CHICAGO—MB Real Estate is teaming with Wirtz Realty to launch sustainability initiatives at 333 North Michigan Avenue as part of recently launched Retrofit Chicago’s Commercial Buildings Initiative.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the Commercial Buildings Initiative last week. The initiative includes 14 buildings, totaling more than 14 million sq. ft. Savings generated by the program are estimated to exceed $5 million a year in energy costs.
Wirtz Realty and building manager MB Real Estate are in the planning stages of multiple conservation upgrades for 333 North Michigan Avenue, an Art Deco-period skyscraper. Plans include a new energy management system, a partial replacement of HVAC mechanical equipment and energy-efficient lighting. Participating buildings in the initiative will reduce energy use by 20 percent within the next five years, begin work within six months and share best practices.
333 North Michigan is located in Chicago at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Architecturally noted for its upper-level setbacks, the building is one of the four flanks of the Michigan Avenue Bridge.
The 35-story property is included in the Michigan-Wacker Historic District, a United States Registered Historic District.
The 362,757-sq.-ft. building was designed by Holabird & Root and completed in 1928. Art Deco in form and materials, the building has a polished granite base, ornamental bands and reliefs illustrating frontiersman and Native Americans at Fort Dearborn.