter on Chicago’s northside. Although the Bricks Inc office dogs get a disproportionate amount of love on our Instagram… there’s no shortage of cat lovers around here too!

We supplied over 7,000 square feet of Peninsula Stone’s “Harbor Blue” split face stone to the 50-year-old organization’s innovative new facility, which contains a wide variety of light-filled residential rooms for kitties, a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic, educational spaces, and the city’s very first cat café! Built to USGBC LEED standards of energy efficiency, on a once-vacant lot, the new building is a definite improvement to the neighborhood for both humans and felines alike. Salesman Brent describes the finished product as “awesome,” though admits he and his extreme cat allergy have only peered in from the outside. 😉

LOCATION: 7225 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645

ARCHITECT: The Dobbins Group
GC: Summit Design & Build
MASON: Larmco Company, Inc
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Peninsula Stone Inc “Harbor Blue”

Although reclaimed brick looks good in any application, there’s something truly spectacular in the way it compliments the old-world, cavern aesthetic of Aire Ancient Baths. This former River West factory building from 1902 was renovated and restored in 2018, preserving the exposed brick, timber framing, and industrial elements original to the building. The final effect transports visitors back in time to the era of ancient Greek and Roman bathhouses, though this modern luxury spa features contemporary furnishings far beyond the imagination of bygone civilizations: two steam rooms, seven candlelit pools of varying temperatures and salinities, eight treatment rooms, and an indoor-outdoor bath with waterfall!

We were delighted to provide “full-range” Chicago common brick for the building’s interior, as well as red Cherokee Brick for masonry repair and infill on the exterior. Everyone deserves a little R&R — so be sure to make some time to visit our work and take a nice long soak!

Read more about the project on the architect’s website.
Read more about the experience of visiting the spa here.

LOCATION: 800 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60642

ARCHITECT: Box Studios
GC: Kattara Construction
MASON: Design Masonry Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Reclaimed Chicago Commons “Full Range”, Cherokee Brick “Cherokee Flash” (exterior)

Just a few years ago, we had the honor of working on Greenwood American Kitchen & Bar, a remarkable restaurant & bar operation in Highwood, Illinois. DMAC Architecture came up with a truly ingenious adaptive reuse design for this former auto repair shop, which resulted in a downright jaw-dropping transformation of the space!

Wanting to preserve a touch of the building’s industrial heritage, the architects chose to integrate several sets of bifolding LaCantina Doors into the large garage door openings original to the structure. New additions were built onto the southern and eastern elevations, including a glass-encased lounge adjacent to the town’s bustling commercial strip along Green Bay Road. LaCantina’s “Zero Post” system allows the patio doors of this cozy dining area to fully retract around a 90 degree angle, opening it completely up to the hedge-lined terrace.

In addition to the architectural makeover of the first-floor space, the second-floor was converted into sleek, modern offices — now home to Raden Wellness. We love the way this thoughtful renovation completely overhauled this once-dreary suburban intersection, creating a buzzing center of shopping and dining just steps from the Metra station!

AWARDS:
— “Best Renovation,” 2019 Best of LaCantina awards

LOCATION: 200 Green Bay Rd, Highwood, IL 60040

Learn more on LaCantina’s site.
Read about the project on the architect’s page.

ARCHITECT: DMAC Architecture
GC: 41 North Contractors
INSTALLER: Meyer Guild
ENGINEERING: Rockey Structures, The WT Group
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

This awesome S.Anselmo-clad fireplace was crafted by Vara Design, and features “Corso” long-format brick in a soft grey color known as CT002VTB. Close collaboration with Tom Bassett-Dilley Architects led to a cohesive, contemporary design both inside and out — eagle eyes will notice that the exterior masonry is a different texture of the same color. While the minimalist, sleek living room uses smooth, sleek bricks, the outdoor side has a rusticated appearance perfect for the home’s forested property in Wheaton, Illinois. It’s always a treat to see the soft mud, molded offerings of S. Anselmo on display… we can’t get enough of that creased & crinkled handmade look.

Although changing the look of your home interior can be daunting, brick veneer can make the transformation far more painless and much less invasive. There were loads of clever upgrades to this 1960s house during the renovation pictured here, including a comprehensive energy efficiency retrofit! Thanks to some new triple-glazed windows, the heat from this beautiful focal point hearth stays indoors, right where it belongs.

