Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Lighting Design/Product Company Gwen Grossman Lighting Design
Lead Designers Diana Ades
Other Designer's names Gwen Grossman
Architecture Company Wright Heerema Architects
Interior Design Company Wright Heerema Architects
Client Agave Holdings, LLC
Photo Credits Christopher Barrett Photography
Completion Date 2024
Project Location Chicago, Illinois
Entry DescriptionAt 225 W. Washington, Agave Holdings transformed a former educational space into a vibrant tenant lounge fostering community and boosting leasing appeal. The challenge was converting a low-ceiling area with a 20-foot void into a warm, intimate space. Our lighting design met this with creativity. The integration of luminaires ensured a balance between functional lighting and aesthetic appeal. A large scrim curtain reimagined became a shimmering chandelier, with faceted decorative luminaires positioned between beaded drapery to create a jewelry-like centerpiece. Strategic lighting grazed the wood-paneled staircase and highlighted the ornamental pipe organ, adding depth while maintaining intimacy. Track lighting hidden above the golden beads illuminates the bartop, shelving, and seating. With low-level dimming, the lobby features romantic low-level lighting, with elements such as uplighted trees and prairie grass adding atmosphere. Staircase accent lighting guides guests upstairs to a lounge with a dazzling ceiling and soft-lighted bookcase surround. The design in all directions balances function and aesthetics, creating an energy-efficient, tenant-focused environment that enhances wellness, connection, and leasing appeal—setting a new standard for vibrant community spaces.
Sustainability ApproachEnergy efficiency was a key priority. We met IECC 2021 targets and implemented a sophisticated dimming control system that adjusts lighting based on time of day, optimizing energy use. This supports sustainability goals and reduces costs, reflecting our commitment to environmental responsibility.
The transformation’s outcome offers a dynamic, energy-efficient space, while improving tenant satisfaction and leasing appeal. By balancing innovative lighting with sustainability, 225 W. Washington sets a new standard for tenant-focused, environmentally responsible design.
