Chicago, IL
30 East Balbo Drive
Scope/Solutions
Targeting college students and young professionals in Chicago’s South Loop, 30 East offers 255 bedroom rentals in 134 shared, furnished apartments. A two-story podium with ground-level retail and second-floor indoor/outdoor amenity space supports the fourteen-story tower. The sleek glass enclosure reflects 30 East’s modern take on rental living. SGH consulted on the design of the building’s glazing and wall systems.
SGH assisted with the design for the window walls and fiber-cement rainscreen cladding. Highlights of our work include the following:
- Reviewed the proposed design for the window wall and recommended ways to improve the selected system’s performance
- Developed details to integrate the window walls with other enclosure systems
- Helped evaluate value engineering proposals and alternates submitted by the construction team
- Reviewed shop drawings to compare with the design intent
- Visited the site to observe ongoing construction and helped the contractor resolve field conditions
- Observed water and air infiltration testing of the window to compare with the specified performance requirements
Project Summary
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Building Enclosures
Markets
Commercial | Residential | Mixed-Use
Client(s)
Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates
Specialized Capabilities
Facades & Glazing
Key team members
Peter Babaian
Managing Principal, Building Technology, Chicago
Additional Projects
Midwest
111 East Wacker Drive
A law firm occupying two floors of 111 East Wacker Drive was expanding their offices to the floor below. SGH provided structural engineering services for the stair and associated modifications to the existing building.
Midwest
Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus
Hotel personnel observed the protective coating peeling, the intumescent material activating, and water leaking into the vestibule. SGH investigated the cause of the intumescent failure, developed repair documents, and oversaw the repairs.