Learn more and see additional pictures on the architect’s website.

LOCATION: Wheaton, Illinois

ARCHITECT: Tom Bassett-Dilley Architects
INTERIOR DESIGN: Vara Design
BUILDER: Thomas Patrick Homes
MASON: JF Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: S.Anselmo

It isn’t hard to SEE how awesome this optometrist’s office in Downers Grove turned out!

We were delighted to work with our friends at CVG Architects to supply reclaimed thin brick for the interior build-out of Midwest Eye. Staff members at the clinic were instrumental in defining the unique residential aesthetic of their space, which pairs rustic accent materials with clean and bright contemporary details.

This particular batch of “Milwaukee Cream” common brick from our sister business (The Brickyard Inc) included a lot of graffiti residue, and was chosen for its distinctly colorful look! Every brick we salvage has a “clean” side and a “dirty” side — referring to which face pointed into the wall for a hundred years, and which face was subject to the wear & tear of a street-facing exterior surface. Some clients prefer the consistent color of the unblemished side, while others prefer the organically distressed look. Make sure to have a conversation with your mason during installation to establish your preference, and visit our yard to pick out your exact batch(es) of masonry if you’re seeking a highly specific end result.

Keep an EYE out for this awesome small business as you’re out & about in Chicago’s western suburbs. The space has earned a number of awards for its industrial chic interior design, and we’re proud to have been part of their success!

LOCATION: 2600 Warrenville Rd #211, Downers Grove, IL 60515
ARCHITECT:  CVG Architects
GC: Wightman Builders
PRODUCT SUPPLIED:“Milwaukee Cream” common brick

Goose Island is a Chicago institution, and a huge part of our city’s craft beer legacy! We were delighted to provide reclaimed Chicago common brick to their Barrel House event space, which was created in partnership with award-winning Chicago chef Stephanie Izard. Meant to evoke the look and feel of a European wine cellar, the 5000 sqft space is adjacent to their barrel aging facility, and houses dozens of barrel-aged beers along the walls. An integrated tasting room and kitchen allows for intimate, seamless food pairings from Izard’s Goat Group Catering.

We adore the way this old-world look was put together by Space Architects, including traditional masonry vaulting and other fine brickwork details.

Read and see more images on the architect’s website.
See the event rental guide.

LOCATION:603 N Sacramento Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612

ARCHITECT: Space Architects + Planners
GC: Synergy Construction
MATERIAL SUPPLIED: “Medium Pink” Reclaimed Chicago Common Brick

Check out this pretty-in-pink Lincoln Park residence we worked on with BGD&C Homes! This classic Spanish-style urban estate is only getting better with age.

Seeking to harmoniously integrate the newer home with its many historic neighbors, the design team approached us in search of a brick with old-world character that would complement its traditional aesthetic.

Salesman Dave immediately turned to options from Watsontown Brick’s “Pennsylvania Molded” series. With organic edges, nuanced color, and a smooth sanded finish, these bricks frequently appear in our brick matching posts thanks to their incredible ability to mimic masonry of yesteryear.

We provided a custom, 50/50 blend of their flashed “Foxcraft” and “Hermitage” shades for the building’s exterior, as well as thin stone veneer (“Bridgewater” and “Sydney”) from Fond du Lac Natural Stone to give the basement wine cellar unique rustic charm. Thoughtful details and artful landscaping were employed throughout the property to create a finished result that has us dreaming of Mediterranean villas.

Neutral colors may be all the rage these days, but you have to admit — this warm-hued home positively glows in sunshine, rain, or snow!

LOCATION: Lincoln Park, Chicago

BUILDER: BGD&C Homes
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Watsontown Brick, Fond du Lac Natural Stone

We love the way this awesome pool house cabana in Valparaiso, Indiana turned out! Built as part of an addition, the sunny three-seasons room connects to the main house through a new kitchen installed around the same time.

We supplied a 5-panel bifolding door system from LaCantina Doors on the elevation facing the inground pool, allowing the family and their guests to move seamlessly between the covered area — used for relaxing and dining — and the lush, expansive backyard.

The room can also be accessed from the front of the home, where another two-panel folding door leads out to the front lawn. While there’s countless cozy places to hang out built into this tiered landscape design, this swanky sunroom is hard to beat!

