AltusWorks, Inc.
4224 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641
773-545-1870
www.altusworks.com
AltusWorks performed an extensive Facilities Analysis of the First Presbyterian Church
complex in Chicago, IL.
PROFESSIONAL
ALLIANCE
SPOTLIGHT
AltusWorks
AT FIRST GLANCE, the similarity between
community centers, schools, public
park buildings and religious buildings
may seem elusive. But Ellen Stoner,
principal of AltusWorks, a Chicago-based
architecture firm, quickly points out some
commonalities: they often suffer from
deferred maintenance issues, systems
that are beyond their lifespan, and hard
wear and tear. Houses of worship serve
many constituents, and are, in effect,
public spaces. For AltusWorks, working
with congregations and churches is simply
an extension of its work with community
organizations, school districts and
universities, and parks administrations
since its founding in 2003. And because the
firm’s focus is restoration, adaptive reuse
and rehabilitation, it has the expertise to
handle the issues specific to historic sacred
places.
In 2006, as part of the New Dollars/New
Partners training program sponsored by the
Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois,
AltusWorks conducted a facility analysis
of the 1928 First Presbyterian Church
complex, comprised of the church, a school,
and a community hall. AltusWorks
assessed the interiors and exterior
systems of each building, including
heating, masonry, roofing, windows and
drainage. Part of its initial work involved
meeting with the members of the
church’s ad hoc committee overseeing
the project, to determine the needs of
the church, and what members wanted
to see over the long-term. The resulting
report provided recommendations
to the church on accessibility
improvements, and outlined a phased
plan that addressed critical, mediumand low-priority repairs that aligned
with the church’s own strategic plan.
When asked what advice she would
give to a congregation that is not
sure where to begin the process of
rehabilitation or renovation, Ms. Stoner
recommends beginning with a thorough
facilities assessment. This kind of
study will confirm how everything
works, acknowledging the historic
aspect of each space. It will discover
the root of any problems, rather than
simply addressing cosmetic issues.
Additionally, it can give the proper
sequence to long-term work – making
sure that water infiltration issues are
dealt with before plaster repair, for
instance.
Beyond facility analysis, though,
Altusworks offers a variety of other
services for historic and older buildings,
including accessibility improvements
and renovation or rehabilitation. In
addition, the firm performs a variety
17 • Sacred Places • www.sacredplaces.org • Summer 2009
AltusWorks is a full service
architectural firm that applies
a high level of expertise and
creative problem-solving to
the challenges of maintaining,
restoring and rehabilitating
historic structures. AltusWorks
provides facility analyses,
envelope repair solutions,
accessibility assessments and
consulting services to assist
owners in preserving their
historic buildings. AltusWorks
generously sponsored a
reception and dinner for
Partners for Sacred Places’ June
Board of Directors meeting in
Chicago.
of technical preservation work such as
National Register nominations, and
rehabilitation plans that conform to the
standards needed to take advantage of
federal income tax credits. The firm has
received noted recognition for its work,
including being one of only 11 architecture
firms selec Y