SCB’s latest historic renovation project is the Belden-Stratford, a beaux-arts former hotel-turned-apartment building from the 1920’s. Purchased in 2018 by Chicago business executive Joe Mansueto, SCB was engaged to renovate the building for modern living yet simultaneously preserve and restore original design elements. “As a former resident, my desire to invest in this property came from my personal love of this city, neighborhood and preserving great architecture,” said Mansueto. “So returning The Belden to its former glory was an easy decision — especially as the building approaches its 100th anniversary. It’s wonderful to preserve an iconic building for many generations to come.”

SCB provided architectural and interior design services for the project. The design team faced a significant challenge: the only original reference document was one set of structural drawings from the 1920’s. Using historic photos as a guide, the designers were able to authentically reintroduce the glass and steel canopy that crowned the main entrance, as well as restore and replicate interior design features such as original gilded plaster molding with gold-leaf detailing.

Read more in the Chicago Sun Times.