The Mark

A century-old building is reimagined in this historical renovation project. Together with the architects, Lisa Schmitz Interior Design worked to celebrate this 23-story building while making it ultra-livable. The lobby was challenging. Although two defunct elevator shafts could not be moved, the space needed to feel grand and transition into a residential lobby. Below ground, the building’s massive lower level was in bad shape, and it required modifications to take on multiple functions: working from home, exercising and hosting gatherings—all with no natural light.

The design team worked to save any original elements and complemented the vintage surfaces with modern finishes. They also designed spaces to connect the community. They maintained 14-foot-high ceilings in the lobbies and paired black-marble quartz countertops with tone-on-tone black Zellige tile at the reception desk. The team encased the large elevator shafts with white-oak slats and repeated the oak-slat motif in adjacent rooms, unifying separate spaces.

Downstairs, the original terrazzo floors were repaired to reflect their 1923 craftsmanship. Designing a welcoming space, however, was a massive challenge in the dark lower level. The design team took a “speakeasy” approach—instead celebrating the absence of natural light. The newly renovated seating areas now serve various needs, including space to hang out with friends or watch a Chiefs game, dining areas to host cocktail hours, a large fitness center, a bevy of game tables and small remote work rooms.