THE STORY

A leading technology company with multiple locations needed a contract furniture provider with the same to handle their new buildout in Chicago’s historic Old Post Office. Office Revolution fit the bill perfectly.

A long-time client of Office Revolution Raleigh was set to open a 135,000 square foot office for 1,200 employees in Chicago’s newly renovated and restored Old Post Office. For years the customer had worked with Office Revolution Raleigh to furnish its sales offices along the east coast. The relationship was strong and had years of successful projects behind it, but the scale and scope of the new Chicago location required a larger local team. Office Revolution Chicago had the team, local expertise, and financial resources to take on such a large project.

Not only did the project come with a large physical scope, but it also came with a very narrow timeline. The project was awarded at the end of March 2020. Phase 1 installation was a short 14 weeks later. “Our entire project team worked remotely due to the pandemic,” said Ken Ayers, project management team lead, Office Revolution. “But the new work dynamic didn’t hold us back. The team rallied to meet the order placement deadlines required for the Phase 1 installation schedule. It was really incredible to see the team come together like that under such unprecedented conditions.”

The furniture, from nearly 40 different manufacturers, was ready to install prior to construction being complete. Office Revolution’s installation crews worked carefully around construction crews, moving product multiple times to allow construction to continue.

This large space brought together two previously existing offices in Chicago. The client wanted to incorporate and expand on key elements from those offices, including solid wood butcher block work surfaces. To seamlessly integrate those existing work surfaces, Office Revolution engaged Custom Crafters to create 127 matching solid wood butcher block work surfaces that were used on both fixed and height adjustable table bases.

The height adjustable workstations were key to the environment because the space has no private offices. All the workstations sit on a raised floor, allowing for easy electrical access, and feature casters for mobility. This combination allows the client to relocate workstations quickly and easily as work groups change.

“This project really highlights the importance of manufacturer relationships and how Office Revolution locations work together to service the needs of our clients,” said Bernie Donaldson, founding principal, Office Revolution. “We’re so fortunate to have the breadth, depth, and strength of multiple locations so that we can service our clients no matter where their next location takes them.”