Archive Archives: Projects

Old Town Residence — Chicago

The pug-loving homeowners of this Old Town residence sought out a set of bifolding LaCantina Doors to seamlessly connect their kitchen to the backyard deck. With the small lots typical of urban homes, adding a collapsible wall can greatly improve how spacious your space feels!

We love the way this system can be quickly folded up against one side of the opening, making it easy for guests to bring their food & drinks out to the patio or enjoy the breeze while they hang out indoors.

LOCATION: Old Town, Chicago
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

Urban Outfitters – Gold Coast, Chicago

This awesome high-end retail project features a prominent Urban Outfitters location, as well as high-end steakhouse Maple & Ash, this new construction project aimed to seamlessly fit in with the historic architecture of the surrounding neighborhood.

The handcrafted, old world aesthetic of waterstruck “Black Select” Morin Brick proved to be a perfect choice for the exterior, accented by a custom black Spec-Mix mortar. Classic architectural details, including some beautiful ornamental metal window surrounds, make this building quite the handsome addition to the State Street corridor.

One of the many reasons we love this brick color is for the super subtle notes of red and brown that peek through every so often. The next time you stop by for a new outfit or bite to eat, make sure to look closely at the masonry!

LOCATION: State & Maple Streets, Chicago, IL 60610

ARCHITECT: Heidi Lightner for Booth Hansen
GC: Centaur
MASON: Four Province
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Morin Brick, Spec-Mix mortar

647 W Melrose – Chicago

Instead of a cavity wall (CMU/block and face brick) the project was constructed by using a single wythe clay masonry unit.  The industry refers this as “structural brick,” and the manufacturer —Interstate Brick — uses the trademark name “Atlas” brick.

On the face, we supplied reclaimed common brick from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, hailing from our sister company, The Brickyard Inc. Check out the image gallery for a truly remarkable masonry cleaning job… after a little bath, the light tone common brick is nearly unrecognizable!

LOCATION: 647 W Melrose St Unit 5, Chicago, IL 60657

See more on the architect’s website.

Architect: Sullivan Goulette Wilson
Developer: GVP Development
Products Supplied: Reclaimed “Milwaukee Cream” Commons, Interstate Brick

606 Residence – Chicago

Builder: LG Development

Brick: Reclaimed Chicago Common – Full Range

This entire batch came from a building we found that was about to be demolished in the Little Village  neighborhood of Chicago.  This was a great find because the owner had searched for months to find the proper brick for the home.  Reclaimed brick offers a unique appearance with softened, tumbled edges and a range of color that can seldom be matched by new brick manufacturers.

Our inventory ranges day by day, so be sure you inquire about which colors are available and be certain you ask for a mock up panel to ensure you like the specific “batch” of materials.

See more great photos of this project on LG’s website.

Like this project? Check out a similar design we worked on, also using reclaimed brick, right next door! 

Hansen Residence – Chicago

We often get questions about painting or otherwise changing the color of brick. And we get it — changing the color of your existing masonry can be a quick way to significantly alter the appearance of your home! However, it’s of utmost importance you do so carefully, as to preserve the integrity and longevity of your masonry. Read more on our “Learn” page!

Homeowners and project builders should use breathable paint alternatives, such as limewash, organic mineral paints, and stains. This home was built with a tumbled red brick from Interstate Brick, and stained white using brick-safe Masonry Cosmetics. The builders sought a rustic, handmolded aesthetic for their brick, which we achieved by requesting the brick be tumbled “green” (tumbled while the clay is still malleable, before firing, for an extra dinged-up look). In the rear of the home, Morin waterstruck brick was utilized for the exterior fireplace, which required the use of special shapes custom-made at the factory.

1134 W Washington — Chicago

After a long and beloved stint as home to Chicago’s Museum of Holography, the historic property at 1134 W Washington underwent a thoughtful renovation in 2017 to become the new home of the Publishing House Bed & Breakfast. This boutique B&B features 11 cozy rooms with exposed brick and salvaged materials, and owes its name to its origins as a Free Methodist publishing house.

We were thrilled to provide brick matching services for the masonry restoration, as well as a suite of new windows by Sierra Pacific. This “fixed over awning” style allows light and ventilation into the space through two different types of window, together in one assembly.

LOCATION: 1134 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607

Read about the development and consider booking a room.
AWARDS: AIA Chicago 2021 Small Project Award

ARCHITECT: Nushu Architecture
INTERIOR DESIGN: Siren Betty
GC: Vero Design Build

Ace Hotel – Chicago

We are proud of this one…. ACE HOTEL is a chain of hotels that selects prime locations such as Chicago, New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, and even Panama!  Nearly 100 years ago the original building was constructed.  The Architect of Record GREC Studios selected materials that paid respect to the old face brick when designing the restoration elements of the facade.

Aside from the restoration portions of the hotel, there are two new buildings.  One features a Black Pearl brick and another opted for an Alaska smooth brick for an extreme contrast.  The manufacturer has two factories in Colorado. Check out the restoration quality, but new construction, steel windows by Coast to Coast.

