Best be known to Chicagoans as home to Miller’s Pub, the building at 30 E. Adams Street has undergone a transformative renovation. CEDARst Companies has repositioned the historic building as The Alfred, a 176-unit FLATS apartment building.
“We feel privileged to breathe new life into another amazing historic work of architecture,” said Will Murphy, co-partner of CEDARst Companies. It is our pleasure to bring authentic environments to our residents and to preserve the character of these buildings for generations to come.”
CEDARst Companies collaborated with SPACE Architects + Planners to adaptively reuse the property, its first FLATS project in the Loop. Renovations included careful restoration of the brick and terra cotta façade as well as replacement/restoration of Chicago-style three-paned windows and original bay windows. In the apartments, vaulted ceilings provide an open, lofty vibe.
“We were able to retain so many elements of the original building, such as original bay windows and herringbone flooring. You don’t see craftsmanship like this anymore,” said Murphy,“I believe residents will enjoy this authenticity and tangible connection to Chicago’s past.”
Elevator door detailing from the original office building, including indicator lights, were preserved and the elevators lobbies feature historic light fixtures originally used in other places around the building. The lobby will provide access to a Heritage Outpost coffee shop, now the third location in conjunction with a FLATS building. Original brass elevator doors with a dial indicating the destination floor that were saved from the building will be on display in the shop.
Installing new mechanical systems that were not only more energy efficient but required less space allowed for the creation of an amenity space for residents on the rooftop terrace. Pulling inspiration from the historic terrazzo lobby floor and marble walls, this rooftop lounge is an oasis of soft blues and grays with touches of black and leather. Features include a kitchen, pool table, desk-style seating, game table and several lounge arrangements, along with a very large outdoor deck surrounded by lush greenery.
Formerly known as the Hartmann Building and built in 1925, The Alfred is named for the original architect, Alfred Alschuler, best known for his design of the landmarked London Guarantee Building which anchors the Michigan Avenue Bridge. CEDARst Companies is pursuing a National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit for this building.
“The Alfred is a great example of the importance of historic tax credits, which are helping to preserve history in downtown Chicago,” said Tim Karp, executive director, community development banking, Chase. Chase also provided historic tax credit equity. “We’re committed to working with key industry players like CEDARst Properties to support neighborhood revitalization projects that are important to local communities.”
The building is pet friendly and features 88 studio apartments, 77 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom units. All apartments have a washer/dryer, subway tile backsplash, custom rain showers, open shelving, custom cabinetry, with select apartments having walk-in closets and dishwashers.