Thursday, October 08, 2026

AIA Chicago Whacks Wacker, Embraces Holabird & Roche's classic 1912 Monroe Building


The Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects has announced they will be leaving their decades-long home in Giaver & Dinkelburg's domed 1926 Jewelers Building overlooking the river at 35 East Wacker for Holabird & Roche's 1912 Monroe Building, overlooking Michigan Avenue.  AIA Chicago will have access to a new amenity space under the rooftop gable, and will occupy 4,300-square-feet on the 11th floor.


Architects among the 3,500 members have two weeks, until October 21, to submit an RFQ Interest Form for the design of the new space, with a shortlist unveiled October 26, and the winner announced December 17.  Move-in is scheduled for mid 2027.


The Monroe Building (not a designated landmark?) underwent a major restoration after being acquired by Col. Jennifer Pritzker's Tawani Enterprises, including a build-out of three floors for the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, which opened in 2012, only to retreat to Sturtevant, Wisconsin in 2024 in a modernist design by Jahn Architects.

photograph: Jahn Architects

Ironically, Thompson Center re-developer Michael Reschke recently announced his Prime Group was spearheading a major renovation of the Jewelers Building, including dining under the rooftop cupolas, and a dramatic new lighting scheme.

CRG and Prime Group

CRG and Prime Group



The Jewelers Building's Father Time contemplates our mortality and Mies van der Rohe's IBM Building across the river.

rough times at the Jewelers Building (Transformers shoot)

Pritzker Military Museum and Library at the Monroe Building, 2012-2024




amenity space goes here?