Check out the project specific highlight on the Architect’s website here.
Profile on Architect Magazine
Write-up on Curbed Chicago

2018 AIA Chicago Design Excellence Award
2017 Preservation Excellence Award

Developer: Sterling Bay Partners
Contractor: Power Construction
Mason Subcontractor: Midwest Masonry

Brick Factories: Ragland Clay Products, Summit/Lakewood Brick

Bangers & Lace – Roscoe Village

Back in 2016, we had the pleasure of working with Bangers & Lace to install two sets of weathertight folding windows from Door Innovations at their former Addison Street location in Roscoe Village! In the wintertime, this classic neighborhood corner bar is a dark and cozy place to grab cocktails with friends — but come summer, the proprietors can quickly retract their windows to open the indoors up to bright sunlight and balmy breezes.

850 N. Lake Shore – Chicago

Designed in 1927 by renowned Chicago architect Jarvis Hunt, the stately building at 850 N. Lake Shore Drive was originally built as the home of the exclusive Lake Shore Athletic Club. In its heydey, the ornate, terracotta-clad building was the site of Johnny Weissmuller’s 1928 Olympic trial, plus countless dances, meetings, and soirees of Chicago’s elite.

By 1977, the building had been acquired by Northwestern University for graduate residences, and fell into a swift decline. By 2007, the structure was vacant and at risk of demolition —landing itself on Landmarks Illinois annual “Most Endangered” list. Fortunately, a fervent fight for its preservation was successful, resulting in a massive transformation into modern, high-end residences.

After countless site visits to achieve the perfect result, Bricks Incorporated provided a custom, 6-color blend of Summit, Stone Creek, and Interstate brick for masonry repairs on the building’s upper floors.

AWARDS:
Best in State, “Historic Remodel/Restoration” — 2014

See the building’s website here.
Read more about the project on the builder’s website.
Read about the renovation on the Chicago Tribune.
See more in-progress photos on the restorer’s website.

ARCHITECT: Booth Hansen
DEVELOPER: Integrated Development Group
GC: Valenti Builders
MASONRY: DIS Restoration
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Summit, Stone Creek, and Interstate Brick

Advocate Healthcare – Aurora, IL

Large bricks can be the perfect choice for huge commercial projects like this one. For Advocate, A “Norman” size brick was selected to save labor, but also have a lower, more streamlined height profile.  The proportions of a Norman brick were more attractive to the design team that the “utility” size (4x4x12) brick.

Note the unique detailing where a shadow is created by pulling specific bricks forward approximately 1/2″ proud of the facade.

LOCATION: Aurora Medical Group Outpatient Center, 2285 Sequoia Dr, Aurora, IL 60506

Architect: HDR Inc
Product Supplied: Interstate Brick – Ironstone Smooth, Norman size

Logan Square Apartments – Chicago

This Logan Square project elected to construct all exterior walls with a single wythe clay masonry unit.  The “structural brick” is load bearing, have the ability to achieve 2, 3, and 4 hour UL listed fire ratings, and are erected more rapidly than typical cavity walls (CMU / Block and face brick).  These specific units are 8″ deep, 4″ tall and 16″ long.  All units are laid in running bond, also known as half bond.

Developer: Campbell Street Asset Management Inc
Architect of Record: Space Architects + Planners
Contractor: Mavrek Development
Manufacturer: Interstate Brick  Color: Terra Cotta Matte Texture

Xavier Apartments – Chicago

GREC Architects selected the usage of LaCantina Doors for this 240 unit building in the Near North “SoNo/Clybourn Corridor” of Chicago.  The luxury apartments allow dwellers every amenity imaginable.  Even the dog area has a custom 25′ x 12′ multi-slide door system.

Project Website: Live Xavier

Products Supplied : LaCantina Doors

Tags: #LaCantinaDoors #LaCantinaLife

185 N Morgan – Chicago

Landmarks District projects are always quite involved and satisfying for the sales team at Bricks Incorporated.   Multiple retail units were constructed using Watsontown 16″ long face brick. The Architectural of Record (Bureau of Architecture and Design) worked with the developer, contractor and suppliers to ensure that the requirements of Chicago Landmark’s Department were met, and exceeded.

Location: 185 North Morgan, Chicago, Illinois

Products: Watsontown Brick Company 16″ Long brick.  2.25″ Height x 15-5/8″ length with beautiful 1:8 ratios draw out the horizontal lines of the building and draw specific attention to the corbel details about the window openings.

Developed by Shapack Partners, the new tenant retail building is just a few feet away from the CTA and 1 block from the busy Fulton Market.

LG Development partnered again with Bricks Incorporated for the custom materials.  Check out their project link here.

This project won a 2017 “Preservation Excellence” award for New Construction from Chicago Landmarks!

The Gallery on Wells – Chicago

Project Name : 167 W Erie – River North – Chicago

Location : 167 W Erie – River North – Chicago

Architect of Record : bKL Architecture http://bklarchitecture.com

Contractor(s) : Linn Mathes http://www.linn-mathes.com

Products Supplied : Interstate Brick – Bronzestone Matte Utility with Special “L” Corner Shape Pieces https://www.interstatebrick.com

Notes of Interest : This residential tower was constructed in 2016 and 2017 and utilized the same high quality Architectural Face brick from Interstate Brick as the 165 W Superior “Exhibit” project. Read about the development and consider booking a room in 2017!

