Upscale Retirement Community Planned For Chicago Lakefront

850 Lake Shore Drive, an icon on Chicago’s skyline 850 Lake Shore Drive, an icon of Chicago’s skyline Integrated Development Group (IDG), a Chicago area-based firm that creates innovative and extraordinary living communities for affluent seniors, has chosen Chicago’s Booth Hansen Architects to renovate and retrofit 850 Lake Shore Drive for occupancy in 2012.

Designed by Jarvis Hunt in 1924, the 20- story structure was rescued from demolition in 2008 by IDG president and CEO Matt Phillips. For nearly 50 years the home of the swank Lake Shore Athletic Club, the building later served as a dormitory for Northwestern University law and medical students, from the early 70s until 2005.

Phillips chose Chicago starchitect Larry Booth because of his skillful OR inspired restoration OR transformation and adaptive reuse of the nearby Palmolive Building, which now houses high-end condos and posh retailers on North Michigan Avenue. With a budget of approximately $150 million, IDG is preserving lavish original details including walnut paneling, Breccia Medicea marble and silver chandeliers amid a new environment designed to be LEED-certified.

Luxury will return to the Beaux Arts icon on Chicago’s lakefront with plans for 128 independent living residences, 11 assisted living apartments, gracious dining venues, cocktail lounge, fitness center and spa, indoor pool, roof garden and surround-sound theater. Interior demolition is complete and the $8 million restoration of the terra cotta façade is underway.