Chicago Public Schools / Barbara Vick Early Childhood School Annex + Renovation
M2 is providing full architectural services for the Barbara Vick Early Childhood Annex and Renovation consisting of an eight classroom addition to an existing Chicago Public School building located in the Chicago Southside neighborhood of Mt. Greenwood. In addition to new classrooms, the building program includes a new multipurpose room, kitchen, and support spaces. Site improvements include new vehicular circulation, staff parking area, and the development of a landscaped educational play area which features native plant species and hands-on educational exhibits as part of the curriculum. Imagery is combined with a bold use of color to create a sense of playfulness and movement throughout the main corridors.
Chicago Public Schools
Barbara Vick Early Childhood School Annex + Renovation
1 of 10
Public Building Commission of Chicago / Decatur Elementary School Annex + Renovation
Muller & Muller, Ltd. (M2) provided full architectural services for the 18,600sf addition and renovation of Decatur Classical Elementary School via a Construction Manager at Risk project delivery. The new annex houses three classrooms which enables the school to expand grades up to K-8. It also includes a library, dance and music rooms, a Science Lab, a kitchen, toilet rooms, an administrative office and an exterior turf field. The annex’s functionality has also been significantly improved with the addition of a multi-use, double height gymnasium which could be separated equally by a divider curtain to make a space for a lunchroom.
Public Building Commission of Chicago
Decatur Elementary School Annex + Renovation
City of Chicago / Chicago Cultural Center Master Plan Study
M2 is providing a Master Plan Study for activating additional program spaces and creating an outline for improving existing infrastructure to create more interest, excitement, and visitor traffic to the Cultural Center. The landmarked building, built as Chicago’s Central Library in 1897, celebrates an eclectic mix of cultural media interweaved with administrative offices. M2 was tasked to develop a logical order to the building and capitalize on underutilized opportunities discovered at the roof and central light core. M2 offered more flexible use of the spaces while consolidating program spaces within a “cultural mainstreet” on the busy first floor of the building.
City of Chicago
Chicago Cultural Center Master Plan Study
Adler Planetarium / Doane Observatory Renovation
M2 worked with Troop Contracting for the Design/Build renovation of the 1977 Doane Observatory at the Adler Planetarium. Renovation involved creating a new, accessible multi-purpose gallery space, ideal for hosting educational programs, public observation, and special events. The new doors and windows provide visitors an unparalleled view of Lake Michigan. The new outdoor stair and ramp on the south side of the building are part of a larger vision to mirror the stair and ramp on the north side, creating a plaza for gatherings. The Observatory still serves its original function, housing a 20-inch mirrored telescope and supporting research of Adler astronomers. Renovation included the addition of a steel stair, enhancing traffic flow between the telescope room and the observation…
Adler Planetarium
Doane Observatory Renovation
Northern Illinois University / Center for the Study of Family Violence
This facility provides lecture rooms, offices, a visiting researcher apartment and flexible research space for an independent part of the Psychology Department of Northern Illinois University focusing on family behavioral research. Muller+Muller, Ltd. worked closely with the client to meet a very tight 4 month design schedule mandated by funding sources. Driven by client needs, spaces are efficiently arranged to accommodate multiple types of research and lecture formats while promoting interaction among researchers. Elegant finishes provide the building with a contemporary professional environment.
Northern Illinois University
Center for the Study of Family Violence

Peck Elementary School

Public Building Commission of Chicago / Peck Elementary School
Muller2 provided full architectural services for Peck elementary school. The project scope included extensive renovations to an existing 1920’s school and a new 3 story addition. The renovations included programmatic changes, interior finishes, structural repairs, integration of new mechanical systems and exterior restoration. M2 was challenged with integrating a large 3 story addition based on the PBC prototype school for 1500 students into a constrictive site. This challenge was further complicated by the phasing plan required to keep the existing school fully operational throughout construction. A major design component, for the future addition, focused on providing a LEED for Schools Silver rating with emphasis on innovative LEED / sustainable design concepts.
Public Building Commission of Chicago
Peck Elementary School

