AltusWorks

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

AltusWorks Welcomes Jennifer Ries!Jen rejoins AltusWorks, after nearly 20 years, to augment our preservation services by...
05/28/2026

AltusWorks Welcomes Jennifer Ries!

Jen rejoins AltusWorks, after nearly 20 years, to augment our preservation services by bringing extensive experience in historic preservation, building restoration, and repair projects throughout the country. She combines strong technical knowledge with an artistic approach to develop thoughtful, detailed repair solutions that balance existing construction with modern solutions.

She especially enjoys the hands-on aspects of field work, building documentation, and investigation, and has led project teams through all phases of each project to achieve successful outcomes. Beyond her professional work, Jen enjoys gardening, bike riding, traveling, and live music.

We’re excited to have Jen’s expertise and collaborative approach as she returns to AltusWorks after nearly 20 years!

This  , we’re excited to see construction underway at Corcoran Place Apartments in partnership with the Preservation of ...
05/21/2026

This , we’re excited to see construction underway at Corcoran Place Apartments in partnership with the Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH). AltusWorks performed the initial assessment in 2019 establishing the project scope, and in 2023 developed concept plans and assisted in the successful pursuit of HUD Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) funding.

As the funding was secured, AltusWorks was engaged as the Architect for the rehabilitation of the two senior residential buildings comprising 94 units. The final design integrates thoughtful preservation, accessibility upgrades, and sustainable improvements that will serve residents for years to come.

The project includes electrification of both buildings, rooftop solar panel installation, new windows and roofing, masonry restoration, EIFS repairs, upgraded electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, as well as refreshed interiors with new finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, and appliances. Common spaces are also being reconfigured to better support resident and property management needs.

As preservation professionals, we believe existing buildings are valuable community assets. Projects like Corcoran Place demonstrate how rehabilitation can effectively extend the life of affordable housing while capitalizing on the embedded carbon and improving comfort, efficiency, accessibility, and long-term resiliency for the people who call these buildings home.

Element Energy Consulting; Garza Karhoff Engineering, LLC; Berglund Construction; Preservation of Affordable Housing

Join AltusWorks at the 2026 Chicago Preservation Expo!As part of  , we’re excited to once again exhibit at this annual e...
05/14/2026

Join AltusWorks at the 2026 Chicago Preservation Expo!

As part of , we’re excited to once again exhibit at this annual event celebrating historic preservation across Chicago at the Cultural Center on Monday, May 18, from 4:00–7:00 PM.

Hosted by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, this free event brings together City staff, community organizations, trades experts, and preservation professionals like us who protect and revitalize Chicago’s historic places.

Stop by our table to meet Anney and Matt, learn more about our work in historic preservation and adaptive reuse, and connect with others who share a passion for Chicago’s architectural heritage.

Free tickets available here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/preservation-month/home.html

Happy  !What does a day in the life of a preservation professional look like?It often starts with research, reviewing hi...
05/07/2026

Happy !

What does a day in the life of a preservation professional look like?

It often starts with research, reviewing historic drawings, archival materials, and past documentation to understand a building’s story. From there, we’re either out in the field documenting built conditions, assessing systems and materials, and recording areas of deterioration, or developing written narratives for landmark designation, historic tax credits, or descriptions of project impacts on historic resources.

Back at the desk, that information is translated into thoughtful, buildable solutions. We develop repair strategies based on leading preservation and sustainability philosophies, prepare documents in compliance with the Secretary of Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Structures, and coordinate with clients, agencies, and project team members. During construction, we return to the site to review proper implementation of preservation techniques which support the building’s character-defining features, materials, and systems.

At AltusWorks, our team of preservation architects, historians, and planners brings this work together, bridging research, design, and implementation to extend the life of existing buildings and support the communities they serve.

Follow along this month as we share more about what preservation looks like in practice.

AltusWorks is currently developing concept design materials for the potential new entrance and lobby renovation at the B...
04/30/2026

AltusWorks is currently developing concept design materials for the potential new entrance and lobby renovation at the Benzie Area Historical Society’s museum in Benzonia, Michigan.

Housed in an 1886 Congregational Church listed on the Michigan State Register of Historic Sites, the museum features over 40 exhibits connecting visitors with the life and heritage of the region’s past.

AltusWorks is helping to define the vision, scope, and budget for the project, supporting the Society’s ongoing fundraising efforts and long-term growth. The design envisions a new, accessible entry vestibule and the transformation of the existing archive space into a welcoming main lobby, with the potential for a gift shop, creating a more intuitive, inclusive, and engaging point of entry.