Keywords : Residential, Architecture, Brick, Masonry, Special Shapes

165 W Superior – Chicago

Magellan Development, proud developer of Lakeshore East, began construction in 2016 on two massive masonry projects in River North.  bKL Architecture decided to design with 16″ long Emperor Brick in mind.

The building at 165 West Superior, known today as “Exhibit on Superior,” has a podium and tower with three colors of 16″ long brick as supplied by Bricks Incorporated.  Midnight Black, Pewter, and Arctic White as manufactured by Interstate Brick met the exacting tolerances right down to the custom “L” shaped brick for special window and corner conditions.

Developer’s Website : Magellan Development
Featured project on Magellan’s website

Architect’s Website : bKL Architecture 
Featured project on bKL’s website

Brick Manufacturer’s Website : Interstate Brick Company

 

Ēma Restaurant – Chicago

Ēma Restaurant – River North is located just South of “Beatrix” restaurant.  Both restaurants utilized LaCantina Doors and open the West wall of the restaurant to passersby.  When the weather in Chicago is welcoming, clients walking by the busy restaurant are invited in to enjoy all the sites, flavors and sounds of this successful Lettuce Entertain You restaurant.

On Ēma, Bricks Incorporated supplied two large multislide door systems atop a short knee-wall.  Custom glass, thermally controlled panels, and a custom kynar finish show off the capabilites of LaCantina Doors.

Location : 74 W Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60654 (River North)

Website: http://emachicago.com/

Products Supplied: LaCantina Doors (www.lacantinadoors.com)

Winchester Residence – Chicago

Blender Architects designed this modern home and utilized reclaimed “Chicago Common” brick.  Reclaimed brick varies from batch to batch, but this was a fairly uniform “Medium Pink” salvage.

Bricks Incorporated offers 7-9 different colors sourced from demolition projects ranging from St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee and Madison.  Ask about availability as reclaimed brick is in high demand for both new construction and restoration.  We also offer reclaimed / salvaged thin brick!

316 N Elizabeth – Chicago

Limitless Coffee was born and brews in the Fulton Market of Chicago.  The pursuit of clean, pure cold brew coffee and teas is their mission.    Bricks Incorporated supplied a Thermally Controlled LaCantina Door system for their courtyard service bar.  When serving cold brew coffee and tea, the barista can hand the freshly crafted product directly from the tap into the hands of the eager customer.

Products supplied: LaCantina Doors (www.lacantinadoors.com)

Customer Website

Poplar Creek Retail – Hoffman Estates, IL

500,000 Square Feet of retail were constructed using Interstate #Atlas Structural Clay Brick. The development / Architectural team designed nearly half a million square feet of retail

Location: Intersection of Route 59 and I-90 in Hoffman Estates, IL

Products: Interstate Brick Company “Mountain Red” and “Desert Sand” colors in the 8″ x 4″ x 16″ Atlas Structural brick size. Emperor sized brick and utility sized brick were also used where veneer applications were necessary.

Links and tags:

Shop the retailers and learn more

Stores that trust #structural #brick and @bricksincorp

Target, Michaels Arts and Crafts, TJ Maxx, PetSmart, OfficeMax, World Market, Sports Authority, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle, Red Robin, Rookies Bar and Grill, Claim Jumper, Stone Eagle Tavern

3750 N Lake Shore – Chicago

Lake Shore Drive is lined with many superb examples of Beaux-Arts  architecture designed for Chicago’s upper crust. Amongst them, a classic multi-family work by architect Robert De Golyer at 3750— once described by the Chicago Tribune as “the last word of luxury,” and praised for its use of “high grade face brick” throughout (no cheap common brick, even on the rear and sides)!

When it came time for a multi-year maintenance plan to beautify the aging facade of this historic property, we were proud to provide a custom blend of two bricks from our Summit (Lakewood) and Ragland factories to match the handsome, much-prized original masonry.

Check out the building’s website, or read more about the building’s history here.

LOCATION: 3750 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60613

PROJECT LEAD: Bulley & Andrews Masonry Restoration
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Summit (Lakewood) and Ragland blend

Restoration Hardware – Chicago

Designed by legendary Chicago architects Holabird & Roche, the 1914 brick “Three Arts Club” building was originally constructed to house women studying the “three arts” of drama, music, and painting. Founded by a network of well-connected Chicago women, the club’s intent was to provide a safe, proper, and affordable dormitory for young single ladies to live in while pursing their educations. Just a few years shy of its 100th birthday, the deteriorating building was sold to developers and converted into a lavish Restoration Hardware location.

Booth Hansen led the adaptive reuse project, painstakingly working with Chicago Landmarks to restore the building’s decorative mosaics and ornamental brickwork, as well as transforming the courtyard into a glass-topped atrium cafe.

