AltusWorks

AltusWorks AltusWorks is a technically oriented architectural design firm specializing in adaptations, expansions and restorations of existing and historic buildings.

AltusWorks is looking for a senior level Architect experienced in navigating complex public-sector projects who will col...
08/20/2026

AltusWorks is looking for a senior level Architect experienced in navigating complex public-sector projects who will collaboratively lead projects with our growing staff and offer our clients detail-oriented and technical solutions.

For this role we are seeking someone with a minimum of 10-15 years’ professional experience and strong design and client relation skills to lead architectural design, rehabilitation, and improvement projects. This role combines technical leadership, project management, design expertise, and client collaboration to support the continued operation and improvement of transportation and other public-sector projects throughout the region.

Learn more about our work on our website (altusworks.com) and apply from the link on our page.

Please join us in welcoming Sam Malnati to AltusWorks!Sam has a background in architectural history and a passion for th...
08/13/2026

Please join us in welcoming Sam Malnati to AltusWorks!
Sam has a background in architectural history and a passion for the diverse stories that connect people and places. She earned dual masters' degrees in Urban Planning and Heritage Conservation from the University of Southern California to gain the tools necessary to uplift culturally significant places and ensure they continue to benefit their communities for years to come.
She has diverse experience in archival research, photogrammetry, conditions assessments, preservation planning, Historic Structures Report and HABS/HAER documentation, and virtual tours for cultural institutions.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys oil painting, exploring new cities, and tinkering with broken clocks.
Welcome, Sam!

08/06/2026

The rehabilitation of the 110-year-old Lake Street Bascule Bridge is moving along just like these gears. AltusWorks, partnering with Chicago Department of Transportation and Granite Construction , is advising on the implementation of the preservation plan for the bridge, its headhouses, and lift equipment we developed last year.
The Lake Street Bridge completes lift operations twice per week throughout the summer to let sailboats pass, and the footage shows how the gears move during their operation. The progress of the project continues with the rebuilding of the west bridge house well-underway. The gears will be re-oiled, re-aligned, and refurbished to provide smooth and reliable operation. The gears will also be repainted to match the historic color of the bascule bridge equipment. More updates to come as work goes on for this iconic gateway to Chicago’s Central Business District.

Dirk Matthews Photography

Façade inspection season is underway in Chicago.As the November 1 reporting deadline approaches, building owners across ...
07/30/2026

Façade inspection season is underway in Chicago.

As the November 1 reporting deadline approaches, building owners across the city are scheduling the inspections required under the Chicago Department of Buildings’ Exterior Wall Program. While these evaluations support code compliance, they also assist owners by reviewing exterior wall conditions and guiding planning for maintenance and repair programs.

For more than 20 years, AltusWorks has partnered with The Habitat Company to perform biennial façade evaluations at Columbus Plaza, the 48-story residential tower at 233 E. Wacker Drive. Our familiarity with the building's cast-in-place, post-tension concrete structure and repair history allows us to identify changes, prioritize maintenance needs, and provide recommendations that support long-term stewardship.

At AltusWorks, we believe successful building envelope management is built on continuity. Understanding how a building has performed over time, not just how it appears today, helps owners prioritize repairs, maximize their investment, and extend the life of their buildings.

Join us in celebrating a major milestone for Melissa Smith. She's officially a licensed architect! Since joining AltusWo...
07/23/2026

Join us in celebrating a major milestone for Melissa Smith. She's officially a licensed architect!

Since joining AltusWorks in 2022, Melissa has become an integral member of our staff, contributing to assessment, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse projects while bringing thoughtful design, technical expertise, and a passion for historic preservation to every project.

Melissa is actively involved in the preservation and architecture community in Chicago. She serves on the Easement Committee for Landmarks Illinois, the Emerging Professionals Committee for the Association for Preservation Technology, and is a member of Chicago Women in Architecture. Outside of architecture, Melissa is a Co-Leader of the Chicago chapter of November Project, a free global fitness community.

We are incredibly proud of Melissa's accomplishment and look forward to her continued contributions to our clients, projects, and communities.

Congratulations, Melissa!

07/16/2026

Summer adventures are in full swing! From cycling and sailing to exploring Norway's spectacular coastline, here's how a few members of the AltusWorks staff have been embracing the season.

Terry completed Le Tour de Shore, a two-day, 100-mile ride from Chicago to New Buffalo, Michigan, supporting Maywood Fine Arts and its programs for children across the region.

Armen competed in the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in Chicago, joining sailors from around the world in one of the nation's premier sailing competitions.

Ellen & Joa celebrated Ellen's birthday with an unforgettable voyage aboard Hurtigruten, Norway's historic Coastal Express, traveling from Bergen to the Arctic and experiencing the midnight sun, dramatic fjords, and breathtaking glacier-carved coastline.

We hope everyone is enjoying a memorable summer!

07/09/2026

We're excited to celebrate another preservation milestone!

Following a recommendation from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, Cortelyou Commons has officially been designated a Chicago Landmark by the Chicago City Council, recognizing its architectural significance and ensuring its continued preservation for future generations. Under our long-standing contract with the city for historic preservation services, AltusWorks prepared the Landmark Designation Report that documented the building's history, architectural character, and significance, helping demonstrate how it satisfies the City's landmark criteria.

A surviving remnant of the former McCormick Theological Seminary campus, now part of DePaul University, this Collegiate Gothic-style building serves as a tangible connection to Lincoln Park’s academic and architectural history.

Preserving historic places begins with understanding their stories. We're honored to document, protect, and advocate for the buildings that define our communities.

06/25/2026

We're thrilled to see the Barack Obama Presidential Center open its doors and begin serving as a place for community, learning, leadership, and engagement.

AltusWorks is proud to have supported the development of the campus by providing building enclosure commissioning services for both the Presidential Center and the Home Court athletic facility. Contributing to projects that create lasting impact in our communities, like the Obama Foundation does, is especially meaningful to us.

We are grateful to have been part of this once in a lifetime effort and look forward to seeing the Center's impact for years to come.

Obama Foundation

Last week, our annual staff outing took us from Turtle's Bar and Grill to a private suite at Rate Field, where we were s...
06/18/2026

Last week, our annual staff outing took us from Turtle's Bar and Grill to a private suite at Rate Field, where we were set to watch the AL-leading Chicago White Sox take on the Atlanta Braves.

With rain in the forecast throughout the evening, the game was ultimately postponed before the first pitch. Fortunately, the weather didn’t put a damper on the event. Good food, great conversation, and plenty of laughs made for an enjoyable evening together.

The best part? We’ll have another opportunity to gather later this season when the game is rescheduled.

Here’s to good company who always make the most of every occasion.

Guaranteed Rate Field

This pre-prohibition beer bottle from Cooke Brewing Co. was discovered under the slab of The Salt Shed’s garage during i...
06/11/2026

This pre-prohibition beer bottle from Cooke Brewing Co. was discovered under the slab of The Salt Shed’s garage during its conversion into Goose Island’s current Brewpub. Imagine the stories it could tell.

Come enjoy one or more of Goose’s latest creations before or after a show, or anytime at all!

https://altusworks.com/project/goose-island-salt-shed-brewpub/

Address

211 N. Clinton Street , Suite 3S
Chicago, IL
60661

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17735451870

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