Leopardo and Sterling Bay Win Cosmetic Redevelopment of the Year

Leopardo was awarded Cosmetic Redevelopment of the Year last night at the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s 28th Annual Commercial Real Estate Awards, an event that is considered the Academy Awards of the industry. Nearly 2,000 of Chicago’s top commercial real estate professionals gathered at the Hyatt Regency Chicago to honor the industry’s achievements.

Leopardo’s renovation of the historic 121 W. Wacker building, originally designed by Holabird & Roche and built in 1929, received the award. In 2015, in partnership with developer Sterling Bay and architect Partners by Design, Leopardo completed the major renovation and modernization of the building. The multi-phased project included a redesigned lobby and retail level, updated elevator cabs, as well as a upgraded finishes to restore the building’s original Art Deco appeal, including a new Terrazzo floor, salvaged and relocated stone veneer masonry and Venetian plaster.

This is the second redevelopment of the year won by the Sterling Bay and Leopardo partnership. In 2012, 400 S. Jefferson was also awarded. Last night also marked the 14th time Leopardo was a finalist for Interior Contractor of the Year, an award the company has won five times since 2012. Additionally, Leopardo has also twice won Build-to-Suit of the Year for the Aurora Police Headquarters in 2009 and the Big Ten Conference Headquarters in 2013.