On the exterior, Bricks Incorporated sourced “Full Range Heavy Scratch” brick from Ragland to match the building’s distinctive original brick, which was used for repairs throughout the building. Inside, we provided Marion Ceramics‘ Tumbled Brick Tile for use as pavers near several interior hearths. Check out the gallery of images and links below to see how beautifully this adaptive reuse project turned out!

AWARDS:
Silver Award Winner, 2016 Reconstruction Awards
2016 Preservation Excellence Award, Commission on Chicago Landmarks

LOCATION: 1300 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610
This property is a Chicago Landmark and part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Read more about the building’s history on the Chicago Tribune.
Read the project profile on Architectural Digest.
Read more about the project on the GC’s website.
See the project on the architect’s website.

ARCHITECT: Booth Hansen
MASON: Central Building, A. Horn Masonry
RESTORATION CONSULTANT: Backen, Gillam & Kroeger
GC: Pepper Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Marion Ceramics, Ragland Brick

 

Little Pink House — Chicago

Pink houses are always magical — and even more so when their cheerful hue comes from the use of reclaimed common brick! This beautiful single family residence in Wrigleyville came about as a collaboration with our friends at Barrett Homes. Though decidedly modern inside, the new construction property looks right at home amongst its turn-of-the-century neighbors thanks to the careful brick selection (a particularly gorgeous batch of “Light Pink”). Recessed, divided light windows, a traditional roofline, and that quintessentially-Chicago front stoop also contribute to infuse the design with a touch of history.

The bricks carry over to the rear of the house, where a two-level outdoor patio encompasses the backyard and the top of the garage. A separate rooftop terrace sprawls across the third floor; each sunny deck is hemmed in by a masonry knee wall around the perimeter for safety. For anyone counting… that’s THREE unique outdoor spaces hidden behind one classic facade. Amazing!

LOCATION: Wrigleyville, Chicago

BUILDER: Barrett Homes
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: “Light Pink” reclaimed common brick

Historic Estate – North Chicagoland

Believe it or not, this magnificent home has roots as one of the oldest homes on Chicago’s north shore. In 1857, prominent early settler Jared Gage built the original, Italianate-style residence on a tract of land he acquired along Lake Michigan. Gage had operated Chicago’s first steam flour mill, but grew dismayed at the lack of sanitation that came with city living. His then-rural property north of the city promised to be the perfect locale for a healthy retirement.

In 1860, the steamship Lady Elgin crashed near the residence, and the home served as a makeshift hospital for survivors of the disaster. Area residents rode horses down to Northwestern University to find young men to help pull out survivors!

By 1917, the home’s new owners opted to heavily renovate the home, creating the classic Georgian appearance which can still be seen today. (Further additions were built  in 1941, 1955, and 1986.)

In 2015, it came time yet again for this historic property to be modernized. Working with Northworks to adapt and refresh the palatial estate to their liking, the current owners thoughtfully preserved many elements of the original design. Although the street-side facade was moved 45 feet back, it was carefully restored to its former glory with the help of our brick matching expertise. We provided historic, reclaimed Milwaukee Cream and Clay Buff commons to the project to allow for seamless repairs and an in-kind addition that blends in perfectly with the home’s turn-of-the-century aesthetic.

Read about the building’s history from the Chicago Tribune.
Read the preservation committee report (detailed history + images).
Read more about the project on the architect’s website.

LOCATION: Hubbard Woods, North Chicagoland

ARCHITECT: Northworks
GC: Sylvester Construction
MASON: Total Masonry
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Reclaimed Milwaukee Creams and Clay Buff Commons

 

Lakefront Cottage – Union Pier, MI

Check out this enormous, 30-foot-wide lift-and-slide system from Weiland Sliding Doors! Installed on a beautiful lakefront home in Union Pier, Michigan, all 5 panels can be stacked off to one side for unfettered patio access. After all, what’s the point of this amazing waterfront view if you can’t tuck the whole facade out of sight?!

Although open floor plan designs like this one are superb for entertaining, we frequently encounter customers concerned about bugs inviting themselves into the party as well. With integrated screens and shades, bugproofing pulls out from each side of the opening in a flash.

LOCATION: Union Pier, Michigan

ARCHITECT: Door Thirteen
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Weiland Sliding Doors, Brio Screens

North Clifton Residence — Chicago

Look — no one loves good weather better than a Chicagoan. On a beautifully sunny and temperate day, you’ll find countless city residents flinging open their doors and windows to let the breeze waft through!

These homeowners in Lincoln Park outfitted their three-story residence with a set of bi-folding LaCantina Doors on every floor. Perfectly paired with their spacious open floor plan, there’s nothing to stop fresh air from reaching every corner of this contemporary home. Winter time isn’t a concern, either, as thermally-controlled construction will keep the frigid air right where it belongs… outside. Talk about the best of both worlds!

Believe it or not, we supplied this job all the way back in 2013. It’s nice to see how well this project has aged! In fact, if we sold it again today, there’d only be one change: the customer could email their paperwork rather than fax it.

See more photos on the architect’s website.

