Tall & Urban News

JPMorgan Chase unveiled major renovation plans for the 61-story Chase Tower in Chicago, its local headquarters building. This reinforces the company’s commitment to the city and is a strong sign that downtown Chicago is continuing to come back after the pandemic. The project will transform the high-rise,  known for its unique inward-sweeping curve, into a modern, state-of-the-art workplace with flexible, collaborative spaces that can easily adapt to the future of work.

“We’re incredibly proud of our 160-year history as Chicago’s premier financial services company,” said Doug Petno, Co-Head of J.P. Morgan Global Banking. “This significant investment in our Chicago headquarters reaffirms JPMorgan Chase’s commitment to preserving the city’s vital urban center as well as providing our team members with state-of-the-art facilities.”

The company says the project will create more than 970 local construction jobs, triggering $264 million for Cook County and $377 million for Illinois overall, during the buildout phase. The renovation, the first in more than 20 years for the 55-year-old building, will refurbish the outside plaza; update the lobby, mezzanine and food hall; and build a fitness center in addition to improving workspaces throughout the building. A new conference and client center at the top of the building will be added, and the elevator systems will be updated. The renovations will also include an improved outdoor plaza area with outdoor seating, covered canopy, landscaping, and accessibility to the treasured Chagall “Four Seasons” mosaic. 

The architecture firm Gensler will be the lead architect for the Chase Tower renovation. The plans for renovation design are expected to achieve a LEED certification rating with more water-efficient fixtures, low-embodied carbon materials, and carbon neutral flooring. JPMorgan Chase said it set a goal of awarding 35% of the contracts for the renovation to minority- and women-owned businesses.

Learn more about this story at JP Morgan Chase.