195-seat recital hall
New electric chandeliers
replicating the original
“electroliers”
Stage reconfiguration
New HVAC

Restoration of a National Landmark and Chicago Gem

Ganz Hall is a National Historic Landmark designed by Louis Sullivan in 1890. Originally designed as a banquet hall, with elaborate details including cast plaster, carved wood ornaments, stained glass windows, and cast iron electric chandeliers, the hall had fallen into major disrepair.  Rotholz was hired by Roosevelt’s VP for Finance and Administration to lead the project. The project design team recreated new chandeliers from archival photographs. Each chandelier was clad in gold leaf and hand painted. Structural modifications were necessary to support the 450 pound individual fixture weight.  The ornate carved wood panels were restored, and a new mechanical system was installed to control environmental conditions.  The project received a Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence. 

Rotholz led the Development Management team for the restoration and renovation
Architects: Booth Hansen Associates
Contractor: Pepper Construction Company