3500 Lacey

Located in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, the former Sara Lee headquarters was purchased by KORE Investments in 2019. Recognizing its potential, they were determined to offer their current and future tenants luxurious finishes and amenities typically associated with metropolitan skyscrapers. To bring this vision to life, they enlisted the expertise of OKW Architects, Skender, and Office Revolution. Together, they were able to completely transform the building’s interior.

Every aspect of the building was carefully considered and revamped by the team. The lobby, bar, library, fitness room, management office, spec suites, and common corridors were all completely redesigned by OKW to exude sophistication and elegance. Drawing inspiration from the building’s existing architecture, they created a vision that not only honored the building’s history but also looked ahead, anticipating amenities that visitors have come to expect.

What truly made this project remarkable was the client’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the desires of both tenants and visitors of the space—the office building also contains a ballroom, serving as a wedding venue on weekends. The expansive lobby hosts cocktail receptions in the evenings and offers morning coffees and pastries for those working there during the week.

Office Revolution was able to provide ample design support to OKW, turning their inspiration into tangible furnishings. We curated tufted soft seating in warm terra cotta, barley and cocoa. In the café, the Teknion Zones Ledge table complements the padded ocher and mocha barstools. Custom banquettes include smooth upholstered seat backs and leather strap details, adorning the lobby with posh finishes and attractive biophilia. Communal library-style Davis Prat tables and brass lighting balance with Bernhardt Lancer lounge and coffee tables for flexible coworking. The same warm, natural elements even apply to private spaces like the Mother’s Room. This human-centered approach is evident in every design and decision made throughout the project.

The result is a truly exceptional Class A building that not only meets the expectations of its tenants but exceeds them. With meticulous planning and execution, 3500 Lacey now stands as a prime example of how suburban offices can compete with professional environments in the city.