AltusWorks

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AltusWorks AltusWorks is a technically oriented architectural design firm specializing in adaptations, expansions and restorations of existing and historic buildings.

We’re excited to see the construction progressing at the Preservation of Affordable Housing’s (POAH) Corcoran Place Apar...
10/08/2026

We’re excited to see the construction progressing at the Preservation of Affordable Housing’s (POAH) Corcoran Place Apartments in the Austin neighborhood. As preservationists we are particularly excited about the masonry restoration of the older of the two buildings. The subtle difference the new masonry coating provides for the north, east and south elevations is truly impactful. When properly coated, masonry, like the common brick of this building, can be protected from further degradation and water infiltration.

This project shows the positive effect that preservation and rehabilitation services have on existing buildings. Stay tuned here for more on the impact of preservation in our communities.

Element Energy Consulting, Garza Karhoff Engineering, LLC, Berglund Construction

10/01/2026

Two weeks ago, our principals, Ellen, Terry, and Carolyn attended the CAC Gala at the Obama Presidential Center. It was good to see the site again after working on the project. The Center serves as a place for community, learning, leadership, and engagement and we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of bringing it to life.

AltusWorks provided Building Envelope Commissioning services for this celebrated project. Our commissioning agents provided detailed reviews and analysis of the owner’s project requirements, basis of design, and design documents that helped define the performance and long-term durability of the project. We performed quality assurance reviews of mock-up and in-situ system testing to verify that assemblies were properly installed and met their performance criteria.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime project to be a part of, and we can’t wait to see the impact the Obama Presidential Center continues to bring into the future.

Obama Foundation Chicago Architecture Center

AltusWorks is proud to announce that our first projects under our retainer contract directly with Metra are kicking off!...
09/24/2026

AltusWorks is proud to announce that our first projects under our retainer contract directly with Metra are kicking off! These projects include façade assessments, rehabilitation recommendations and construction documents for three of the agency’s key facilities.

The AltusWorks team, including Arup, Thornton Tomasetti, Synnov Group, and Ramirez Group, is conducting hands-on analysis, structural assessments, and historic masonry façade restoration and roof replacement planning at Metra Headquarters at 547 W. Jackson, restoration planning of masonry walls flanking the raised tracks of the Richard B. Ogilvie Transportation Center (OTC) at 500 W. Madison, and full envelope restoration of the Kensington Signal Tower at 115th Street on Chicago’s South Side. Employing LiDAR scanning, drone flight technology, and traditional man-lift and swing stage access, our team will efficiently assess 100% of wall and roof areas at all three facilities.

We are honored to help preserve and extend the life of these facilities that provide essential transportation to Chicagoans every day.

AltusWorks is looking for a senior level Architect experienced in navigating complex public-sector projects who will col...
09/17/2026

AltusWorks is looking for a senior level Architect experienced in navigating complex public-sector projects who will collaboratively lead projects with our growing staff and offer our clients detail-oriented and technical solutions.

For this role we are seeking someone with a minimum of 10 years’ professional experience and strong design and client relation skills to lead architectural design, rehabilitation, and improvement projects. This role combines technical leadership, project management, design expertise, and client collaboration to support the continued operation and improvement of transportation and other public-sector projects throughout the region.

Learn more about our work on our website (altusworks.com) and apply here: Contact - AltusWorks

Please join us in welcoming Nick Welch to AltusWorks!As AltusWorks' Marketing Coordinator, Nick helps share the stories ...
09/10/2026

Please join us in welcoming Nick Welch to AltusWorks!

As AltusWorks' Marketing Coordinator, Nick helps share the stories behind the firm's projects, highlighting the people, ideas, and communities that shape our work. Through thoughtful and engaging storytelling, he shares the histories and cultural narratives that define communities.

Nick earned his bachelor’s in business administration with a minor in leadership from the University of North Florida. Drawing on his educational background and experience in the civil engineering and landscape architecture industries, he excels at translating complex projects into interesting and accessible narratives.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys going to festivals, new restaurants, and experiences across the city.