LOCATION: Valparaiso, IN

PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

Some projects are just too unique to forget! Check out how well this adaptive reuse project at Lincoln & Melrose in Roscoe Village has aged. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since we supplied some gorgeous “Ironstone” Interstate Brick to the modern half of this condo building…

Built in 1914, this former Citizens’ State Bank building was crumbling into pieces prior to its 2008 renovation. Determined developer Gary Solomon & Co. came to the rescue, enlisting the terracotta pros at Gladding, McBean to restore the Melrose-facing side of the property, and creating an striking old-meets-new look to replace the damaged remains of the eastern-facing  facade. Each of the nine units inside are completely different, apart from the ultra tall, loft-style ceilings true to the original architecture of the bank. We also provided Quaker Windows and tons of reclaimed Chicago common brick to the project, used for interior accent walls and repairs inside and out.

Read a little more about the building here.

LOCATION:1623 W Melrose St, Chicago, IL 60657

DEVELOPER: Gary Solomon & Co.
TERRACOTTA:Gladding McBean
MASON: Joe Battaglia
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Quaker Windows, Interstate Brick, Reclaimed Chicago Commons

The new owner of this two-story Wicker Park building wanted a fresh look for the exterior facade of his property, fit for the upscale dining & shopping destination it’s located in along north Damen Avenue. Wanting to pay homage to the old-world brick craftsmanship used on its neighboring buildings, while simultaneously crafting a distinct, modern aesthetic, the client turned to architect Door Thirteen and Bricks Inc for help.

To satisfy the client’s desires, we recommended ultra long-format waterstruck brick from Italian manufacturer Fornace S.Anselmo… little did we know, the building owner happened to be the son of two Italian parents! The choice of “Corso” brick in color “CT001 VTB” ultimately proved to be the perfect tribute to family roots, high-quality brick, and modern architecture.

Additionally, we provided new, larger windows from Jeld-Wen‘s “Epic Vue” series for the second-floor residence, complete with special corner brick pieces in the window surrounds fabricated by our friends at Brick Tech Architectural in Detroit. The storefront below is now the proud home of Triangle Square Condos‘ sleek sales gallery.

LOCATION: 2131 N Damen Ave.Chicago, IL 60647

ARCHITECT: Door Thirteen
BUILDER: O’Connor Brehm Design-Build
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: S.Anselmo Corso “CT001 VTB”, Jeld-Wen windows

The owners of this fabulous property on Paw Paw Lake in Michigan sought to remodel their existing sunroom, turning it into a fabulous all-weather place to hangout thanks to some multislide windows from LaCantina Doors.

On beautiful summer days, the windows can be separated in the middle and slid to either side to reveal that gorgeous lakefront view. An additional sliding window on the side allows the breeze to flow through the room and out through a set of sliding doors on the other end, which open to the porch and patio below.

Integrated Centor Screens were incorporated into all openings to keep any wayward mosquitos at bay. A set of pocket doors separates the lounge from the main living room — perfect for keeping energy bills low in the rest of the house.

See our post about their neighbor’s house down the street, which we also provided multiple LaCantina systems for!

LOCATION: Dowagiac, Michigan

INSTALLATION: Mark Roman
ARCHITECT: J. Hurst & Associates
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Centor Screens, LaCantina Doors

Paw Paw Lake in Michigan is home to the Peterson Residence, one of the largest LaCantina Doors projects we’ve ever worked on.

Featuring a whopping SEVEN different fenestration systems, this epic rebuild features a two-part four seasons room. One half contains a gorgeous lake-facing lap pool, that is separated from the rest of the sunroom by a set of multislide doors. Those sliding doors intersect with a set of interior bifolding doors, which can be expanded out to cut off the sunroom from the living room… a feature specified by the wife, who didn’t want to smell her the smoke from her husband’s cigars!

The façade of the whole sunroom (including pool) can also be opened up to the lake via two more sets of bifolding doors. Integrated Centor Screens can be pulled out to functionally turn the whole room into a screened-in porch… or retracted to form a covered patio. This might be the most multifunctional, multipurpose design we’ve ever seen — no matter what the weather, this family has the perfect fenestration option to enjoy it.

See our post about their neighbor’s house up the street, which we also provided multiple LaCantina systems for.