LOCATION: Lincoln Park, Chicago

ARCHITECT: Boomgaarden Architects
GC: BOWA Construction
INSTALLER: RV Builders

PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

Tuco & Blondie – Chicago

Everyone loves tacos … and these windows we installed at Mexican restaurant Tuco & Blondie back in 2016! A variety of bifolding door systems from LaCantina Doors gave a much-needed facelift to this former dive bar, letting in tons of natural sunlight and opening the interior space up to the patio and busy sidewalk outside. Inspired by the colorful imagery of La Loteria, the architects at SPACE created a lively and bright interior that invites the surrounding neighborhood inside for good food, cocktails, and conversation. Quite the before and after!

Read more about the development here.

LOCATION:3358 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

ARCHITECT: SPACE Architects + Planners
INTALL: R&R Glass
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

Damen Reclaimed Residence – Chicago

After a decade of  professional collaboration, we were honored to work on this residence for LG Construction director Matt Wilke!

Choosing full range Chicago common reclaimed brick for the home’s exterior helped the new project blend in nicely with the aesthetic of the surrounding neighborhood, while ultra-modern LaCantina bifolding doors on the rooftop deck allow the living room to flow seamlessly into an exterior patio.

In true big-city-that-feels-like-a-small-town fashion, interior design firm (and frequent Bricks Inc associate) Studio Gild eventually moved into the first floor retail space, where they remain today.

See more photos on the architect’s website!
Read the case study here.

LOCATION: Wicker Park, Chicago

ARCHITECT: Lawton Stanley Architecture
BUILDER: LG Development
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Reclaimed Full Range Chicago Commons + LaCantina Doors

 

Prisco Community Center — Prisco, IL

Another day, another successful brickmatching project!  We were pleased to provide a custom brick blend for a large addition to the Fox Valley Park District Prisco Community Center in Aurora, Illinois.

The original building, constructed in the 1980s, was quickly outgrown as the surrounding area swelled in population over the course of the next three decades. Ownership tasked architects, Cordogan Clark, with expanding the popular recreation facility from 1,500 to 5,000 square feet, hoping to replicate the look of the scratched vintage Streator Brick used on the existing facade (pictured in the last image here) along the new eastern wing.

Unfortunately, as so often happens… knowing the source of the bricks didn’t help in procuring more. After all, companies change, as do clay pits, and production techniques! With the manufacturer having gone out of business in 2012, we instead turned to the red brick experts at Ragland Brick. Two of their colors — “Red V-Score” and “Full Range V-Score” were combined in perfectly fine-tuned percentages to evoke the spirit of the original masonry. We were even able to match the yellow accent brick for minor repairs using Brampton Brick’s “Buff Velour” shade.

It was an honor to help the residents of Fox Valley modernize their recreation center for a new era! Community members can now enjoy ample public programming, a brand-new fitness center, meeting rooms, & more all under one (bigger) roof.

LOCATION: 150 W Illinois Ave, Aurora, IL 60506

ARCHITECT: Cordogan Clark
GC: RC Wegman Construction
MASON: Cyberdyne Masonry
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Brampton Brick, Ragland Brick

Boombox Pop-up – Chicago, IL

We were thrilled to help realize the creation of Milwaukee Avenue’s Boombox pop-up storefront. Upcycled from a shipping container, this climate-controlled mini-retail boutique is available to rent for pop-up shops, cultural & community events, brand marketing experiences, & more! LaCantina Doors on the front façade allow the space to open up to the plaza it inhabits, inviting in passerby and area residents.

Check out some past uses of the structure by browsing the #shopboombox tag on Instagram.

AWARDS:
— AIA Chicago Small Projects Award
— SXSW ECO 2016 Place By Design Award

LOCATION: Jan Metzger Court, 1262 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Read more about the project on Architizer.
Learn more on the architect’s website.

ARCHITECT: Latent Design
GC: Formed Space
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

Lakewood Townhomes – Chicago

Over the course of a few years, we had the pleasure of contributing brick to four new construction single-family homes built on North Lakewood Ave in Chicago.

Farthest to the north (#36) was a project designed by BBA Architects, featuring gorgeous “Black Select” waterstruck Morin Brick. Custom jack arch details lend a beautiful sense of history to this new townhome. Built by MC Construction Group, Link Masonry, & McNaughton Development.

The two homes to the south (#30 and #34) were both the work of SGW Architects and GVP Development. The first made use of a classic, flashed red brick from Watsontown Brick known as “Franklin.” The second went with “Bennington B&B,” a legacy color once made in Vermont (now part of Morin Brick). Both residences used these traditional molded products as face brick, with cost-effective, color comparable Interstate Brick on the sides and rear.

The last endeavor (#28) was a super-cool modern design by the architect Seth Romig. We supplied Interstate‘s long-format “Emperor” size brick in the enduringly popular “Platinum” grey color for this sleek contemporary home. Matching Atlas-sized structural bricks were used on the garage.  Built by Professional Masonry and BAK Homes.

Lakeside Residence — Lake Geneva, WI

When you’ve got a gorgeous piece of land adjacent to Lake Geneva, you’re going to need a totally awesome patio to go with it! Working with Ross Builders, we provided two sets of  bifolding LaCantina Doors to give this gorgeous home a truly drool-worthy screened-in porch.

