Skokie, IL
4901 Searle Parkway
Scope/Solutions
4901 Searle Parkway was constructed in 1941 as the G.D. Searle & Co. headquarters and is, along with its 1958 and 1965 additions, now part of the Illinois Science and Technology Park. American Landmark Properties (ALP) acquired the three-story building in 2017. Recognizing that it suffered from deteriorated and cracked masonry, water leakage, poor performing windows, aging roofs, and deteriorated metal panels, ALP engaged SGH to perform a comprehensive building enclosure assessment and develop a prioritized repair plan.
Our building enclosure assessment included the following:
- Reviewing available construction and previous repair documents
- Surveying the interior and exterior building components in the vicinity of reported water infiltration, condensation, failed metal coatings, and cracked brick masonry
- Performing water testing at the ribbon windows, vertical strips of curtain wall at the cylindrical entrance, and at the metal cornice
- Making observations at exploratory openings in the masonry and roofing
- Performing adhesion tests of the coating systems on the steel eyebrow projections at the ribbon windows
SGH developed a prioritized repair approach that addressed critical enclosure needs and incorporated desired aesthetic improvements, but also allowed the client to phase the work. Highlights of our repair design include the following:
- Reconstructing the brick masonry parapet, including new copper through-wall flashing and roofing base flashing
- Overcladding deteriorated wood trim jambs at the vertical strip windows, horizontal steel eyebrow projections at ribbon windows, and select cornice locations along the roof and penthouse with new metal panels
We worked with ALP to obtain and evaluate contractor bids. We also provided construction administration services, including reviewing submittals and visiting the site to observe ongoing construction.