The Terminal
Chicago, IL
- Workplace
250,000 SF
Adapting a Historic Site for Chicago’s S&T Sector
Setting itself apart from the towering structures dominating the skyline, The Terminal represents a beacon of innovation. It is the first horizontal science and technology (S&T) facility in Chicago, spanning 6.5 acres.
The Terminal is the adaptive reuse of the former Pyle-National Company, which made headlights for trains—and the lights for Soldier Field Stadium and Wrigley Field—until vacating the site in 1992.
The Challenge
With Pyle’s departure came decades of neglect, and the property fell into disrepair. Large areas were left vacant and dilapidated, littered with car frames, abandoned furniture, dust and falling ceilings. The project team and the City of Chicago saw immense potential in these existing buildings that modern development practices couldn’t accommodate.
The Impact
When Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot cut the ribbon at The Terminal’s groundbreaking ceremony, it underscored the importance of this development to the City.
Located in the historically underserved community of Humboldt Park, an area of predominantly Hispanic and African American residents, The Terminal was inspired by Chicago’s ever-growing need for spaces similar to, but more inclusive than, those situated elsewhere in the City.
The Terminal prioritizes accessibility, welcoming diverse businesses and demographics, while simultaneously nurturing an enhanced quality of life for all without displacing the existing residents.
Historic Adaptive Reuse
Following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, we embraced the buildings’ industrial underpinnings, retaining features like timber columns and oversized fire doors. Historic items found during the construction, such as round gauge clocks and a large circuit board, are incorporated into the design.
Honoring Heritage
Its name simultaneously invokes the trains that ran past and were served by the building in its former life, the ingenuity that allowed Pyle to light our country for decades, and the point of connection and collaboration it is today.
Bright, Airy, & Modern
We created customized workspaces for each tenant. Start-ups will have access to more space as they grow.
Good for the Environment & Users
The Terminal has a strategic focus on sustainability and reducing carbon footprint through rehabilitation rather than ground-up development.
Outdoor Spaces
The Terminal’s innovators connect with each other and find serenity alone in multiple green spaces. Amenities include a hydroponic garden, walkways, and a food truck zone.