In perfect summer weather, both sets of doors can be folded away to allow for fluid access between the open floor plan living area, the porch, and the back deck’s sprawling views of the surrounding area. No weather can rain on this parade, either… the covered outdoor patio offers the perfect place to enjoy the comforting smells of a warm rain, or — thanks to the built-in screen — enjoy the outdoors even on a particularly buggy evening. In the cooler temperatures of fall, the stone fireplace warms this three-season room up beautifully, with the bifolding doors easily shut tight to keep the chill out of the interior living room. And of course, the residents are treated to floor-to-ceiling views of the backyard all year round.

We’ll never get sick of the creative ways fenestration can take homes to the next level of functionality and comfort!

See more great images on Ross Builders’ website.

Labriola — Chicago

We had the pleasure of providing four sets of custom bifolding doors to River North’s tastiest Italian restaurant, Labriola Chicago!

In temperate weather, these wood-clad folding doors from Door Innovations allow the popular bakery and dining room to spill out onto a pedestrian walkway overlooking Grand Avenue. We love the way the ultra-modern fenestration units were made to fit with the traditional European café style of the space’s interior design — when closed up tight, they look just like a regular wall! Insulated glass helps keeps the heat in all winter long, making this delightful eatery a cozy destination no matter what the season.

From sleek, metal and minimalist, to history-inspired divided lites and wood paneling, these awesome products can work with any space.

ARCHITECT:  Knauer Inc
GC:  Kern Konstruction
INSTALLER: Hudec Woodworking

The Clayton — Chicago

Anyone in the mood for a cigar? Pop on by a project we worked on  — the beautiful retail store and lounge of The Clayton!

Located just steps from the Chicago river, this European-style cigar boutique opened in 2016. We provided bifolding windows from LaCantina Doors to refresh the ground-level storefront of this historic building, allowing patrons to enjoy a breeze while they puff their new purchases.

The black aluminum window frames lend a sleek look to the remodeled exterior façade, while the thermally broken design helps keep the shop toasty warm in the winter.

LOCATION: 212 N CANAL ST, CHICAGO, IL 60606

ARCHITECT: Mohr Architecture
GC: ICI Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

Poolside Addition — Flossmoor, IL

A few years ago we provided a suite of sleek Centor fenestration for this home makeover project in Flossmoor, Illinois.

The owners of this 1960s residence decided to expand the existing floor plan with a two-room addition to the north. Consisting of a new, larger kitchen, plus a four-seasons room at the end, both spaces face out towards the pool deck and golf course adjacent to the property. Obviously, with a gorgeous view like that, and an amazing patio courtesy of the experts at Elemental landscapes Ltd., they needed some top-tier windows, too!

We ended up supplying three sets of bifolding doors — two to seamlessly connect the new rooms to the backyard, and one internal system that can be closed to shut the sunny bonus room off from the rest of the house. In the darkest days of winter, this helps keep energy bills low. The choice to install a wood-burning fireplace in this space was also a smart one… add a couple of blankets, and you’ve got a cozy hangout that’s usable most of the year.

Best of all? When the golfers (or bugs) get a little too close for comfort, privacy can be had in seconds thanks to integrated screens and light-filtering shades installed in each opening. Truly, there’s no weather and no situation where this renovation crafted by Innovative Design Concepts Inc. is anything but ideal!

LOCATION:  Flossmoor, IL

ARCHITECT: Innovative Design Concepts Inc.
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Centor

Three Story Residence — Chicago

Look — no one loves good weather better than a Chicagoan. On a beautifully sunny and temperate day like today, you’ll find countless city residents flinging open their doors and windows to let the breeze waft through!

These homeowners in Lincoln Park outfitted their three-story residence with a set of bi-folding LaCantina Doors on every floor. Perfectly paired with their spacious open floor plan, there’s nothing to stop fresh air from reaching every corner of this contemporary home. Wintertime isn’t a concern, either, as thermally-controlled construction will keep the frigid air right where it belongs… outside. Talk about the best of both worlds!

Believe it or not, we supplied this job all the way back in 2013. It’s nice to see how well this project has aged! In fact, if we sold it again today, there’d only be one change: the customer could email their paperwork in rather than fax it.

LOCATION: Chicago, Lincoln Park

ARCHITECT: Boomgaarden Architects
GC: Bowa Construction
MASON: RV Builders
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors

Mohawk Residence – Chicago

It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since we completed this glamorous single-family residence in Old Town! Working with the architects at Booth Hansen, we supplied a special “Black Select” brick from Morin. Although this handsome, waterstruck brick often contains subtle notes of red, the batch we provided to this project was specifically culled of any warm tones for an ultra-dark, black/brown finish.

Working with the factory, we also had special shapes custom made for the “Jack Arches” above the windows. Note the limestone window surrounds as well, resulting in a classic structure that fits perfectly with the ornamental and detailed architecture of the surrounding historic homes.

See more photos on the architect’s website.