West Ridge School

Public Building Commission of Chicago / West Ridge Elementary School
Muller2 provided full architectural services for this school which serves as a focal point for the neighborhood. We were challenged with integrating the PBC prototype school for 900 students into a unique and constrictive site. A major design component focuses on providing a LEED for Schools Silver rating in both the categories of building element sustainability and LEED as an educational tool. The building uses water tanks to harvest rainwater which can be used to water the outdoor bio-garden and study sustainable water usage. Artistic floor designs in the corridors captivate the minds of students and teachers alike as they engage the vastness of the solar system, tour a timeline of American Presidency, and discover the infinity of π.
Public Building Commission of Chicago
West Ridge Elementary School

City Colleges of Chicago 5-14

1 of 10
City Colleges of Chicago / Administrative Building Renovation Floors 5-14
M2 is currently under contract with City Colleges of Chicago for full architectural and construction administration services at the main administrative building  in Downtown Chicago. A fast track schedule allows for continued use of spaces during construction. Project scope includes design and construction of administrative offices,conference rooms, supplemental spaces, elevator lobbies, renovations to existing restrooms, as well as modifications to the mechanical systems in the historic 14 story building. The project includes programming, space planning, furniture and equipment coordination, complex phasing, temporary relocation of staff, and construction administration.
City Colleges of Chicago
Administrative Building Renovation Floors 5-14

A Journey Through Space and Time

 

Adler Planetarium / Adler Cosmology Gallery
M2 provided full architectural services for the design and construction of a new cosmology gallery at the Adler Planetarium. The Universe: A Journey Through Space and Time takes visitors back 13.7 billion years to the beginning of the universe and takes them on a journey through how stars, planets, galaxies, and even the atoms in your body all came to be. The gallery features multiple multi-media interactives that gets users of all ages engaged with the wonders of our universe. M2 worked hand-in-hand with cosmologists and museum experience designers from Adler to bring this immersive space to fruition. A tight budget and fast time line had M2 working very closely with lighting designers, exhibit designers, fabricators, multi-media designers, and the…
Adler Planetarium
Adler Cosmology Gallery

A Lab for the Senses

City Colleges of Chicago / French Pastry School
M2 provided design and construction administration services for renovation and expansion of the prestigious French Pastry School of Chicago. The school, recognized world wide, was located in a cramped and tired space in a 1920s downtown Chicago high rise building. The design task was to create a physical environment which matched the stature of the school and which would accommodate its expanding course offerings and growing student body. The design work included re-planning and expansion of existing offices and the addition of four new culinary arts teaching kitchens. The interior design of the space is very open with generous natural light and dramatic city views available to all. Colors and finishes take cues from the pastries and cakes being baked…
City Colleges of Chicago
French Pastry School

Lincoln Elementary School

Public Building Commission of Chicago / Lincoln Elementary School
Muller2 is providing full architectural services for the renovation and addition of the Lincoln Elementary School. M2 is challenged with creating an addition which still honors the existing landmark building. The landmark district required the new three story addition to be carefully designed as a contemporary wing to compliment and respect the existing structure. Matching the brick, both in texture and color, and providing a contemporary rain screen terra cotta system, the addition pays respect to the terra cotta detailing of the 1894 building. The addition is also designed to balance the 1939 wing by articulating similar proportions vertically. The new wing houses 17 new classrooms, music rooms, a computer lab, and a roof-deck playground. Renovation scope includes program and…
Public Building Commission of Chicago
Lincoln Elementary School
Chicago Public Schools / Fort Dearborn Elementary School Masonry and Roof
Muller & Muller, Ltd. (M2) was retained as architect of record for the exterior renovation of Chicago Public School’s Fort Dearborn Elementary School. The project involved masonry renovations and repairs, as well as complete roof replacement. Masonry conditions were evaluated at points of failure. Primary documentation defined the repair scope, and details developed and honed for each condition, including repair of steel backup structure, masonry replacement and repointing. Conditions will continue to be reviewed throughout construction administration.
Chicago Public Schools
Fort Dearborn Elementary School Masonry and Roof