Built in 1974, Mies van der Rohe’s iconic Chicago Central Post Office is part of the three-building GSA complex located in the Loop. It is distinguished by its downlight grid that follows the building’s own grid-like architecture. The GSA renovated the building to increase energy efficiency and highlight the original architecture, which included a re-evaluation of the lighting systems. Morlights worked with the GSA to restore the lighting to Mies’ original design, while also reducing power use and adjusting lighting levels throughout the day. We discovered so many efficiencies along the way that the GSA was able to complete the entire project, rather than just the half they had been expecting. The post office is the only building in federal plaza that has the original Mies detail at the downlights.
