Ganz Hall
Chicago, Illinois
2004
Ganz Hall, housed in the Auditorium Building on Roosevelt University’s Chicago campus, was originally designed by Louis Sullivan in 1890. As a National Historic Landmark building and interior space, this once-grand 4,000 square foot recital hall featured intricate plaster and carved wood ornaments, lavish stained glass windows, and cast iron electric chandeliers, all of which had fallen into disrepair.
Based only on archival photographs, new chandeliers were molded and cast in a rigorous process that replicated the original “electroliers” down to the Edison carbon filament light bulbs. Each of the 450-pound, six-foot tall lights were covered with gold leaf and hand-painted. The stage was reconstructed, ornate carved wood panels on the interior were restored, and new seating and carpeting were installed. A new mechanical system provides proper environmental conditions for all the historic surfaces, and is also acoustically isolated, offering a quiet and high-quality music listening environment. The hall, while owned by the University, is open to the public and is now an extremely successful modern performance space.
Awards: 2005 AIA Chicago Divine Detail Award, 2005 AIA Chicago Interior Architecture Citation of Merit Award, 2003 Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence
Two offset linear masses linked by a light-filled kitchen contain living and sleeping spaces respectively. The courtyards that result from this configuration are extensions of the interior spaces, made accessible by the operable glass facade that brings natural light and ventilation in. Deep roof overhangs and the relocation of existing olive trees provide shade to all glass exposures. An infinity-edge pool reinforces the floating roof lines. Views are caught in reflections off the glass and water, changing with every shift in perspective and passing hour. A forty-two foot long painting brings natural themes and colors indoors as it stretches across the living spaces. With its clean lines and limited palette, the home serves as a backdrop for the panoramic views and owners’ art collection.
The project presented an opportunity to restore the native desert landscape that had been disrupted by lawn from a previous development. The home’s mindful footprint preserves existing drought-tolerant vegetation on approximately sixty percent of the site. The structural system maximizes the use of wood, thereby relying on local materials and labor. A Palm Springs craftsman produced the custom thin-profile window system.
2016 Gold Nugget Awards - Grand Award for Best Custom Home