CHICAGO, IL - Chicago-based Mary Cook Associates (MCA), a national, award-winning commercial interior design firm, announces it has completed and photographed two new projects in Chicago: common areas and amenities for The Raven Residences in the city’s Ravenswood neighborhood; and three sales models for the condominium residences at The Reed at Southbank, located just south of the Loop.
“Although The Raven and The Reed represent different geographic and residential segments within the Chicago market – including low-rise versus high-rise and rental versus for-sale – our design team approached both projects by considering their respective surroundings and developing a researched understanding of the end users,” said Mary Cook, founder and president of Mary Cook Associates. “The resulting projects are not only aesthetically pleasing but also empower residents of The Raven and The Reed to live, work, perform and relax at their best.”
The Raven Residences
Developer Harlem Irving Companies tapped Mary Cook Associates to design the common areas and amenity interiors at The Raven Residences, a transit-oriented rental community comprising 167 apartments and townhomes in a pair of four-story brick buildings at 4733 N. Wolcott Ave., located in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood steps from CTA Brown Line and Metra commuter rail stations.
The MCA-designed common spaces feature clean lines, matte black metals and brickwork that reference The Raven’s exterior architecture and reflect a modern, industrial yet luxurious feel inspired by the vernacular of the Ravenswood Corridor and its many breweries, restaurants and art galleries. Occupying a relatively compact footprint within the property, The Raven’s communal spaces are thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of community by providing ample opportunities for socialization as well as privacy through a mix of flexible amenities accommodating remote work or quiet relaxation.
“Given the scale of the amenity spaces at The Raven compared to what renters might find at large multifamily high-rises in the city, our team prioritized multifunctionality to make the most of every space and give residents a wide variety of amenity offerings to enhance their lifestyle,” said Cook. “We also considered the location of this community and the renters who are drawn to the Ravenswood neighborhood for its combination of quiet, tree-lined residential streets, great local shopping and dining, and easy transit access to downtown Chicago. And while MCA is a national design firm with work all over the country, our office happens to be located in Ravenswood – so our team used our direct experience with this neighborhood and its residents to really inform our design in an authentic way.”
Sales Models for The Reed at Southbank
Rising 41 stories along the South Branch of the Chicago River, The Reed at Southbank offers a mix of rental units topped by a collection of luxury for-sale residences on its upper floors. Mary Cook Associates was selected by developer Lendlease to design three condominium sales models that highlight the floor plans available at The Reed and showcase the high-rise tower’s stunning riverfront and skyline views.
Located at 234 W. Polk St., just south of the Loop, The Reed features industrial-modern exterior architecture that is carried over to the residences, which feature 9-foot concrete ceilings. For the model condominiums, MCA’s designers complemented the urban minimalist vibe of the building’s finishes through furnishings with clean lines, exposed metal accents and industrial-themed lighting.
“The stunning views take center stage in the architectural design of The Reed, which created some interesting but unconventional room sizes and layouts,” Cook explained. “We designed the model condominiums to demonstrate functionality throughout the units and serve as inspiration for how to maximize each space. The models not only help potential residents envision themselves living at The Reed, but also showcase real design solutions residents can implement themselves.”
About Mary Cook Associates: Established in 1986, Mary Cook Associates (MCA) is a fully integrated interior architecture and design firm nationally known for creating innovative interiors for leading owners and developers of real estate. The firm’s projects include multifamily, model homes, student living, senior living, clubhouses, restaurants, and hospitality environments. MCA’s work emphasizes functionality, showcases possibilities, and delivers a measurable ROE℠ (Return on Environment). MCA’s team includes more than two dozen designers and architects that are strategic, imaginative and skilled at designing a wide variety of spaces that respond to demographic, geographic and lifestyle influences of target markets. Smart, functional spaces that establish immediate connections with their users and boost Living Better by Design℠, increase property value, and accelerate sales and occupancy rates are the hallmarks of the results MCA consistently achieves. In its 37th year, the firm continues to expand its national presence with award-winning work across the country. www.marycook.com