Focus Feature: SCIO at the Medical District

SCIO at the Medical District in Chicago, Illinois is a recent Focus project bringing a unique residential option to the Little Italy area. As the general contractor and co-developer of this project, Focus oversaw this creative value-add construction project.

This luxury twelve-story property is filled with premier amenities, offers various room layouts, and is nearby to transportation, shopping, and more. As the two apartment towers were already in place, Focus took a unique approach to this value-add general contracting project to guarantee a seamless renovation and the addition of the amenity pavilion adjoining the two existing towers. Here we’ll introduce you to SCIO Apartments Chicago, take you through the construction process, and more.

Value Add Construction Process & Features

Value-add construction is a construction methodology that, instead of building from the ground up, takes operating buildings and adds value through the renovation of existing common spaces and residential units and through the addition of new and existing features.

The SCIO at the Medical District project consisted of a renovation of the two 12-story towers and an addition of an amenity pavilion that connected the two residential towers. To ensure minimal disruption, renovation and construction occurred in phases so the building could stay operational throughout the process. As the general contractor and co-developer on this project, we worked from the top floor down, one floor at a time. Since each floor was 18 units, this was a lengthy process, but our team still managed to renovate one floor every 8 weeks.

Focus upgraded a variety of features in the existing buildings including:

• New hard-surface flooring
• Stainless steel appliances
• Renovated kitchens and baths
• Added amenity pavilion
• And more

SCIO Medical District Amenities & Aesthetics

With the renovation, came a variety of upgrades to the building’s aesthetic and amenities, making SCIO Apartments Chicago a coveted place to live.

Focus constructed the glass pavilion connecting the two existing twelve-story brick façade towers. This new structure adds elements of luxury to the existing property.

In addition to the glass pavilion, Focus also added on an upscale amenity deck that features:

• An outdoor pool
• A sundeck
• Firepits
• Grilling stations
• Lounging areas

Focus also revamped the residential lounge. The upgraded residential lounge includes a pool table, working space, ping pong table, private study and conference rooms, and a reservable party room with a caterer’s kitchen for private gatherings.

Throughout the building residents can benefit from the following amenities:

• Fitness center
• Private lounge
• Gorgeous views of the Chicago skyline
• Bike storage
• Amazon lockers
• 24-hour door staff
• Green space
• Covered parking
• And more

SCIO at the Medical District was completed in 2018 and apartments are now available for rent.

Giving Back to the Community

The Focus team are true believers that every new development should enhance the community it is located in.

One way Focus did that at SCIO was through the incorporation of art from local artists throughout the common spaces in the building. Beautiful pieces from local artists are scattered throughout the building giving back to the very community SCIO is rooted in.

By featuring art from local artists, we can give back to artists and introduce residents and visitors to the lovely work that was created right in their neighborhood.

Focus was extremely happy to contribute to the highly anticipated SCIO at the Medical District value-add project. Subscribe below to stay up to date with all our future value-add construction projects!