Hyatt Center

The Hyatt Center, located in downtown Chicago, was the first high-rise building to break ground in Chicago post 9/ 11.  As such, security was a big concern during the planning and construction of the 47-story multi-tenant office building.  It is also the city's first building from prestigious architectural firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. 

Kroll Security Group (KSG) was hired to complete Security Systems Design services for the construction of the facility itself and for several of the tenant build-outs within the building.  Working with the architect, KSG was able to utilize sound security methods while also being sensitive to the aesthetics that make the Hyatt Center the distinctive presense it is today.

The decorative planters in front of the building provide an aesthetically pleasing element from both the street and from inside the lobby.  The curved concrete planters are used as benches by building tenants but in addition to their visual interest, the planters serve as concrete barriers made to block car and truck access from the street to the lobby.  This set off distance, coupled with blast proof glass, provides a layer of protection for the inhabitants of the building as well as for the building itself.  

The Hyatt Center opened in 2006.

"Enhanced security measures instituted after the attack on the World Trade Center in New York have had a devastating impact on the experience of entry into many urban buildings. At Hyatt Center - Chicago's first post-9/11 office tower - these required security measures are accommodated through design in such a way as to enrich rather than impoverish that experience."

Henry N. Cobb
Pei Cobb Freed & Partners

"The design reveals how architects can deftly layer security features into their buildings rather than letting the need to fortify overrun the desire to beautify."

Blair Kamin
Chicago Tribune