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| Captivating Add-On Architecture |
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| December, 2009 |
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Walsh Construction's ve
 rtical expansion of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters at 300 E. Randolph is the most extensive piece of vertically expanded architecture ever done in Chicago. This once squatty high-rise now serves as a prominent 54-story message display. The dramatically improved proportions and four bands of recessed stainless steel-clad columns and notched openings at the 30th floor provide a unique modular look and a sleek tallness that allows it to harmonize with neighboring high-rises. There is no perceptible difference in the exterior materials - stainless steel, glass and granite - used for the original building and the expansion.The interior is equally captivating. The open-floor plans and low-slung cubicles provide interesting light-filled spaces. In the atrium, two new elevator shafts, which are naturally lit from the tower's north-facing glass walls, are enclosed with translucent glass. Elevator cabs ride up and down steel rails with their cables and counterweights visible.
Walsh constructed the original structure in 1997 with accommodations built into the foundation and superstructure to enable an extra 24 stories of future growth. Additionally, space was left open in the high-rise's atrium for future elevator shafts. Throughout the construction process, the existing building has remained fully occupied and operational.
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