DLR Group and Hines are collaborating to deliver a new T3 (Timber, Transit and Technology) building on Chicago’s Goose Island.
Following the success of Hines’ T3 buildings across the U.S. and internationally, DLR Group is designing the the metro’s first mass timber office building—one of the first timber buildings since the Great Chicago Fire.
Located in Chicago’s North Branch Framework along the Chicago River, the building supports the redevelopment of Goose Island into a highly sought-after commercially anchored district, according to DLR Group.
“T3 Goose Island will help turn the neighborhood into a top destination for companies looking for a leading-edge workspace,” said Design Leader Stephen Cavanaugh. “Aside from its amenities, the space is elevated through the warm, exposed wood structure that attracts tenants with environmental values and an interest in employee wellbeing.”
The six-story 270,000-square-foot timber structure will rise, ironically, on the former site of Big Bay Lumber Yard at 1017 W. Division Street and will cater to employees who value modern workplace design and work/life balance through common lounges, bike storage, a fitness center and ground-floor retail. DLR Group said it will also feature private balconies encouraging a unique indoor-outdoor connection, supplementing a communal rooftop deck.
In a conversation with Urbanize Chicago in April, Hines Managing Director Brian Atkinson discussed the many health, environmental and economic benefits of this kind of design. He also said that the project’s location outside of Chicago’s Central Business District could be a selling point for businesses wanting to avoid the CBD’s population density.
Not only that, Urbanize confirmed that timber construction is more sustainable than that of concrete or steel and all current projects meet or exceed the strict fire rating standards set by the City of Chicago.
