Prairie, Meet Viñoly

edited by Sheila Kim -- Interior Design, 5/1/2004 12:00:00 AM

For a rare snapshot of architectural history in the making, venture from the Merchandise Mart to the University of Chicago's campus in Hyde Park. Since last year's NeoCon, the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust has completed phase one of a decade-long restoration of the Frederick C. Robie House—a process in which contractor Bulley & Andrews re-pointed and replaced the National Historic Landmark's characteristic speckled brick, repaired 11 art-glass windows, and mitigated termite damage.

On the very same corner, 1910 gives way to 2004 as Rafael Viñoly Architects constructs the university's new Graduate School of Business. Inside, the 415,000-square-foot building will feature high-tech classrooms; areas for student activities, faculty offices, and recruiting; and a glass-enclosed courtyard. Outside, horizontal bands of limestone echo the cantilevered composition of the school's distinguished neighbor across the street.