Parc Huron Residence in Chicago

When the architects from the practice Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture of Chicago took on this project, they had a very clear aim in mind: to meet the needs of professionals seeking comfortable, luxury homes in a quiet neighbourhood conveniently situated for ease of access to the city. The answer to these requirements is Parc Huron, a rectangular plan building rising to a height of twenty-one floors on 469 West Huron Street in the heart of the vibrant River North neighbourhood. The Loop, Merchandise Mart, Michigan Avenue, Lake Michigan, Millennium Park and Navy Pier are all located within walking distance. The facade stands out for its ordered sequence of projecting balconies, unusual for a building of this type. The 221 housing units are structured with one, two or three bedrooms and surface areas varying between 57 and 81 square metres, 102 and 125 square metres and 128 and 134 square metres respectively in the three different types of unit. Although intended for rental they are all luxuriously decorated and furnished. The living rooms are fitted out with hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows with thermally insulated glass, while the kitchens feature granite countertops, double door fridges, stainless steel back splashes and appliances. Each unit has a laundry room with washing machine and dryer, home office corner with high-speed internet connection and a private balcony or terrace. Some also have a large walk-in closet and a master bathroom with dual-bowl vanities plus separate shower and tub. The residents of Parc Huron also enjoy shared facilities on a par with those of a five-star hotel, such as fitness areas, spa with oversized hot tub, steam room and meditation area. Not to mention a cyber café with outdoor seating and indoor/outdoor fireplace, business centre, conference room, multimedia lounge, a temperature-controlled wine storage room and a 24-hour doorman. Parking is not a problem either. A total of 233 parking spaces are available on the second to fourth floors of the building along with charging stations for electric cars. But what makes Parc Huron even more attractive is its ability to combine luxury and comfort with eco-sustainability. It is the first high-end residence/skyscraper in Illinois to be awarded LEED Gold certification for new construction by the U.S. Green Building Council, meeting the strict standards established by the USGBC in all phases of its lifecycle, from design through to construction, materials and operation. Key features include a high level of energy and water efficiency, the use of recycled and regional materials, the use of recyclable construction materials, the high indoor air quality achieved through the use of low-VOC materials and a sophisticated air filtration system, the green roof, rainwater recycling, the extensive use of natural light and the development of an adjacent park. The choice of Easywood collection ceramic strips from Marca Corona laid in a herringbone pattern on the floor in the entrance atrium and lounge made it possible to recreate the wood effect sought by the architects without foregoing the advantages of porcelain tiles in high-traffic areas.