RMCA List
 
 

Built in 1898, the Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city's most widely recognized historic landmarks. It is also another example of the city of Chicago's commitment to sustainable building design. The Cultural Center roof will be retrofitted to accommodate a green roof, which will enhance the environment and a solar water collection system to augment the building's demand for hot water.

R.M. Chin & Associates, Inc. (RMCA) was hired by the Chicago Department of General Services to provide comprehensive Design and Project Management Services to evaluate the options of replacing the existing roofing system, oversee design, prepare bid documents, secure a Contractor, oversee construction and close out, and provide third-party material testing services.

The Cultural Center is open to the public seven days a week and hosts numerous after-hours functions. Construction must be carefully coordinated to avoid conflicts with building operations.

The greatest challenge has been to reinforce the 110 year old roof structure to accept the additional weight caused by the green roof system. The 5th floor spaces immediately under the roof structure are all occupied, and the majority of the ornamental coffered ceilings suspended from these roof trusses are so ornate that they are nearly impossible to duplicate.

RMCA assembled a highly qualified team consisting of Bauer Latoza Studio, Klein & Hoffman, and Alsan Group to investigate the existing conditions and develop design solutions that would meet the roofing system requirements. An efficient post-tension approach was used to increase the load bearing capacity of the roof trusses, and enable an additional 25 PSF load to be applied to the main roof. This design solution allows for 15,000 SF of green roof to be installed.

RMCA then recommended and directed a trial modification of one of the few existing roof trusses to confirm that the amount of deflection of the truss, once loaded, did not cause any cracks in the suspended plaster ceiling below. The trial also served as a test for logistical issues.

RMCA conducts a weekly project coordination meeting and provides daily site inspections to maintain a constant vigil on the project and to avoid conflicts with building operations.