LOCATION: Dowagiac, Michigan

INSTALLATION: Mark Roman
ARCHITECT: Architects’ Studio
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Centor Screens, LaCantina Doors

When Countryside Saloon decided to remodel their outdoor patio area and build a new four seasons room off their existing building, they greatly expanded the footprint of their much-loved Des Plaines bar and restaurant.

Sadly, the excitement about the renovation was short-lived. Less than a decade after completion, four improperly-installed, cheaply-made sliding doors made the new addition nearly uninhabitable for customers. Leaks plagued the windows on rainy days, while the lack of insulated glass made the room icy cold in winter and boiling hot when sunny. Worst of all, roller failures on the lower tracks stopped the sliding units from opening at all.

These kinds of construction horror stories give us nightmares… especially when the victim is a hard-working, local small business!

It all ended on a positive note, however, thanks to four, high-quality replacement units from La Cantina Doors — all thermally-broken, filled with argon gas, low-E coated, and subtly tinted bronze to help with glare. These improved multi-slide units were installed with precision by the incredibly talented team at Meyer Guild, allowing ownership and their patrons to finally take full advantage of this airy space.

Next time you find yourself in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, be sure to stop by for a tasty beer and enjoy the new & improved “fireplace room” in any weather!

LOCATION:  2501 E Ballard Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016

INSTALLER: Meyer Guild
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: La Cantina Doors

New construction… old world aesthetic. We love it! A few years ago we lent our masonry expertise to the renovation of this small commercial building along Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park. Part of the Armitage-Halsted Chicago landmark district, this area of Chicago contains a beautiful assortment of 19th century neighborhood architecture that transports visitors back to the shopping streetscapes of a bygone era.

The three-story development contains a ground-level retail storefront for Marine Layer, with two stories of luxury residential units above. Majorly improving upon the concrete/siding situation that existed previously, the new facade features long format (2-1/4″ x 16″) Watsontown Brick in a smooth grey color from their “Manhattan Series.” Ample vintage brick detailing — including stack bond corners and piers, brick corbeling at the cornice, and protruding headers framing the windows — artfully incorporates the property in among its historic neighbors.

LOCATION: 849 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

ARCHITECT: Bureau|AD
GC/DEVELOPER: LG Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Watsontown Brick

Another day… another very cool indoor outdoor home bar! A bifolding window from LaCantina Doors joins the interior kitchen of this residence to the cozy exterior patio area. In addition to passing drinks and hors d’oeuvres across the bartop to guests outside, this pass through window makes it super easy to transfer entrees hot off the grill inside for serving! The functionality of this design is perfect for small city porches — homeowners enjoy all the benefits of an outdoor kitchen, without sacrificing any extra floor space (or having to duplicate any appliances).

This enormous, 5000-square-foot apartment is one of two renovated units housed within the former Lincoln Trust & Savings Bank, a historic building in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood constructed in 1926. Artfully remodeled by MB Design & Build, you’d never guess from the street that there was such a sleek modern interior hiding behind the classical façade. The private terrace pictured here leads up to a sprawling shared rooftop deck with picturesque views of the surrounding area.

LOCATION: 3936 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

BUILDER: MB Design & Build
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

Formerly known as Steak Bar, this restaurant & bar in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood is part of a bustling nightlife strip along North Wells Street. In 2015, Space Architects & Studio K Creative came up with this design to unify the existing mixed-use commercial building into one sophisticated multi-level eatery. First came a gut rehab of the interior, then — a totally unique renovation of the structure’s front façade. Dated pink and orange blocking gave way to this oxide-tinted porcelain cladding matching the industrial chic vibe inside.

Best of all, the four systems from LaCantina Doors we supplied can be swiftly pushed aside in nice weather to allow the whole of the space to open up to the street outside. Two sets of bifolding doors on the lower level fully integrate the sidewalk café into the excitement of the dining room and beckon passerby to join in. Meanwhile, two sets of pocket doors upstairs create the same effect while taking up even less floor space. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the panels of the pocket door tuck neatly into the wall behind the booths.

In 2018, the popular tavern was treated to a speedy reconcepting in partnership with Siren Betty, reopening less than a week later as 80 Proof Chicago. Though the fresh paint and new furnishings certainly gave the building a rejuvenated aesthetic… it’s safe to say the ultra-functional fenestration is here to stay!

