The Atrium Club transforms a previously underused lightwell and surrounding interior space within the historic 25 E Washington building into a new indoor and outdoor amenity for tenants. Located on the building’s seventh floor, the completed space includes a courtyard terrace and flexible areas for meetings, coworking, dining, and informal gathering.

Originally designed in 1913 by D.H. Burnham and Company as an annex for Marshall Field & Co., the building has undergone numerous renovations over the past century. Forefront’s structural work focused on opening portions of the existing exterior wall and roof around the new terrace while working within the limitations of the existing structure.

Although the structural scope was focused, the project required careful analysis and intricate detailing. Forefront evaluated the existing load paths and developed solutions that minimized costly reinforcement, helping preserve the feasibility of the project without compromising the architectural design. Close coordination with geniant, Eastlake Studio, and Redmond Construction was essential as field conditions were uncovered that differed from the available structural drawings.

The completed Atrium Club demonstrates how thoughtful structural intervention can unlock overlooked areas within an existing building and create entirely new opportunities for gathering, collaboration, and everyday use.