Landmarks approves data center redevelopment at 300 W. Adams

The Permit Review Committee, a subcommittee of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, has granted approval for the adaptive reuse of a historic office building located at 300 W. Adams Street in Chicago. The project, spearheaded by Chilled AI, aims to transform approximately half of the 1920-era structure, designed by architect Jens Jensen, into a new data center.

The proposed design by C+K Architecture and ZPD+A outlines the conversion of office space on floors two through six into data center facilities, while floors seven and above will retain their original office function. Key modifications include the addition of backup generators on the rooftop, which will be supported by a new dunnage steel platform. The ground floor will see minor changes, including the elimination of three retail bays to accommodate a ComEd vault, with design considerations to screen this infrastructure.

Inside the building, the second floor will house most of the data center's infrastructure, screened from the street by a band of office space. Furthermore, the existing center light court will be filled in on floors three through five to expand the data center footprint, and a new cargo elevator will be installed within this court. Exterior work will also include necessary terracotta repairs to the building facades.

With this approval, Chilled AI can now move forward with the broader permitting process. The developer has already obtained a permit for interior demolition and is awaiting the issuance of renovation permits, though a project timeline has not yet been disclosed.