U.S. Department of Homeland Security Regional Headquarters, Chicago, IL

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called upon Syska Hennessy Group to provide full MEP design services to modernize its existing facility in Chicago. This was a tri-venture project that included architects Neumann/Smith Architecture and HDR.

The project was designed under GSA’s Design Excellence Program, and required special attention to the historic aesthetic because the building is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A major consideration of the renovation was that the upper five floors needed to stay operational around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week during construction. The project team performed upgrades to the vintage electrical systems with no disruption of security and surveillance.

We incorporated many sustainable features in order to achieve our client’s goal of LEED CI (corporate interiors). Among the building’s notable design features are concrete deck ceilings coupled with light dimming controls, which allow natural daylight to penetrate deep into the building while saving energy and creating a more pleasant environment. In addition, raised floors allow greater flexibility for office layout and the air distribution system, as well as power, phone and data-cabling cords.

Syska also provided vertical design services encompassing two new elevators, modernizing seven existing elevators and designing six new escalators.