With news of candy companies failing in Chicago, it’s refreshing to hear of one (albeit not a local maker) that has sweetened the pot for its 69-person staff on the north bank of the Chicago River in the old Traffic Court building. Storck USA , U.S. headquarters of a German confectioner that makes Werther’s Original caramels, among others, decided it was time to have fun when its lease ran out on its beige Michigan Avenue offices. With the help of Chicago architect Tom Zurowski of Eastlake Studio, Storck opted for a quirky loft in the recently rehabbed Reid-Murdoch Center. Zurowski’s shake-things-up plan included placing managers’ offices at the core of the space–not at the windows–so that everyone can enjoy natural light and river views. A palette “spirited by candy colors” sets the fun in motion, as does Zurowski’s choice of “soft and playful shapes.” Jelly bean-shaped windows look out from conference rooms onto the open workstations. Fabric “petals” sprout above and bounce indirect light. Their “stems” hide electrical and data lines. Best of all is the reception area, where candies flow from walnut dispensers that have been known to beckon even the building security guards.
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...