July 7, 2011
Target Loop store sign approved
Chicago Sun-Times
by David Roeder

A plan for the discount retailer Target Corp. to add its signage to architect Louis Sullivan’s former Carson Pirie Scott store on State Street, one of Chicago’s most revered buildings, won approval Thursday from city landmark officials.

Executives from Target faced a balancing act with the building at 1 S. State, where Target is due to become the anchor tenant in about a year. They needed to settle on a design that would let Target clearly identify its location without overwhelming the building’s distinctive windows and ironwork.

The proposal lets Target place its bull’s-eye logo inside the glass-enclosed entrance at State and Madison. Along State Street, Target would hang inside alternating windows two-story banners in the company’s red color.

Along State Street would be awnings in the same hue. Awnings are part of the original design.

Final details on materials and placement need city review, but a permit review committee of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks endorsed the general plan Thursday. Heather Sexton, senior design architect at Target, said the retailer is undecided about displaying merchandise in the windows.

Commission Chairman Rafael Leon said the signs are understated. “I think they look good. I’m impressed with how they have treated the building.”

Target also can place its logo in second-floor windows on the Monroe Street corners at State and Wabash.

The renovated building is owned by Joseph Freed and Associates LLC and now goes by the name Sullivan Center. The Target, 124,000 square feet over two floors, is part of the retailer’s format called CityTarget.

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