Burnham Park Plaza is one of the first mixed use developments in the South Loop. This prominent commercial and residential development paved the way to the recent rebirth of new construction in this area of the city. In addition to the 292 apartments which were created within the original historic YMCA Tower, 30,000 square feet of commercial and retail space was added. This additional space houses a five screen Cineplex, a new entry lobby, and retail shops. A parking structure for 180 cars was also constructed. In order to raise the visual profile of the building, SMNG-A added a rooftop deck and pool with distinctive sloping roof. These additions redefined the structure and provided a new identity for Burnham Park Plaza.
Among the unique features of this project is the entire theater superstructure rests on rubber bearing pads which dampen the ground-borne vibration generated by the nearby elevated trains. At the time of its construction, it was one of the largest mixed-use installations in North America. SMNG-A provided full professional services including architectural, structural and acoustical engineering.
