151 North Franklin Street

Project Location:  151 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois

The client approached ESD for our high rise engineering expertise with five objectives:

1. Class A+ shell and core office building with features that will attract premier tenants
2. Best-in-class technology and Intelligent Building systems
3. LEED Silver minimum
4. MEP systems that facilitate flexible tenant operation
5. Efficient MEP systems to reduce energy use

ESD’s engineering team provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection high rise engineering for the shell and core of the building. Additionally, ESD’s technology team was brought on board to provide structured cabling, wired and wireless data network, security, and audio visual design. Our Intelligent Building practice delivered a Division 25 Integrated Automation specification detailing the interfacing of building infrastructure systems such as HVAC control, lighting control, metering/monitoring of MEP, fire alarm, and security. ESD then led the design of the user interfaces for building management, tenants, and visitors to leverage that system integration and also helped procure a utility incentive exceeding $330,000.

With sustainability being a priority, 151 North Franklin set a goal to achieve LEED certification, promoting a clean and sustainable work atmosphere. To accomplish this goal, ESD’s sustainability team provided full LEED administration, energy modeling for LEED compliance, and LEED MEP credit documentation. Also, 151 North Franklin became the nation’s first WELL v1 Core & Shell Gold high-rise building in June 2019.

The client secured premier anchor tenant CNA to occupy 11+ floors. ESD efficiently modified elements of building design and systems to accommodate tenant requirements within schedule. Technologically advanced and sustainable, 151 North Franklin is a 35-story office tower that offers tenants a modern professional environment that supports new ways of working.