The Franklin

In 1982, a consent decree split up the AT&T monopoly into local groups. Across the United States AT&T began to construct many buildings and issued requests for proposals. During this period of time, The Franklin Center was constructed. Although now it is no longer used by AT&T it is still recognized as a landmark for eco-friendly and grandeur in the Chicago urban environment according to NRDC. The eco-friendly aspect comes from the modification of energy-efficient applications such as lights. According to NRDC, The Franklin Center seeks to reduce energy consumption by 20% and is utilizing ComEd energy programs to reduce overall energy usage. Alongside its energy achievements, its previous owner, AT&T adopted a progressive policy that was established due to the location of the center.

Construction of the Franklin Center:

The beginning of The Franklin Center starts with the end of the AT&T monopoly. Shortly after the consent decree was issued, AT&T began to issue requests for proposals. These requests led to the occupation of AT&T employees in an office space near the Willis Tower(Now the Sears tower). Stein and Co designated Skidmore, Owning and Merrill to design the center. The center was constructed following postmodern style architecture and is primarily made of granite. 

Minority Policy:

The building followed a specific policy regarding minorities which was imposed by former mayor Harold Washington. This policy made room for projects developed by minorities and women in the business sector. However, AT&T adopted this policy directly into their private development. The policy imposed by former mayor Harold Washington was to ensure that project development set aside 30% of its space for minorities and women. While the policy was aimed specifically towards broad project development, AT&T established this further into their company. An important fact is that the extend of the imposed policy was aimed only towards development in Chicago yet was stretched by this company.

Ownership transition of The Franklin Center: 

The Franklin Center was not always named the Franklin Center. Originally it was called the AT&T corporate center. However, after AT&T left the center it was renamed. It is important to note that the Franklin Center is composed of two towers, one of which was formerly the AT&T corporate center. However, the other tower was owned by the UCG corporation and was  jointly constructed next to the AT&T corporate center after the original tower was constructed. It was formerly known as the UCG building. After both AT&T and the UCG corporation left, these two jointly constructed towers were renamed The Franklin. It was purchased by Tishman Speyer and is still currently owned by this realty group.

The Franklin Center Present-Day:

Now, The Franklin Center operates as a multi-purpose center. It offers catering services indoors, business meetings, hotel service, lounging, and event space. Its new owner, Tishman Speyer, is a realty business and specific areas within the Franklin Center can be rented out. These rental sections are primarily aimed towards organizations who require office/meeting space and come with special commodities. Some of these commodities for organizations include restaurant service, lobby attendants and heated parking spaces.

Eco-Friendly revisions:

A major way that The Franklin Center is maintaining eco-friendly revisions is through communication with its tenants. The ComEd policy that incentivizes the reductions of energy usage. If energy is reduced by 1,000,000 kWh, there is a $60,000 bonus to the center. So far, 30-40% of tenants within the center have replaced inefficient light sources. Tishman Speyer is also seeking to implement efficient energy-management systems and implement newer efficient systems.

Narita, Kimi. “Franklin Center: Landmark Chicago Buildings Leading the Way on Energy 

Efficiency.” NRDC, December 15, 2016. https://www.nrdc.org/experts/franklin-center-landmark-chicago-buildings-leading-way-energy-efficiency. 

Kieköwer, Daniel. “Franklin Center North Tower.” Emporis. Accessed October 15, 2021. 

https://www.emporis.com/buildings/117417/franklin-center-north-tower-chicago-il-usa.