In 1906, Lorado Taft established working studios on the south edge of the University of Chicago campus. The propagating building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965, a National Register of Historic Places building in 1966, and a Chicago Landmark in 1993.

Following numerous modifications and more than a hundred years of Midwestern weathering effects, the University selected ZS to design and oversee construction for a complete exterior facade restoration.

The design and construction management duties of the project included:

• Emergency shoring and structural member replacement and repair
• Selective exterior masonry unit replacement and tuckpointing of degraded mortar joints
• Helical anchoring of existing masonry walls
• Steel lintel replacement over windows and doors
• Membrane roof system replacement near failing parapets and areas of water infiltration
• Full-time construction observation services