LOCATION: Old Town, Chicago

ARCHITECT: Booth Hansen
MASON: Masonry by Fernando
GC: Harold O. Schulz Company
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Morin Brick

Oak Lawn Bank & Trust — Oak Lawn, IL

Most people think of imposing neoclassical facades when they picture a bank building, but — as these images of Oak Lawn Bank & Trust show — the community-minded folks at Wintrust much prefer architecture that feels approachable and at home in the neighborhoods they serve!

With ownership pointing to Beverly Bank & Trust at 103rd & Western as their design inspiration, the talented team at TRIA Architecture came to us in search of the perfect redbrick. After looking at a number of options, this soft, sanded-finish product made by Watsontown Brick won by a landslide. With varied tonality created by the flashing process in-kiln, the hue is reminiscent of traditional oldworld masonry. Artful brickwork details and ivory accents add visual interest and minimize the structure’s large walls, ultimately adding a welcoming prescence to the streetscape of 95th Street.

One thing is for sure: this handsome project is sure to stand the test of time, just like the institution’s commitment to its clients!

LOCATION: Oak Lawn, IL
ARCHITECT: TRIA Architecture
GC: Riis Borg Construction Co.
MASON: Illinois Masonry Corp.
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Watsontown Brick

 

The Firehouse – Chicago

Check out this great residential application of some bifolding LaCantina Doors! This thermally broken 7-panel system includes integrated Centor screens and a split finish of anodized clear aluminum on the exterior and classy anodized bronze inside.

While planning for the renovation of this historic former Chicago fire department building, the location’s proximity to the CTA had to be kept in mind. Triple-glazed windows and laminated safety glass within the doors protects against the rumbling of the train right behind this property.

Location: Ravenswood, Chicago

Architect: Odile Compagnon
GC/Install: Facilities Planning & Construction
Products Supplied: LaCantina Doors, Centor Screens, Reclaimed Full Range Chicago Common thin brick

Schiller Residence – Chicago

This custom single-family home in Wicker Park designed by SPACE Architects maximizes the gathering space of its dining room by allowing for easy spillover onto the porch in nice weather (check out the awesome built-in grill, too). Come wintertime, thermally insulating glass keeps the party in and the cold out!

Architect: SPACE Architects + Planners
Developer: Little Pink Houses (Scott Gardner)
Products supplied: LaCantina Doors, Lakewood/Summit Brick

Ecofriendly Estate – Burr Ridge, IL

When you’re building a large house, energy-efficiency is super important to keeping your heating & cooling bills low. On this Burr Ridge home, the client opted for Cradle-to-Cradle Certified windows from Exclusive Wood Group, which ultimately led to the property being designated as a passive house!

This project is also a great example of how important the ability to customize your products is. After all, sometimes you need tinted windows on your pool house… we won’t ask, and you don’t have to tell!

LOCATION: Burr Ridge, Illinois

ARCHITECT: J Stanulis Architects
GC: 2MB Design Studio, Inc
INSTALL: Mark Roman 
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: LaCantina Doors (pool house), EWG Windows (main house)

 

Bucktown Pocket Door – Chicago

Jeff Jack Apartments – Chicago

Indoor pool… meet outdoor patio. The thermally controlled bifolding LaCantina Doors on Jeff Jack Apartments‘ rooftop pool deck allow for this indoor pool to become an outdoor pool in a matter of seconds!

We might be biased, but this design is truly the perfect solution for a Chicago apartment building that strives to offer awesome amenities in all four seasons.

Architect: Thomas Roszak Architecture
GC: Clark Construction
Installer: Elston Window & Wall

Location: Jeff Jack Apartments, 601 W Jackson, Chicago IL 60661

Products Supplied: TC Aluminum Commercial LaCantina Bifolding Doors

Kenilworth Residence – Elmhurst, IL

Check out this beautiful reclaimed brick single family home in Elmhurst!

Designed by Charles Vincent George Architects, this house uses Full Range Sand Buff Chicago common bricks salvaged from a building up near Loyola University in Rogers Park. The owners were even able to visit the building prior to its scheduled demolition to see the source material for their new home.

Although we can’t provide exact sourcing for every pallet of reclaimed bricks in our yard (some have been here for decades), we always relish the occasional opportunity to connect clients with the living history of their vintage masonry. When preservation fails, at least salvage prevails!

Architect:  Charles Vincent George Architects
GC: JS Home Builders
Products Supplied: Sand Buff Reclaimed Brick

Wood Street Residence – Chicago

As a 100% recycled, sustainable product, what’s not to love about Greenleaf Brick? Several years ago, we supplied some of their handsome, deep red, long-format bricks to Brininstool – Lynch for this award-winning residential project in Chicago.

Although this single-family home won multiple commendations from AIA Chicago, it feels most fitting that the design took home the 2018 “Divine Detail Award”. Using two different colors of Spec Mix mortar, the exterior of this property employs a tuckpointing technique dating back to the work of masons in England during the late 18thcentury. The head joints of the brick were custom-colored to match the brick, while a natural grey mortar was used along the horizontal joints, creating a strong horizontal emphasis. Surprising no one… this pointing method was beloved by Frank Lloyd Wright and other Prairie Style architects. Inside the building, all of the mortar was toned to match the brick for a more subtle look.

