104 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603
In the heart of Chicago’s bustling architectural landscape stands the Monroe Building, a testament to historical craftsmanship and the enduring power of thoughtful restoration. Built in 1912 and designed by Martin Roche of Holabird and Roche, this Romanesque-inspired edifice harmonizes exquisitely with the surrounding skyline. Not just a marvel of terracotta and granite, the Monroe Building is a canvas where the past meets the present, especially after its meticulous restoration by J&J Arnaco.
At Midwest Investment Advisors, we are proud to spotlight one of our own, Lenora Adds, whose recent monumental achievement in this historic building underscores our commitment to excellence and precision. Lenora, with her unmatched expertise and dedication, successfully leased over 140,000 sq ft of office space and 6,500 sq ft of retail space within the Monroe Building. This feat was not only a testament to her skill but also a significant contribution to preserving the vibrancy and utility of one of Chicago’s architectural gems.
The Monroe Building's unique features, including its banded multi-toned terracotta exterior, decorative pilasters, and the gabled roof adorned with green Spanish tiles, make it a standout in the city’s architectural heritage. The building's interior is equally impressive, featuring one of the largest commercial installations of Rookwood tile in the country, vaulted lobby areas, and a meticulous restoration that brings the early 20th-century ambiance into the modern day.
Floors two through four of the Monroe Building are now home to the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, a space dedicated to the Citizen Soldier in American history. This facility is not only a library but a vibrant cultural center that hosts live events, gallery exhibits, and a two-story lecture hall and broadcast center. The design, led by Marc Adelman of tvsdesign, reflects a deep respect for the building’s historical significance, integrating traditional aesthetics such as coffered ceilings, intricately designed wood paneling, and extensive molding and millwork.
Independently verified on CoStar, the gold standard for research in commercial real estate, Lenora’s accomplishments speak volumes about her professionalism and the trust our clients place in her capabilities. Lenora’s approach—meticulous, informed, and deeply respectful of the architectural integrity of the spaces she handles—ensures that each leasing opportunity is not just a transaction, but a continuation of the building’s storied legacy.
At Midwest Investment Advisors, we believe in the power of heritage and the value of exceptional service. Lenora Adds’ successful leasing of the Monroe Building is a clear indicator of our team's capability to manage significant and challenging real estate endeavors with expertise and finesse. We invite property owners and investors interested in harnessing the potential of their properties to reach out and engage with our expert team. Together, we can turn architectural history into a vibrant future.
Discover more about how our tailored real estate solutions can benefit your investments by visiting our website or contacting us directly. Embrace the opportunity to work with the best in the business and ensure your property reaches its full potential.
At our firm, we are committed to building long-term relationships with our clients and delivering results that exceed their expectations. We are proud to be part of a global network of real estate professionals who share our commitment to excellence and are dedicated to helping clients succeed in today’s rapidly changing market.