pROJECT: Presidential Towers

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DETAILS

Market: Multifamily
Location: 555 W Madison Street, Chicago, IL
Service Type: Multifamily Renovation – Unit Turn Upgrades
Scope: 126,000 sq ft | 200+ Units

PROJECT OVERVIEW

In the heart of downtown Chicago, Presidential Towers is a cornerstone of urban living. When the time came for large-scale unit renovations across over 200 apartments, the property team needed a contractor who could handle volume, logistics, and live-in conditions with precision. That’s where we came in.

tHE CHALLENGE

Executing 200+ unit upgrades in an occupied high-rise presented several operational hurdles. Coordination was key. We worked within an active building where downtime needed to be minimized, and tenant comfort had to remain a priority. One of the biggest obstacles? Limited elevator availability, including periods of unexpected downtime, which affected material transport and scheduling. Additionally, we had to navigate communication and approvals across multiple building engineers, each with different priorities and workflows.

oUR APPROACH

We deployed a highly structured, phased renovation plan that was responsive to unit availability and building logistics. Depending on access, our crews managed 10–15 units at a time or pivoted to smaller batches—ensuring no downtime and maximizing efficiency regardless of daily conditions.

This flexibility was made possible by our deep bench of in-house labor and reliable trade partners, allowing us to scale up or down without delays. When elevator service was limited or down entirely, we rerouted teams, adjusted material handling workflows, and pre-staged supplies to maintain momentum.

Throughout the project, we maintained open, consistent communication with property managers and multiple building engineers—each with different needs and oversight styles. By proactively aligning with their workflows, we avoided bottlenecks and kept the project on track.
To minimize disruption, we also implemented noise control measures and strictly observed quiet hours, ensuring resident satisfaction remained high throughout the process.

THE RESULT

Over 200 units were successfully upgraded across 126,000 square feet—on time, within budget, and with minimal impact to daily building operations. Beyond the improved unit quality and enhanced rental value, the project showcased ETI’s ability to scale teams efficiently, pivot on short notice, and work within the complex framework of a large, occupied high-rise.

By proactively aligning with building engineers, respecting resident routines, and adapting daily to logistical challenges, we delivered consistent results in a dynamic environment. The success of this renovation wasn’t just about volume—it was about flexibility, professionalism, and maintaining high standards without disrupting the fabric of downtown living.

PROJECT GALLERY

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GET IN TOUCH

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