Learn more about this project on the architect’s website.

Architect: Brininstool – Lynch
GC: Goldberg General Contracting
Photography: Christopher Barrett
Products Supplied: Spec-Mix mortar, Greenleaf Brick

Fremont Residence – Chicago

How handsome is the masonry on this new construction project designed to look like a classic Lincoln Park residence? Despite its luxurious sprawl across four city lots, this stately home blends in seamlessly with the 19th-century buildings sharing its block.

The team at Burns + Beyerl Architects knew that a careful brick choice would lend a sense of old-world tradition to the modern design. Opting for a heavily flashed, cross-set color known as “Woodlyn” from Watsontown Brick, this antique-style molded product evokes the handmade processes of yesteryear. A dusting of sand is used to help the unfired, wet clay bricks slide out of their molds, which are loosely packed for a rough-hewn appearance.

Custom limestone accents and gorgeous, naturalistic landscaping help tie the elegant property together and nestle it among its neighbors. We love the way this one came out, and have enjoyed a long relationship with BBA ever since — solidified by our mutual appreciation for masonry with vintage character, of course!

LOCATION: Lincoln Park, Chicago

ARCHITECT: Burns + Beyerl Architects
GC: Bulley & Andrews
MASON: Crouch-Seranko
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Watsontown Brick

 

Byron Residence – Chicago

How beautiful is the “Ochre Buff” Interstate Brick on this custom single-family home in Lakeview?

With next-door neighbors just a few feet away, the design of this luxury townhome had to take fire safety into account. We were pleased to provide 8x4x16″ Atlas structural brick to the project, which comes with a code-compliant 4-hour fire rating. Homeowners aiming for a cohesive aesthetic on all sides of their building will be pleased to know that matching face brick is available as well.

The rear of this home features a multi-level backyard and TWO fireplaces, enabling cozy outdoor patio hangs nearly all year round. We love the way this one turned out!

ARCHITECT: Studio D Architecture
GC: Trinity Home Development
MASON: ENZ Masonry
PRODUCT SUPPLIED: Interstate Brick

Check out this video which shows the fire rating process of an ATLAS structural clay brick assembly!

Grand Food Center – Winnetka, IL

Gillespie Design Group and the ownership of Grand Food Center in Winnetka designed an addition to the original, smaller local grocery chain.

Location: 606 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka, IL 60093

Products: Interstate Brick Company, Slotted Structural “ATLAS” Brick “Copperstone” color.

Notes: The brick was 2-1/4″ tall (just like a modular size brick) but the length was 15-5/8″ You would not be able to tell from the images since the brick appears to be a modular sized unit. The brick is actually 8″ deep and is the structural load bearing element of the building addition. An added bonus is that this #structural #masonry unit is also fire rated and certified by Underwriters Laboratories. Check out UL U935 for more information.

FairPlay Foods – Chicago

Structural brick kept this project IN BUDGET! Clay masonry units that measure 8″ x 4″ x 16″ were used to create a single wythe structural brick wall. Contrary to popular believe, single wythe masonry is safe when done with a clay product, designed, and executed correctly. Proper flashing, mortar, and materials are required and can be found by working closely with your Bricks Incorporated sales team.

Location: 4640 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60609

Products: Interstate Brick Company “Mountain Red” and “Arctic White” colors were used to construct this retail building. Bond beams, veneer units and structural bricks all match because they are all made from the same clay at the same brick plant.

Radisson Blu Hotel – Chicago

It must have been a bit intimidating to tackle the interior design of Radisson Blu Chicago’s hotel lobby and common spaces — after all, this 18-story hotel is located at the base of Studio Gang’s critically-acclaimed Aqua Tower. The distinctive Chicago skyscraper was long known as the world’s tallest building created by a woman-owned firm, only losing the title recently to its next-door neighbor (another Gang creation known as the St. Regis / Wanda Vista).

Thankfully, the designers at Graven knew what to do. Taking a page from Gang’s philosophy of connecting architecture to its environment, community, and people, the lobby features large piers clad in our city’s characteristic reclaimed brick. Various sized openings in the wall create negative space reminiscent of Chicago’s skyline, itself a patchwork quilt of old and new.

Amongst this display of “Full Range” common brick & matching thin brick, sporadic backlit LED glass blocks integrated into the masonry add a fun, contemporary twist. The overall effect is glamourous, sparkly, infused with history, and inextricably paired with its place in space.

LOCATION: 221 North Columbus Drive Chicago, IL 60601

ARCHITECTS: Studio Gang + Loewenberg Architects
INTERIOR DESIGN: Graven
GC: McHugh Construction
DEVELOPMENT: Carlson Hospitality / Magellan Development

Trader Joes – Evanston, IL

Evanston was grateful when an affordable, attractive, well designed Trader Joe’s was constructed in the town.

Location: 1211 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202

Architect of Record: OKW Architects 

Products: Interstate Brick Company “atlas” structural brick with dimensions of 8x4x16 (depth, height, length) were used to construct a load bearing single wythe clay brick wall. Color: Monterey Matte

A fire rated 4 hour wall was achieved by OKW Architects.