CHICAGO, IL - Chicago-based Mary Cook Associates (MCA), a national, award-winning commercial interior design firm, announces it has been awarded five projects in Chicago and surrounding Midwest markets, spanning the multifamily, recreation and hospitality sectors.
“Based on the volume of work we have coming in, it’s obvious the last 18 months of stay-at-home orders, shutdowns of public spaces and social distancing have given everyone a heightened appreciation for their surroundings and how space is used,” said Mary Cook, founder and president of Mary Cook Associates. “That makes it an extremely rewarding time to be working in our industry, whether we’re designing a new multifamily amenity space, model apartments or even a recreational facility. Each of these projects reflects a renewed understanding by our clients of the value of thoughtful, well-planned designs.”
Tribune Tower Residences, Chicago
Developers CIM Group and Golub & Company selected the Mary Cook Associates team to design five condominium model residences as well as the sales gallery for Tribune Tower Residences, the 36-story landmark building at 435 N. Michigan Ave. that was previously the headquarters of the Chicago Tribune.
“As a Chicago-based company, it’s incredibly exciting for us to be part of a project that’s shaping the next chapter for such an iconic and architecturally significant building in our city,” said Cook. “While our design process is always informed first and foremost by the psychographics of the individuals who will ultimately use the space, there’s certainly no shortage of inspiration to be drawn from the Tribune Tower’s beautifully ornate and detailed exterior – not to mention the aspirational lifestyle future residents will enjoy in this premier downtown location.”
Cook noted the models at Tribune Tower will showcase the breadth of floor plans at the 162-unit building, which is more generous than in typical new-construction high-rises. “We were very thoughtful in working with the developer and sales team to curate the right mix of floor plans to showcase as models – from an expansively sized home to a more traditional one-bedroom layout, to one with a unique architectural feature that’s only available in this historic building,” she said.
The sales models are expected to open in late fall.
8000 North, Skokie, Ill.
In Skokie, Ill., a near-north suburb of Chicago, the MCA team was tapped to design the interiors for 8000 North, a new 12-story, 153-unit rental property located at 8000 N. Lincoln Ave. Developed by Murphy Real Estate Services and designed by Chicago-based architecture firm Lucien Lagrange Studio, the building stands on a prime intersection in downtown Skokie, bringing a walkable, luxury rental option to the village.
“The appeal of this type of city-inspired rental lifestyle in a suburban location has even more traction thanks to the flexibility many people continue to have to work from home,” said Cook. “We’ve added to the upscale, urban flavor of this project by creating refined, sophisticated spaces that complement the elegant exterior architecture of the building.”
MCA designed all common areas and amenities at 8000 North, including the lobby and mailroom, leasing center and an upper-level amenity space that includes a club room, billiards and gaming area, and a private dining area that opens onto an outdoor deck. Additionally, the team designed three model units. The building is under construction and expected to open in early 2022.
Everton Flats, Warrenville, Ill.
Earlier this year, Mary Cook Associates completed work for developer Atlantic Residential in designing the clubhouse, leasing center and three model apartments at Everton Flats, a new Class A 259-unit rental community in Warrenville, a western suburb of Chicago.
“This project was executed entirely during the pandemic and was a real testament to our team’s capabilities to deliver our work on time, even while navigating a myriad of unusual circumstances,” said Cook.
Everton features more than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenity space, including a clubhouse with a club room, game lounge, fitness center and coworking space, as well as an outdoor pool with a cabana area and grilling stations. The MCA team took its cue from the building’s prairie style-inspired architecture and created a current interpretation of that aesthetic for the clubhouse interiors, with brick from the exterior wrapping into the fireplace, double-height windows, and grand volume accentuated by wood beams in the club room. “While this is a traditional, open clubhouse with a communal feel, we made sure to also create small pockets and seating areas where residents can find privacy for a conversation with a neighbor or a quick phone call,” said Cook.
HKM Architects and Planners is the architect for the community, which opened in January 2021.
River Forest Country Club, Elmhurst, Ill.
As part of a capital improvement master plan for River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst, Ill., Mary Cook Associates was chosen as the interiors partner for the renovation and expansion of an existing paddle tennis and pool facility, which includes an indoor club room, bar and dining area that open to a covered paddle lounge and expansive deck overlooking four paddle courts.
“Paddle tennis is a very social sport, so understanding how club members use the space before and after matches, as well as for watching others play, informed our design approach,” said Cook. “It was important to establish a relationship between the courts, surrounding deck and indoor areas so it feels like one cohesive space. We also added elements to create a social, club-like feel, such as movable card tables that can accommodate different groups and activities, two golf simulators, and outdoor fire tables.”
The MCA team is also updating the facility’s locker rooms and pool deck furniture. Naperville, Ill.-based CVG Architects is the architect for the project, which is expected to be completed for the 2022 season.
Kinn MKE Guesthouse, Milwaukee
The owner of Kinn Guesthouse in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood has hired Mary Cook Associates to design the interiors for the boutique hotel brand’s second Milwaukee location, Kinn MKE Guesthouse. The 32-room hotel, designed by Milwaukee-based Vetter Architects, is the redevelopment of a historic four-story office building at 600 N. Broadway that is expected to open by the end of 2021.
“As travel resumes, many people will be seeking one-of-kind experiences that a boutique hotel like Kinn offers,” said Cook. “We always say that if you try to design for everyone, you’ll end up with a vanilla space that speaks to no one – so we love the opportunity to bring a really specific vision that will resonate with a very targeted audience.”
The MCA team is collaborating with the architect on the design of the hotel’s guest rooms as well as common areas and amenity spaces, which include a shared living room, dining area and kitchen on each floor, plus a rooftop event space.
“The Kinn concept is that these shared spaces feel like a home, not a conventional hotel, which makes it fun to use that approach with furnishings and accessories,” said Cook.
For more information about Mary Cook Associates, visit www.marycook.com