LOCATION: 1500 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

ARCHITECT: SPACE Architects + Planners
INTERIOR DESIGNERS: Siren Betty, Studio K Creative
GC: Synergy Construction Group
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

Any cake lover or coffee aficionado who’s spent time in Atlanta will be familiar with the inimitable Café Intermezzo. With old world charm inspired by the opulence of European salons in the Baroque period, this popular late night coffeehouse is known as much for its photogenic interior design as it is for its extensive menu of mouth-watering desserts.

In 2018, the owners decided to expand out-of-state for the first time. Seeking to replicate the indoor/outdoor fluidity of the original location for the new Nashville restaurant, ISG Inc, specified bifolding doors for one of the street-facing elevations. In nice weather, this 8-panel system we provided from La Cantina Doors collapses to one side, allowing diners in the salmon-hued parlor room to enjoy a breezy experience akin to dining on a covered porch.

With Tennessee winters averaging quite a bit colder than the eatery’s roots in balmy Georgia, Cafe Intermezzo, also benefits from the ability to shut these thermally-controlled panels up tight — a casual patron may not even realize the floor-to-ceiling windows they’re people-watching through have the ability to open!

We hope to someday see these small business owners open an outpost here in Chicago… but until then, we’ll enjoy visiting when we head south!

LOCATION: 205 Demonbreun Street, 2nd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

ARCHITECT: ISG
GC: Ideal Co., Inc
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

When you gaze upon the Wrightwood Gallery from its mostly-residential street, it looks like any other 1920s Chicago apartment building. Step inside, and you’re greeted by an entirely unexpected modernist masterpiece by Japanese architect Tadao Ando.

Completely gutted, with a new fourth floor plopped on top, the former residential building has been converted to a state-of-the-art gallery hosting art & architecture exhibitions. Over 25,000 of the building’s original common bricks were repurposed, although we provided matching “Sand Buff” and “Medium Pink” reclaimed bricks (cut thin) to infill where needed.

The final result is a striking mashup of classic Chicago vernacular architecture, and the work of an award-winning international architect. Ando is best known locally for his 1992 design of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Ando Gallery, which was his first American-based work.

Read about the gallery on the New York Times.
See the article in Architectural Record.
Read more on Archinect.
Read more about the opening on Arch Paper.
See more photos on the GC’s website.

LOCATION:659 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

ARCHITECT: Tadao Ando (website – Japanese)
ARCHITECT OF RECORD: Vinci Hamp Architects
DEVELOPER: Alphawood Foundation
GC: Norcon
MASON: Certified Masonry

How great is the gorgeous Hoxton Hotel Chicago that we worked on with G|R|E|C Architects and developer Shapack Partners?

The first four floors utilize a sanded knife texture modular brick by Watsontown Brick  that pays homage to the surrounding warehouses of the Fulton Market Historic District. Interspersed on the front facade and stretching up into the sky are some shimmering “Black Opal” bricks by Interstate Brick! Thoughtful brick patterns make this  contemporary construction blend in nicely with the turn-of-the-century craftmanship nearby.

2020 – AIA Chicago Design Excellence Awards, Distinguished Building

LOCATION: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

Structural Engineers’ Website

We are so thankful to all our partners on this project!
PRODUCT SUPPLIERS: Interstate Brick and Watsontown Brick
DEVELOPER: Shapack Partners
ARCHITECT: G|R|E|C Architects
STRUCTURAL: Forefront Structural
GC: Power Construction
MASONRY: Cachey Construction Co.

With summer approaching quickly, we can’t help but get excited for pool party season! And for the Chicagoans who call River North home, there’s simply no better spot to soak in the sunshine than on the roof of ENV Chicago Apartments.

We supplied a set of aluminum bifolding windows from LaCantina Doors to the luxury residences’ rooftop pool deck. The glamorous swimming spot features panoramic views of the Chicago River, ample lounge chair seating, a front row seat to the architectural details of the Merchandise Mart, and — best of all — a reservable indoor common area with service bar. In a manner of seconds, the windows can fold out of the way to fluidly link this mini-kitchen with the pool area… just add a bartender for the perfect party!

Even in the snow or rain, residents can still enjoy sweeping city views from safely inside, thanks to the built-in thermal controls of this unique fenestration. Poolside projects are one of the most popular applications of folding door and sliding door systems, whether they’re ground-level in the suburbs, or situated on top of a downtown high-rise.

