Chicago is a city drenched in architectural legacy, and we are here for it! We celebrate Chicago for so many reasons – its iconic buildings, famous eateries and historic landmarks. We are beyond proud that PROSOCO has played a central role in the cleaning, protection, and restoration of many of its most treasured buildings, ensuring they continue serving their intended use for generations, or reimagining their purposes in adaptive reuse projects to serve an entirely new purpose.
Here’s how PROSOCO contributed across several sites:
1. Cook County Hospital (John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital Building)
Vacant and deteriorating for nearly two decades, the Beaux‑Arts–style Cook County Hospital, built in 1914, was threatened with demolition before its landmark adaptive reuse transformed it into a vibrant, mixed‑use complex combining hotel, medical offices, and community space.
During this comprehensive restoration, PROSOCO products were critical in:
- Removing decades of grime and organic growth from the terra cotta and stone facade.
- Protecting restored surfaces against future staining and weathering.
- Façade stabilization to secure the terra cotta exterior to the back-up walls
PROSOCO’s products helped ensure that original detailing—including ornate Beaux‑Arts molding—could be preserved and showcased in the rehabilitation.
PROSOCO products used:
2. Rookery Building
Completed in 1888 by Burnham & Root and featuring Frank Lloyd Wright’s later interior redesign, the Rookery Building is a Chicago Landmark and National Historic Landmark—the oldest standing high‑rise in the city.
For its multiple renovation efforts, PROSOCO has supported:
- Gentle facade cleaning to remove years of soot buildup and grime while preserving the intricate brick and stone work.
- Surface protection treatments to guard the building from environmental damage.
PROSOCO’s solutions have complemented efforts to modernize the lobby, staircases, and lighting while retaining authentic historic character.
PROSOCO products used:
3. Randolph Tower
Located at 188 West Randolph Street, the Gothic Revival Randolph Tower (originally the Steuben Club Building) features terra‑cotta cladding that exemplifies 1920s Chicago design and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
From sensitive cleaning to protective treatments, PROSOCO products have allowed:
- Restoration crews to remove decades of weathering and pollution without damaging delicate terra‑cotta surfaces.
- Application of protective treatments to preserve its detailed Gothic features.
PROSOCO products used:
4. Wrigley Building
As one of Chicago’s most recognizable landmarks—located on the Magnificent Mile with its dazzling white terra‑cotta façade—the Wrigley Building demands meticulous maintenance to preserve its brightness and architectural finesse.
PROSOCO products were widely used in:
- Regular cleaning programs to eliminate atmospheric pollutants, discoloration, and graffiti without harming the facade.
- Surface protection to deliver long‑lasting water repellency and stain resistance.
PROSOCO products used:
5. Navy Pier Shops
Navy Pier, one of the most visited tourist destinations in Chicago, includes a variety of historic and modern retail and public structures facing high foot traffic and lakefront exposure.
PROSOCO services facilitated:
- Densification and protection of finished concrete floors.
- Safe cleaning of exterior architectural surfaces.
- Preventive protection to reduce premature wear in high‑use urban settings.
PROSOCO products used:
Other Chicago buildings that relied on PROSOCO products for cleaning, protection, and restoration, include:
Carroll Center, McCormick Place, Union Station, Dirksen Federal Plaza, CTA Howard Station, East Lake Street Substation, South Shore High School, Merchandise Mart, Chicago Board of Trade, London Guaranty Building, Chicago Title & Trust Company, Mount Caramel High School, Madison Street Bridge, Fisher Building, University Crossing Lofts, Park View Tower, Shelby Brothers Corporation, Peterson Corporate Center, Southgate Market, O’Hare Main Parking Garage, Ferrero Rocher Candy HQ, Provident Hospital Garage, Mayfair Condos, Mundelein Senior Apartments, Immaculate Conception School, Prairie Shores Amenity Building, Lake Park Crescent Building, Google Offices, Walmart, Lowe’s, and Parkland College.
