The renovation and re-use of existing buildings is vital to the health
of our city. The goal of The Chicago Sustainable Manufacturing Center (CSMC)
is to provide an applicable model to the manufacturing sector for ecologically
responsible and sustainable urban industrial development. This project is
a partnership between Client and Architectural Firm who both envision a
sustainable world. Originally a warehouse, this 24,000 s.f., three story
building fell into disrepair. It was part of the original Central Manufacturing
District and will become the first sustainably renovated structure in Chicago's
Stockyards Industrial Corridor.
1. To create an atmosphere and community that will encourage sustainable business practices and social responsibility among tenants.
2. To provide community space within the building for conferences and meetings and an exhibition space to promote discourse on sustainability.
3. To provide a test bed for the application of energy efficient technologies and methods, using the highest possible amount of recycled material. In this fashion, CSMC will help to revitalize an underdeveloped/urban Chicago area, providing skilled jobs through innovative partnerships and encourage neighboring industry to move toward sustainability.
4. Become a resource center and a showcase for sustainable development. It will provide a community-based model for others who seek solutions and wish to contribute toward the development of a more sustainable industrial methodology.
The CSMC renovation uses local suppliers, and substantial amounts of the
building materials have been obtained from disposal companies and scrappers.
These are materials which were heading for landfills, but are perfectly
usable.