While Chicago Mercantile Exchange will build a new entrance in the middle of the two towers, Equity Office Properties Trust will update the lobbies and first-floor retail area with new fixtures, including stainless steel, wood, leather and frosted glass. The largest US office REIT owns the property in a joint venture with Lend Lease.

"This renovation focuses on cosmetic enhancements because 10 and 30 S. Wacker Dr. is one of the most technologically advanced office complexes in Chicago," says Equity Office Properties regional SVP Arvid Povilaitis. "Sophisticated electrical feeds and other high-tech elements have been installed to meet the advanced needs of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange."

Chicago Mercantile Exchange is also putting up a 200-sf sign along Wacker Drive and building a visitor's center. Fujikawa Johnson and Associates, the building's original architect, has been hired for Chicago Mercantile Exchange's work, and the general contractor is Turner Construction. For Equity's part of the renovation, the REIT hired Interior Architects as the architect and Alps Construction Inc. as general contractor. The project will be complete by the end of 2003.