Chicago Condos Rely on Wausau's Windows and Doors for Lakeshore Views, Dependable Performance


Wausau, Wis. -- The exterior renovation of 720 West Gordon Terrace, 3180 and 3470 North Lake Shore Drive required replacement glass systems worthy of the buildings' updated facades. Additionally, these window systems had to provide superior comfort to tenants and lasting performance against the high winds off Lake Michigan.

Meeting these criteria, Wausau Window and Wall Systems worked closely with glazing contractor IFD, Inc. of Bellwood, Ill. to provide replacement window and door systems for all the three properties.

"These types of projects require a team approach," says Wausau sales representative Patrick Duffy, owner of Advanced Building Products, Inc. in Inverness, Ill. "IFD's window installation and project management experience with high-rise renovation buildings was vital to the success of each project. Coupled with Wausau's highest quality product in the industry, the building owners were guaranteed to received long-term solutions to their window needs."

The multi-phased, $1 million balcony restoration of 3470 North Lake Shore Drive called for glass expansions to span entire walls of each room in every condominium. General contractor, Design Installation Systems of Morton Grove, Ill., completed the concrete work.

IFD selected and installed Wausau's 5100 Series sliding patio doors for the large openings. Often specified for residential towers, Wausau's sliding doors are rated for AAMA AW-60 to withstand the wind gusts and seasonal stresses of Chicago. Part of Wausau's Advantage line of pre-engineered, competitively priced products, the doors offer low maintenance and smooth operation, and are backed with up to a 10-year warranty.

"This was a great fit for Wausau," says Milton Baker, project manager for IFD who notes the new doors add "considerable daylight to the units, and still operate extremely easily considering their size." He adds, "For each of these projects, Wausau's products were chosen because they offer a great balance between appearance and operation."

This balance also was important to Klein and Hoffman, Inc. of Chicago. Their structural and restoration engineers guided the window investigation and replacement for 3180 North Lake Shore Drive and 720 West Gordon Terrace. Originally constructed in the early 1960s, 720 West Gordon Terrace is a 23-story building located just off of Lake Shore Drive. Its recent $3.6 million renovation included a complete update of the facade, concrete repair and window wall replacement.

Because limitations with the original construction would not allow for a new deeper window system without substantial modification, the client selected Wausau's 3151 Series single-hung tilt and fixed windows. These were able to fit the existing openings and provide an operable style better suited to the residents' needs.

Linetec finished the windows' framing members in a clear anodize and painted the exterior, ornamental aluminum slab covers with a durable Fluropon® Diplomat Gray and Dansbury Downs. Viracon supplied its VE1-2M insulated glass. In total, IFD installed nearly 850 tilt windows and another 543 fixed units from Wausau. Completed in autumn 2005, the renovation dramatically improved the building's appearance.

In 2004, IFD also relied on Wausau for the $2.7 million renovation to 3180 North Lake Shore Drive, which included a new window system that replaced more than 1,900 original steel-framed single pane windows. The aged system was worn from ongoing water infiltration and poor glazing conditions that had allowed the underlying steel framing components to erode causing the glass to break.

Addressing these concerns, Wausau's 3151 Series single-hung windows were comprised of Viracon's one-inch insulated glazing units. Resisting air and water infiltration, the units are rated for up to AW-60. IFD installed 1,595 operable windows plus 319 fixed windows. The aluminum framing was finished by Linetec to closely match the building's existing green and beige exterior and Bone White interior color scheme.

Wausau's windows provide views from 3180 North Lake Shore Drive all along the Lake Michigan coastline. Their thermal performance contribute to the occupants' comfort and safety, as well as the pride its residents take in the property's architectural presence.

"Properly manufactured, installed and maintained, the doors and windows for each of these three buildings will operate smoothly for years to come," says Merle Glaser, Wausau's regional sales and marketing representative. "They may even outlast the residents whose attraction to the property very well could have been solidified by the promise of fresh air and great views made available from a balcony, terrace, plaza or other perch to enjoy their vistas."

Nationally recognized for its innovative expertise, Wausau Window and Wall Systems is an industry leader in engineering window and curtainwall systems for commercial and institutional construction applications. For 50 years, Wausau has worked closely with architects, building owners and contractors to realize their vision for aesthetic beauty and lasting value, while striving to maintain the highest level of customer service, communication and overall satisfaction.

Wausau is a part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc., a publicly held, U.S. corporation. For more information on Wausau Window and Wall Systems, please call 877-678-2983, or visit www.WausauWindow.com

Media Contact: Heather West, 612-724-8760, heatherwest@eartlhink.net

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