Supporting the continued evolution of historic places while enhancing how people experience and connect with them is at the core of our work.

Ferdinanda Marcic has joined AltusWorks!Ferdinanda brings experience across a wide range of project types, including edu...
04/23/2026

Ferdinanda Marcic has joined AltusWorks!

Ferdinanda brings experience across a wide range of project types, including educational, cultural, hospitality, transportation, landscape, restoration, and residential work. With complementary backgrounds in architecture and civil engineering, she approaches design with a focus on balancing creative vision and real-world constraints, driven by environmental responsibility and sustainability.

She supports AltusWorks' on-site construction management efforts for the CTA State and Lake Station. Her expertise contributes to the successful delivery of complex transit improvements like this one.

Outside of work, Ferdinanda enjoys drawing and fashion design, as well as exploring Slovenia, spending time in nature, and discovering new vegan cuisine.

Welcome, Ferdinanda!

AltusWorks is seeking a Marketing Coordinator to support proposal writing, marketing material development, and maintain ...
04/16/2026

AltusWorks is seeking a Marketing Coordinator to support proposal writing, marketing material development, and maintain and organize our client relationship database.

This role will support AltusWorks’ growth and visibility through the ex*****on of RFQ/RFP responses, preparation of interview materials, development of social media and website content, and preparation of award submissions.

We’re looking for a highly organized, detail-driven professional with experience in the architecture industry who is skilled in producing professional marketing materials under deadlines.

Learn more about our work on our website (altusworks.com) and apply here: https://altusworks.com/contact/

Cortelyou Commons is one step closer to permanent protection by receiving preliminary landmark status from the City’s Co...
04/09/2026

Cortelyou Commons is one step closer to permanent protection by receiving preliminary landmark status from the City’s Commission on Landmarks. Since 2009, AltusWorks has prepared dozens of Landmark Designation Reports for the City of Chicago through our Historic Preservation Service contract of which Cortelyou Commons is the latest.

A remnant of the former McCormick Theological Seminary campus and a strong example of Collegiate Gothic architecture by Dwight G. Wallace, Cortelyou Commons continues to shape the historic and academic character of the neighborhood.

AltusWorks established the building’s historical significance, defined its period of importance, and demonstrated how it meets the City of Chicago’s landmark criteria by translating research, architectural analysis, and site documentation into a cohesive, illustrated report supporting preservation decisions for the Department of Planning and Development.

With preliminary landmark status now in place, the building’s exterior is protected as it advances toward a City Council vote for permanent designation.

We’re committed to securing the future of places that define their communities.

Through our standing architectural retainer contract with University of Illinois Chicago where no project is too small, ...
04/02/2026

Through our standing architectural retainer contract with University of Illinois Chicago where no project is too small, we’re pleased to be advancing three projects across campus - each focused on improving performance, accessibility, and long-term durability.

At Building 974, we’re assessing existing roof systems and the associated cooling tower, developing a comprehensive scope for replacement, and implementing immediate leak mitigation.

Focusing on accessibility at Building 605, our office is correcting existing violations at the bowling alley ramp while preparing design documents for increased access with an additional ramp to bring the active student recreation area into full compliance.

At Building 908, we’re performing an in-depth building envelope assessment to identify the source of and recommend repairs to long-term water infiltration which has led to deterioration of plaster finishes and the coffered wood ceiling in the historic collegiate gothic style alumni hall.

From roofs and exterior walls to ramps and interior restoration, we’re proud to support UIC in maintaining and improving their campus facilities.

CCS International MBB Enterprises of Chicago, Inc. Virtual Energy Solutions, Inc. Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving Co., Inc. Quality Mechanical, Inc.

Please join us in welcoming Matt Gilbert to AltusWorks!With over 12 years of experience, Matt brings a thoughtful, colla...
03/26/2026

Please join us in welcoming Matt Gilbert to AltusWorks!

With over 12 years of experience, Matt brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to complex architectural challenges, with a focus on civic and institutional projects. Guided by a deep respect for existing buildings, his work spans master planning through construction administration.

Matt earned his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan. Since 2015, he has volunteered with ACE Mentor Chicago, helping expand opportunities for local high school students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys photographing, researching, and sharing Chicago’s neighborhood architecture, often exploring the city by bike, and celebrating its rich and diverse architectural heritage.

Welcome, Matt!

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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