LOCATION: 161 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

ARCHITECT: Valerio Dewalt Tain
GC: McHugh Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors
INSTALLER: Mark Roman 

Adding ultra-contemporary fenestration to a historic façade can be a tricky design challenge. Especially in Chicago, many architects and building owners want to create something that will blend seamlessly into the existing streetscape… without sacrificing the energy efficiency and sleek functionality of modern products.

Fortunately for all of us that like to mix the old with the new, LaCantina Doors are available in a wide range of finishes. For this project in Logan Square, we provided a set of bifolding wood windows that were stained and treated to match the vintage Wild West aesthetic of the restaurant’s décor. When closed, they look right at home on this early 1900s storefront! Yet the space also benefits from the ability to fold them off to the side in warm summer weather. After all, who doesn’t like a gentle evening breeze with their meal?

Though the most recent tenant of this bar & grill space closed down last year, we know it won’t be long before it’s repurposed. With a location close to the Chicago’s transit network — and these awesome multipurpose windows already installed — this property is a seriously desirable commercial opportunity!

LOCATION: 2528 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

ARCHITECT: The Dobbins Group
GC: Michael Hrusovsky Company
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

We love a good brick lattice! A few years ago we provided black, Norman-size Summit Brick for Cerise, the “cherry on top” of Virgin Hotel‘s Chicago location. Pocket doors slide into the void between two wythes of alternating brick, creating a pleasing visual transition between the patio and indoor spaces of this popular downtown bar.

Designed by a famous pair of theatre architects (Rapp & Rapp — known for their lavishly ornamented movie palaces, including the Chicago and Uptown theaters), this 1928 skyscraper was originally known as the “Old Dearborn Bank Building.” The historic structure felt like a natural choice for the first-ever location of Virgin Hotels, whose cheeky, 1970s aesthetic pairs nicely with the quirky terracotta gremlins and grotesques found lurking on the intricate front façade.

Many of the building’s original details were preserved and incorporated into the new interior design, resulting in an artful mashup of old and new. The ultra-modern black brick accents at the rooftop are no exception, pairing nicely with the vintage exterior masonry surrounding them. Even the skyline views from the outdoor deck reveal a combination of glassy towers and Art Deco architecture!

Next time you’re in the area, pay the 26th floor of this highly-rated hotel a visit. Cocktails + cool brickwork? Yes please!

LOCATION: 203 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60601

ARCHITECT: Booth Hansen
INTERIOR DESIGN: Paola Navone, Rockwell Group
DEVELOPER: The John Buck Company
GC: McHugh Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Summit Brick

Replacing windows on a historic building can be quite challenging —but even more so if the structure in question sits adjacent to the CTA! For the renovation and restoration of this contributing property, we supplied new fire-rated windows by Fyre-Tec, as well as in kind, Landmark-approved replacements from Sierra Pacific for the Damen-facing fenestration.

The installation proved to be especially tricky, with limits as to the work that could be done due to the proximity of the project to the Damen Avenue blue line station. No work could be performed during Rush Hour periods (5-9am and 3-7pm), and ongoing processes had to pause every time a train was within the construction limits! Our friends at Meyer Guild did an exceptional job despite the unusual working conditions, and today, this project is one of our favorites to visit… donuts anyone?

LOCATION: 1560 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
This building is part of the Milwaukee Avenue Historic District.

ARCHITECT: John Joyce Architects
INSTALL: Meyer Guild
GC: Goldberg General Contracting
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Sierra Pacific Windows, Fyre-Tec

Working with Charles Vincent George Architects, we provided a custom golden blend of natural stone to the 14,500 square foot National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese in Darien, Illinois -also known as the Society of the Little Flower.

The natural stone adds warmth and a rustic character to the interior and exterior of this contemporary religious space. Plus, it looks positively gorgeous in the setting sun!

Read more on the architect’s website. We’ll be providing matching stone for a series of fountains to come in 2021, so stay tuned.

Location: 8433 Bailey Rd | Darien, IL

Architect: Charles Vincent George
Mason: Certified Masonry, Inc

Product Supplier: Jireh Stone

Even when it gets chilly out there, the residents of this West Town home will never notice! The cold is kept out (and the energy bills are kept low) thanks to these thermally-controlled, bifolding LaCantina Doors insulated with Argon gas.