Welcome, Nick!

School is back in session and so is the Beasley Academic Center pool. The center was originally built for the Chicago Pu...
09/03/2026

School is back in session and so is the Beasley Academic Center pool. The center was originally built for the Chicago Public Schools in 1978 and currently provides a free Child Parent Center preschool program along with a selective enrollment gifted program and regular education magnet school programs for K-8. As the Architect for the swimming pool renovations AltusWorks completed a detailed leak assessment of the pool facility and designed the comprehensive repairs to bring the pool back into operation.

The project focused on renovations to the swimming pool basin and filtration system which included regrouting the original mosaic tile pool liner, incorporating a new stainless steel surge tank into the pool equipment room, a new main drain, and adding two new main drain sumps in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. To complete the renovation interior finishes and systems were replaced and refreshed.

As trusted advisors to Chicago Public Schools who have worked on more than 20 aquatic facilities, we love to see the community get excited over new developments. AltusWorks is honored to have a hand in bringing back this centerpiece to Beasley Academic Center.

You can read more about the community’s efforts to reopen the pool, their excitement around its rehabilitation, and the new swim curriculum in Block Club Chicago’s article, linked below.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/08/21/beasley-academic-centers-pool-a-rarity-among-chicago-elementary-schools-has-reopened/

Last week, AltusWorks had a company outing at Rate Field, where we watched the Chicago White Sox  take on the Atlanta Br...
08/27/2026

Last week, AltusWorks had a company outing at Rate Field, where we watched the Chicago White Sox take on the Atlanta Braves in a rescheduled match after the last one was rained out. This time the weather was clear, and America’s favorite pastime took center stage!

From watching the players, enjoying great ballpark treats, and having great conversation; it was a fun and entertaining time.

Here’s to spending time with wonderful people on a nice summer day.

AltusWorks is looking for a senior level Architect experienced in navigating complex public-sector projects who will col...
08/20/2026

AltusWorks is looking for a senior level Architect experienced in navigating complex public-sector projects who will collaboratively lead projects with our growing staff and offer our clients detail-oriented and technical solutions.

For this role we are seeking someone with a minimum of 10 years’ professional experience and strong design and client relation skills to lead architectural design, rehabilitation, and improvement projects. This role combines technical leadership, project management, design expertise, and client collaboration to support the continued operation and improvement of transportation and other public-sector projects throughout the region.

Learn more about our work on our website (altusworks.com) and apply from the link on our page.

Please join us in welcoming Sam Malnati to AltusWorks!Sam has a background in architectural history and a passion for th...
08/13/2026

Please join us in welcoming Sam Malnati to AltusWorks!
Sam has a background in architectural history and a passion for the diverse stories that connect people and places. She earned dual masters' degrees in Urban Planning and Heritage Conservation from the University of Southern California to gain the tools necessary to uplift culturally significant places and ensure they continue to benefit their communities for years to come.
She has diverse experience in archival research, photogrammetry, conditions assessments, preservation planning, Historic Structures Report and HABS/HAER documentation, and virtual tours for cultural institutions.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys oil painting, exploring new cities, and tinkering with broken clocks.
Welcome, Sam!

08/06/2026

The rehabilitation of the 110-year-old Lake Street Bascule Bridge is moving along just like these gears. AltusWorks, partnering with Chicago Department of Transportation and Granite Construction , is advising on the implementation of the preservation plan for the bridge, its headhouses, and lift equipment we developed last year.
The Lake Street Bridge completes lift operations twice per week throughout the summer to let sailboats pass, and the footage shows how the gears move during their operation. The progress of the project continues with the rebuilding of the west bridge house well-underway. The gears will be re-oiled, re-aligned, and refurbished to provide smooth and reliable operation. The gears will also be repainted to match the historic color of the bascule bridge equipment. More updates to come as work goes on for this iconic gateway to Chicago’s Central Business District.

Dirk Matthews Photography

Address

211 N. Clinton Street , Suite 3S
Chicago, IL
60661

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17735451870

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