Architect Lucien Lagrange retiring, firm files Chapter 11
(Crain's) — Architect Lucien Lagrange is retiring as his firm files for bankruptcy protection.
One of the city's most active designers for more than two decades, Mr. Lagrange, 69, says the firm filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors Wednesday as a way to wind up its affairs and prevent him with being saddled with company debts after he stops working.
The bankruptcy petition is another reminder of how the dramatic downturn in development, particularly condominium towers, has hurt the design industry, which has suffered from layoffs. The filing is seemingly an ignominious chapter in a career that includes such high-profile projects as the Park Tower hotel/condo skyscraper, 800 N. Michigan Ave.; the 840 N. Lake Shore Drive condo building, and Elysian Hotel & Residences, 11 E. Walton St., which opened last year.
"No matter one's stylistic preferences, Lucien is a major figure, not just in Chicago, but internationally," says architect Stanley Tigerman, a principal in Chicago-based Tigerman McCurry Architects. "Of the type that does upscale condos, can you think of a better architect?"
Lucien Lagrange Architects Ltd. lists assets of more than $1 million and up to $10 million, according to the eight-page petition. Liabilities fall within the same range.
Mr. Lagrange declines to comment about the firm's finances and says the Chapter 11 filing was merely a pragmatic business decision he made after deciding it was time to retire.
"Retiring, (there would be) a lot of liabilities are on my back. I can't just walk away," Mr. Lagrange says. "Chapter 11 gives you a chance to plan ahead, organize and close in a decent way."
No closing date has been set for the firm, says Mr. Lagrange, one of four principals in the company, which employs four associates and other support staff.
His decision to retire comes as two of his most important projects are under construction: Ritz-Carlton Residences, a 40-story condominium tower at 664 N. Michigan Ave., and Lincoln Park 2520, a three-building complex on the site of the demolished Columbus Hospital, 2520 N. Lakeview Ave.
Mr. Lagrange says he doesn't see development rebounding for at least five years, when he might be too old to undertake another major project.
"I could maybe survive the economy downturn, but what's the point?" he says.
In addition to his new-construction projects, Mr. Lagrange is well-known for his restoration work on architectural treasures, such as Hard Rock Hotel, 230 N. Michigan Ave.; the Insurance Exchange Building, 175 W. Jackson Blvd., and 208 S. LaSalle St., where the lower floor are being converted into a J. W. Marriott hotel to open later this year.
The French-born architect came to Chicago in 1968, when he went to work as an intern for Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLP.
He joined Skidmore full-time in 1972 after graduating from McGill University in Montreal with a degree in architecture.
Mr. Lagrange started his own firm in 1985.
A key project was the 60-story Park Tower, which was completed in 2000 and was one of the first residential high-rises built in the city in nearly a decade.
"That's the one that really put us on the map," he says.
(Note: This story has been corrected to reflect that McGill University is in Montreal.)