In warmer months, this “Zero Post” patio door configuration allows the owners to fully integrate the angled porch area with their indoor space. No center pole or pesky doors in the way… just fresh breezes blowing through.

LOCATION: West Town, Chicago

ARCHITECT: Johnson Architects
GC: MK Construction & Builders
INSTALLATION: Mark Roman
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors “Zero Post”

We had the pleasure of helping this Fulton Market condo owner transform the fenestration leading out to his unit’s patio(s). Working with REM Architecture, we came up with two different sliding door options for two unique spaces.

In the living room, we provided a huge, 12 foot by 12 foot, 4-panel sliding product from LaCantina Doors that parts in the middle, allowing fluid movement between the main indoor hangout spaces and the breezy back porch. For the master bedroom, the best fit for the space was a wide, single-panel “Glide” door — so named for how easily it opens and closes — from Quaker Windows. We made sure both systems featured insulated glass and matching paint finishes.

When it comes to choosing the perfect patio door, it helps to consider the two spaces you’re connecting. Bedrooms tend to be more private spaces, so an easy-open, easy-close door is probably right for that room… you’ll use it a lot to briefly step outside & check the weather! For more public areas, like family rooms and kitchens, doors that open wide and stay open are a great choice, particularly when you’re entertaining.

Got questions? Want to try out some options in real life? Give us a call and setup a time to come see our showroom.

See more photos on REM’s website.

ARCHITECT: REM Architecture
INSTALLER: Meyer Guild
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Quaker, LaCantina Doors

When this mixed-use building in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood was built back in 2017, they had no problem attracting restaurant tenants to the ground-floor retail spaces! As one of the hottest neighborhoods in Colorado’s capital, this dense and walkable section of the city is filled with innovative restaurants, bars, and cultural amenities.

Our pals at Knauer Inc were tasked with outfitting the southwestern corner of the building for Marcella’s Italian, whose stylish dining room needed the capability to spill out onto a tree-lined sidewalk cafe in nice weather. We worked with them to supply four sets of thermally-controlled folding windows from LaCantina Doors, allowing balmy breezes to permeate throughout the indoor space from the vibrant patio outside. Thanks to integrated screens from Centor, staff don’t have to worry about rogue leaves making their way inside, either!

Though the original occupant of the space moved out in 2019, the property remained vacant for less than a year. Now home to Mexican eatery My Neighbor Felix, we like to think the quick turnaround had something to do with its ultra-functional fenestration! Hospitality landlords and building owners take note — these highly sought-after bifolding doors and windows are a great way to attract commercial tenants to your spaces.

LOCATION: 1801 Central St, Denver, CO 80211

ARCHITECT: Knauer, Inc
DEVELOPER: Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
GC: Buckeye Hospitality Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors, Centor screens

When you’ve got a piece of lakefront property this dreamy, you really need some floor-to-ceiling windows to match!

We provided numerous stacking multislide LaCantina Doors to this project — when opened all at once, there’s a wonderful unobstructed flow from the forested backyard, through the house, right to the to lakeside front yard. The homeowner wanted to have ample open space for entertaining family and enjoying the great outdoors. Look closely at the photos, and you’ll even see a Velux USA Skylight allowing for 360° views of the surrounding trees.

See the profile on the builder’s website – click here.

Products Featured:
LaCantina Doors
Velux USA Skylight
Architect: Booth Hansen
Builder: Scott Christopher Homes

Quite the transformation! This  single-family residence in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago occupies a quiet lot across the street from the Dan Ryan woods. The original homeowners had built a screened-in porch over the two-car garage that was in serious need of an update.

The new owners were in search of fresh fenestration that could extend the room’s useable months. We provided three sets of bifolding windows from LaCantina Doors for the existing openings, allowing the family to comfortably enjoy this woodsy overlook even in the rain or during cooler months. By integrating Centor screens on all three sides of the space, the residents ALSO retained a breezy, bug-free area for the summer!

Aluminum cladding on the exterior will prevent the frames from rusting, while warm Douglas Fir lines the interior for a rustic, forest-friendly aesthetic. Best of all, the scope of work for this home makeover included structural improvements that allowed for a delightful open-air patio to be added above the revitalized four-seasons room.

