International Living Future Institute

The Keller Center is an adaptive reuse of 60-year-old structural concrete beams, columns, floors, exterior limestone facade, and existing windows. In running initial carbon calculations, ILFI found that reusing the existing structure is a huge offset compared to an entirely new construction. This was a major carbon-saving strategy. Using other salvaged products, reclaimed wood, limestone facade, doors, etc. further reduced the embodied carbon of the building. The Keller Center sought to reuse materials from the existing building whenever possible, supplementing sustainable practices with salvaged wood donated by the Chicago Park District to the Theaster Gates Foundation for the construction of the Forum, FSC certified millwork and a number of Declare products throughout the project. Photo Courtesy of Farr Associates