A striking new training center built by Ironworkers Local 63 near I-290, west of Chicago, offers both practical training for apprentices and a visually appealing structure that redefines the industrial landscape.
The center, located at 2525 Lexington St., spans 12,000 square feet and features a sleek, transparent curved glass facade that changes appearance with the weather, reflecting the union’s dedication to craftsmanship in architectural and ornamental metalwork.
Local 63, which has specialized in these trades since 1903, is known for working on significant projects such as the skyscraper curtain walls and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park.
Paul Wende, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of Local 63, expressed that the union intended to create a building that represents its identity, stating, “We do a lot of cool, unique ornate features, and I was looking for [a building] that spoke to who we are.”
While the union affectionately refers to their facility as the “glass box,” only the front and back elevations consist entirely of glass. The sides are constructed from black precast concrete made from sand — a byproduct from U.S. Steel’s Gary Works mill.
Scott Hurst, design principal at Gensler, was instrumental in conceptualizing the building to ensure visibility into the activities taking place inside.
He noted, “The street out in front is a really highly trafficked street, and being able to lift that curtain up and peek inside and see all of the variety of activities that take place within there… was important.”
The intricate details of the design add to the building’s unique character. The glass facades curve gently, contributing to the overall aesthetic and functionality.
Hurst shared that the curvature of the building is inspired by a well-executed weld bead, showcasing an iridescent quality. This attention to the welding process connects the design directly to the craft the training center supports.
Wende expressed his amazement at the building’s final look, noting, “When we saw it unfold, I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ That’s exactly what it ended up looking like.”
As clouds pass or sunlight shifts, the black glass facade transforms, adding a dynamic element to the training center’s appearance.
Visitors standing before the building can view its interior, similar to the experience at the University of Chicago’s South Campus Chiller Plant, designed by the late Helmut Jahn.
Inside the center, there’s a three-story mock-up for apprentices to practice hanging exterior glass and wall panels. Wende highlighted the inclusion of a wood mass timber mock-up, indicating a trend toward mass timber construction in high-rise buildings.
The spiral staircase is another notable feature, allowing apprentices to learn about glass and metal railings and stair installations.
Unique facilities such as a water testing chamber enable hands-on learning experiences, teaching apprentices how to properly construct a curtain wall.
The training center serves a dual purpose by not only educating future ironworkers but also attracting new talent to the profession. This strategy mirrors actions taken by other unions like Plumbers Local 130, which recently opened a Gensler-designed training facility at 1340 W. Washington Boulevard.
Hurst commented, “I think we’re witnessing a shift in the way we think about some of these kind of buildings.”
He elaborated on the role of architecture in encouraging vocational professions, stating, “Higher education institutions have been leveraging the built environment to recruit the next generation of students for decades— for centuries. [Now], the trades and vocations are investing in the next generation and saying through the built environment, through architecture, that this is a special place. And that this is a noble profession worth devoting your life to and pursuing.”
The new Ironworkers Local 63 training center stands as a testament to the evolving perspectives on vocational training and the importance of creating spaces that inspire and educate the next generation of skilled workers.
image source from：chicago
