The Alfred - 30 E. Adams St.

The Alfred is a 12-story terracotta residential building prominently situated in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, adjacent to the elevated “L” tracks. Defined by its richly detailed facade and early 20th-century character, the building features glazed terracotta ornamentation, rhythmic window openings, and a pronounced base that reinforces its strong urban presence within the dense downtown corridor. After reported deterioration at the exterior walls and enclosures prompted the owners to develop and design a scope of work for exterior repairs, FE&D was engaged for design phase engineering services for the exterior restoration of building and oversight of the repairs to be installed. Following the investigation, we developed a detailed scope of work and exterior restoration. The repair program includes terracotta repairs and replacements, and the scope was strategically developed to preserve the building’s historic architectural character while maintain the structural integrity and water tightness of the building. FE&D’s services included facade evaluation, repair scope development, preparation of restoration drawings and specifications, and construction-phase oversight to ensure proper implementation of the work. Through careful planning and preservation-focused design, the completed restoration program reinforces the structural integrity, water tightness, and long-term performance of this distinctive Loop residential property.