Opulent Obscura

Project Brief

This adaptive reuse project for 1 North LaSalle offered the opportunity to design a sophisticated cafe within one of Chicago’s most iconic Art Deco landmarks. Inspired by the intersection of 1920s industrial ambition and the rhythmic energy of the Jazz Age, the “Opulent Obscura” concept explores the balance between architectural grandeur and the mysterious atmosphere of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. The design targets the professional Loop workforce, providing a space that feels both structured and atmospheric—bridging the gap between the building’s 1929 heritage and a modern, high-volume hospitality experience. To capture this “design capital” identity, the interior translates the city’s verticality into a series of curated moments, from a dedicated jazz stage with gold and bronze arches to custom vaulted ceilings with integrated lighting. The material palette reinforces this narrative of luxury and discretion, utilizing dark warm woods, plush seating, and Art Deco metalwork to create an environment that is professional yet deeply evocative. By integrating diverse seating types—from “tucked-in” booths to a high-turnover coffee bar—the layout ensures a seamless consumer journey that respects the historically protected shell while establishing a bold new presence in the urban environment.