Lightswitch Architectural is proud to contribute a new highlight to the skyline that truly makes a difference in a city already known for its breathtaking architecture and silhouette. The 48 story, 1.5 million-square-foot office building and residence at 55 E. Monroe recently underwent an owner-initiated external renovation. The building is the first in the lakefront skyline in downtown Chicago to add color changing luminaires to its roof top. 

Lightswitch Architectural illuminated the top of the building with energy efficient LED lighting, turning this section of the skyline into a work of art. A new and exciting color changing scheme now shines brightly over the city with 37 carefully programmed LED fixtures that create a wash affect. 55 E. Monroe also has the capability to easily change its beacon colors, allowing the building to celebrate holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day and honor special events like breast cancer awareness and local sports team victories. 

State-of-the-art LED technology proved to be a cost effective way to revamp the building and dramatize the cityscape - requiring much less energy to run than the neon previously used. The system requires minimal staff time to maintain and little expertise to change the light programming. 

“We designed a lighting program that brings new energy to a once overlooked building. With energy efficient solid state LED technology, we have been able to make 55 E. Monroe the first color changing roof top on a building in downtown Chicago”, explains Avraham Mor, Lightswitch Architectural Partner. 

“By adding exciting lighting, the property gains a fresh look, attracting attention all night,” adds Mor. Lightswitch Architectural lit the client’s vision with innovative, artistic exterior lighting which will forever make an impact in the Windy City skyline.