Chicago, IL
55 E. Erie Street
Scope/Solutions
The 646 ft tall condominium building at 55 East Erie Street was completed in 2003 and includes a fifty-six-story tower constructed on an eleven-story podium. Previous facade surveys by others identified areas requiring repairs. The condominium association retained SGH to review the condition of the building’s facade and previous repairs, and provide recommendations for future maintenance.
SGH performed a condition assessment of the facade with punched aluminum-framed windows and primarily clad with architecturally exposed concrete, and the cantilevering balconies on floors fourteen through forty-eight. Highlights of our work include:
- Overseeing a drone survey of the building facades, including obtaining all necessary permissions from the City of Chicago
- Surveying select balconies and other elevations
- Developing a photograph database with information collected from the surveys
- Identifying potential issues with the facades and balconies that require repair
- Preparing and filing forms documenting our observations as required by the City of Chicago
- Providing a rough order-of-magnitude cost estimate to help the condominium association budget for the next ten years of facade maintenance and repairs
- Designing and administering concrete and sealant repairs for the facades
Project Summary
Solutions
Repair & Rehabilitation
Services
Building Enclosures | Performance & Code Consulting
Markets
Residential
Client(s)
FirstService Residential
Specialized Capabilities
Condition Assessments | Facade Inspection Ordinances
Key team members

Additional Projects
Midwest
Ravenswood Senior Living
The project involved a complete renovation of the 225,000 sq ft facility and a five-story vertical addition. SGH was the structural engineer of record and building enclosure consultant for the project.
Midwest
4646 Broadway Lofts
Shortly after construction, occupants reported water leakage, condensation on window frames and glazing, and areas of uncomfortably warm or cool temperatures. SGH investigated the issues and developed repair concepts to address problems with the enclosure and mechanical systems.