Chicago-based Lucien Lagrange Studio announces it is celebrating its 5th anniversary this month, a milestone that ushers in the next chapter for the boutique architecture firm led by acclaimed architect Lucien Lagrange together with long-time collaborators Alfredo Marr, managing principal; My-Nga Lam, design principal; and Victor Krasnopolsky, design principal.
“When we established Lucien Lagrange Studio in 2016, our intention was to build on our brand’s legacy of enduring designs, interpret our aesthetic in new ways and in new markets, and also give clients a hands-on, collaborative experience when working with our team,” said Lagrange, whose tenure in the industry has spanned more than five decades and includes iconic Chicago buildings such as Park Tower, Erie on the Park, Lincoln Park 2550 and the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. “I’m incredibly proud to say we’ve done all that and more, as evidenced by the many projects we have in progress across the country and the new client relationships we’ve built. The next year promises to be a busy one thanks to the pipeline of work coming our way, representing our expanding portfolio and a bright outlook for our next phase of growth.”
Currently, Lucien Lagrange Studio has active projects across the Chicago area as well as in Texas and Hawaii, including:
RIU Plaza Hotel, 150 E. Ontario Street, Chicago:
Chicago developer The Prime Group recently received City Council approval for a Lucien Lagrange Studio-designed hotel at 150 E. Ontario Street that will bring Spanish brand RIU to the city’s Streeterville neighborhood. The architectural team now is finalizing the design and preparing to start construction shortly after the start of 2022.
“The city was very supportive of our design and the approval vote was unanimous, which is very unusual,” said Lagrange. “The RIU team very much wants this to be a Chicago building and have a unique architectural expression, and so gave us full autonomy on the design. We’re proud they chose us for a project that will help reenergize the local hospitality landscape as the city emerges from the pandemic.”
40 West Oak Street, Chicago:
The Lucien Lagrange Studio team is moving forward with the next design stage for 40 West Oak, a new-construction 35-story condo building in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood at Dearborn and Oak streets. Developed by Nahla Capital, the 75-unit project was approved in December 2020.
“We are currently preparing drawings and renderings that will be used in the sales process,” said Lagrange. “The Gold Coast is one of Chicago’s most sought-after and distinctive residential districts, known for its classic, refined architecture, including buildings I designed that are in close proximity to 40 West Oak, such as 65 E. Goethe, Park Tower and the Waldorf Astoria.”
8000 North, Skokie, Ill.:
Construction is well underway for 8000 North, a new apartment development in Skokie, Ill. that represents Lucien Lagrange Studio’s first rental property in Chicago’s suburbs. Developed by Murphy Development Group, the 12-story building will bring urban-inspired apartment living to the heart of Skokie’s downtown district. The 153-unit luxury building is expected to open in early 2022.
“We designed this property to have the same elegance, style and street presence you would find in a chic city neighborhood, to match the luxury rental lifestyle it will offer,” said Lagrange. “This part of Skokie has an active, vibrant streetscape, and we expect 8000 North will only add to that energy.”
Multifamily Projects in Hawaii and Texas
Construction will begin soon on two Lucien Lagrange Studio-designed multifamily projects in partnership with developer USA Infrastructure Investments. For Pulelehua Residential, a 304-acre master-planned residential community in Maui, Hawaii, the Lucien Lagrange Studio team designed the multifamily component of the project’s first phase, including a total of 240 market-rate and affordable rental units. Construction is planned to start later in 2021, with first occupancy in 2023. In Dallas, construction will start later this year on a new 17-story luxury high rise in the city’s Turtle Creek neighborhood.
“The designs of these two projects are incredibly different, as befits their geographic locations, but they have both been exciting opportunities to introduce our aesthetic to brand-new markets,” said Lagrange. “We’re eager to see construction underway and our vision for these unique sites become a reality.”
20,000-Square-Foot Law Office, Chicago
Earlier in 2021, Lucien Lagrange Studio completed work with a client for the interior design of a 20,000-square-foot law office in Chicago’s Loop. Highlights of the classically designed space include custom ornamental bronze and glass doors, decorative ceiling moldings, and wood paneled walls to showcase an extensive art collection.
“While most people know us for our architectural services, we’ve been quite successful parlaying our aesthetic and skill set into interior design,” said Lagrange. “It will continue to be a growing business channel for us, as many of our clients appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with us on interiors that reflect our Lucien Lagrange Studio style – whether it’s a residential, hospitality or commercial space.”
Lagrange noted that entering new markets, pursuing new business channels and building new client relationships has been the most rewarding aspect of the first five years of Lucien Lagrange Studio. “The reason I love this industry is that even after 50 years in architecture, there are still exciting new things to do and discover,” he said. “That’s what keeps me moving forward, and I’m lucky to have such a talented team sharing this leg of the journey with me.”