The Offices of Michael Reese Health Trust

Michael Reese Health Trust, Chicago, Illinois
Grund & Riesterer Architects, Inc. 

Michael Reese Health Trust, an organization providing grants to charitable groups, established their first permanent office occupying 2200 square feet in the Civic Opera Building. The director indicated a clear interest in a contemporary design philosophy and was quite knowledgeable in that regard. Rarely have we had the good fortune to work with a client that meshed with our design ideals and exhibited uncompromised good taste.This, however, had to be tempered by the nature of their business and a limited budget. The result was a classic understated design achieved through the imaginative use of office standard materials and finishes. You are welcomed to the office by a new frameless glass double door entry into a waiting area covered with vinyl bonded hardwood flooring. The stock reception desks are screened by a custom file enclosure. Light stained figured maple panels are horizontally divided with black revels. The semi-private requirement was achieved with the addition of textured glass black wood framed panels. The piece is finished with a shaped laminate top. The wood floor extends east and west in the hallway to the offices. The director's office was developed with an adjacent conference room with double doors creating the impression of a larger space. The design was completed with "standard" office furniture in the typical offices and the introduction of classic modern pieces in the reception area and director's office, including custom designed side tables. An entry area rug and sensitive artwork add the finishing touches.