LOCATION: Chicago, Illinois

INSTALL: Mark Roman / Facilities Planning & Construction
GC: Room by Room Total Home Remodeling
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors, Centor

Just like a mini version of Chicago itself, Navy Pier is an ever-evolving, history-infused cultural destination. In celebration of its 100th birthday in 2016, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority announced a grand redevelopment plan to refresh & modernize the amenities of the pier. We’ve proudly supplied brick for a variety of the initiative’s projects, including a swath of masonry repairs to the early 20th century brickwork.

In preparation for the addition of swanky rooftop bar Offshore, we helped the restoration team find the perfect brick match to rebuild and restore the low walls and piers surrounding the perimeter of the new restaurant. A blend of 8″ red brick in two colors — “Market Street” by Summit and “Bradford Molded” from Watsontown — was selected to replicate and infill where needed.

Read more about the project on Central Building’s website.
Read more about the design of the new rooftop restaurant here.

LOCATION: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

ARCHITECT: Koo Architecture
MASON: Central Building & Preservation
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Summit Brick, Watsontown Brick

One of the things we love best about Chicago Public Schools is the continuous commitment to building beautiful architecture for their students! Chicago’s historic schools are instantly recognizable for their amazing turn-of-the-century brickwork, and today’s architects have followed this tradition when designing contemporary additions and new buildings.

High-performing Minnie Mars Jamieson Elementary School in Peterson Park was one of several northside  publics chools facing severe overcrowding in 2015. In planning for an expansion, the architects wanted to pay homage to the beautiful blend of warm buff  bricks used on the original structure (built sometime in the early 1900s).

To this end, we provided a custom blend of utility-size Interstate Brick in “Golden Buff,” “Desert Sand,” and “Caramel,” as well as special lipped stretcher shapes for the LEED-certified addition. Fourteen new classrooms, as well as additional space for teachers, electives, and dining were added as part of the  annex. Our  small business buddies at Rauch Clay provided the dark grey  glazed brick units, resulting in a finished product that’s equal parts contemporary and classic.

LOCATION: 5650 N Mozart St, Chicago, IL 60659

Read more about this project through the Public Building Commission.

ARCHITECTS: Architrave, Ltd + SMNG-A
LEED CONSULTANT: HUS Architecture
GC: Old Veteran Construction
MASON: ALL Masonry
CARPENTRY: Toro Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick

If you’re looking to revamp the patio doors leading out to the porch of your condo, why not take a page from the playbook of this Lincoln Square multifamily building? Working together through their homeowner’s association, these four independent penthouse owners negotiated new fenestration for all four terraces at the same time. Although the remodeling goals of each unit were unique, collaborating allowed for greater efficiency during construction and major cost savings!

In total, we provided three multislide systems from LaCantina Doors, as well as one custom configuration from Sierra-Pacific Windows (all with integrated screens). Crane operators delivered the large glass panels and other components directly to each fifth-floor patio from the street — check out the picture of the products midair during installation!

LOCATION: 4950 N Western Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60625

DESIGN + BUILD: Structural Technologies
INSTALLER: Facilities Planning & Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors, Sierra-Pacific Windows

This project really showcases what we’re best at — expanding small spaces, helping historic properties regain their sparkle, and offering one-stop-shopping for both fenestration AND masonry.

Built in the 1880s, this tiny structure along the main commercial avenue of Plainfield, Illinois served a number of municipal purposes over the years. Once the town’s firehouse, it was later used as a town hall, police station, and even as a jail! Unfortunately, the petite building eventually fell into disrepair and found itself vacant.

At just 1,500 square feet, and locally protected due to its age, the design team seeking to convert it into an upscale Asian restaurant had to think creatively. How do you make a compact space feel bigger?

The answer came in the form of bifolding LaCantina Doors, which allows Mora Asian Fusion‘s sleek interior bar area to spill out onto the roomy patio in warm weather. Best of all, the system’s custom width fit neatly into the opening originally created for little 19th century fire trucks.

We also took on the challenge of brick matching for this job, supplying smooth red Brampton Brick for repairs to the front façade, and beautiful molded Watsontown Brick (“Bradford Flashed”) for the backs and sides.

The eatery is now beloved by the community. Perfectly integrated into the fabric of downtown, it’s the perfect place to visit after a day of shopping or enjoying the nearby nature preserves!

LOCATION: 24108 Lockport St, Plainfield, IL 60544

DEVELOPER: JK2 Properties
DESIGN/BUILD: MEP Design Build
MASON: Hera Construction