As developers and general contractors, Focus comes to the table with a unique perspective for each and every project. This can be seen with our current 3rd party project in Old Town at 343 W. Schiller. Selected as the general contractor for the this new 9-story, 105,000 square foot apartment building, our goal has been to ask the right questions, deliver smart solutions, and tranSForm a vision into reality.
The 343 W. Schiller project, which is being developed by by Beverly Hills-based Lakshmi Capital Management and designed by Brininstool + Lynch, has provided Focus with an opportunity to think outside the box and deliver an elevated design that we are confident will exceed expectations. With a small site and dense neighborhood, we were presented with several logistical challenges that we had to solve before breaking ground. Knowing that a traditional sized crane would not fit onsite, we got to work on revising the typical erection sequence to ensure we were set up for success. We brought in a smaller, hydraulic crane and we left part of the fourth floor uncovered to make sure the smaller crane could reach the outer edges of the top floors. With innovative and thoroughly vetted designs, teamwork and participation from all parties, we were able to manage the challenge logistics onsite, without negatively impacting budget or timeline.
The project is slated for completion in the Spring of 2020 and will be the first building in all of Chicago to use Intus high performance windows to improve energy efficiency. 343 W. Schiller will be home to 105-apartments and unbeatable amenities including a dog run, fitness room, luxury lounge, indoor parking, and a terrace with grilled and firepits.
We recently topped off the building and celebrated with lunch for the tradesmen and women along with the construction team from Focus. We look forward to delivering this exciting project in the heart of one of our favorite Chicago neighborhoods!