Portfolio · Gold Coast Pre-War Co-Op · 1242 N Lake Shore Drive

A 1929 Robert DeGolyer co-op on Lake Shore Drive, fully renovated in 10 weeks.

Q: How long does a full pre-war co-op renovation in Gold Coast take?

Pre-war co-op renovations of this scope routinely run 16 to 24 weeks in the Chicago market when co-op board approval, permitting, and concealed-condition discoveries are factored in. The 1242 N Lake Shore Drive project — custom kitchen, three ensuite bathrooms, all flooring, custom millwork, drywall replacement, paint throughout, and permitted electrical and plumbing work — was delivered by Assembly Squad in 10 weeks start to finish through pre-approved scope, parallel trade scheduling, and direct co-op board coordination.

Q: What does a Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation cost?

The 1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovation cost $265,000 all-in for a 2,035 sq ft full renovation including custom kitchen, three ensuite bathrooms, all flooring, custom millwork integration, drywall and paint throughout, and permitted electrical and plumbing work. Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovations typically run $200,000 to $500,000+ depending on unit size, scope, and finish library. Following completion, the unit was listed at $925,000.

Q: Can Assembly Squad manage a pre-war co-op renovation remotely for an out-of-state owner?

Yes. Fully remote design-build management is a core Assembly Squad capability. The 1242 N Lake Shore Drive client was based in New York and did not visit the property during construction. Assembly Squad managed every design decision, material selection, co-op board liaison, permitting, and inspection on their behalf, with weekly photo and video reporting throughout the 10-week schedule. Out-of-state owners with Chicago condos and co-ops trust Assembly Squad to deliver turnkey results without requiring travel.

Q: Who designed 1242 N Lake Shore Drive?

1242 N Lake Shore Drive was designed in 1929 by Robert Seeley DeGolyer, a notable Chicago architect responsible for several of Gold Coast's most prestigious pre-war boutique co-ops. DeGolyer trained at MIT, worked as chief designer at Marshall and Fox (the firm behind The Drake Hotel and Blackstone Hotel), and went on to design 1120 N LSD (1925), 1242 N LSD (1929), 1420 N LSD, 1320 N State Parkway, and 200 East Pearson, among others. The 1242 building features 9-foot ceilings, original archways, custom millwork detailing, wood-burning fireplaces, and only two apartments per floor.

Q: Is 1242 N Lake Shore Drive in Gold Coast or Streeterville?

1242 N Lake Shore Drive is in the Gold Coast Historic District. Gold Coast spans Lake Shore Drive between approximately Oak Street (1000 N) and North Avenue (1600 N), and 1242 sits squarely in the middle of that corridor. Streeterville is south of Oak Street. The Gold Coast designation matters because it is the older, pre-war architectural district with co-ops and Beaux-Arts buildings, distinct from Streeterville's mid-century and contemporary high-rise inventory.

Q: Does Assembly Squad work on other Gold Coast pre-war buildings?

Yes. Assembly Squad's portfolio includes multiple Gold Coast pre-war co-op and condo renovations across Lake Shore Drive, Astor Street, North State Parkway, and the broader Gold Coast Historic District. Direct experience with alteration agreement and co-op board approval processes at Lake Shore Drive's premier pre-war buildings — including DeGolyer's other designs (1120 N LSD, 1420 N LSD, 1320 N State Parkway, 200 E Pearson) and contemporary buildings like 1500 N Lake Shore Drive (Rosario Candela), 1448 N LSD, 1260 Astor, and 209 E Lake Shore Drive (Drake Tower).

A complete pre-war co-op renovation in one of Gold Coast's most prestigious boutique buildings — custom kitchen, three ensuite bathrooms, all flooring, custom millwork preserved, and full electrical and plumbing permitting. Delivered for an out-of-state client through fully remote design-build management.

Location

Gold Coast

Building

1929 Pre-War Co-Op

Timeline

10 Weeks

Investment

$265,000

1242 N Lake Shore Drive Gold Coast pre-war co-op fully renovated by Assembly Squad -- 1929 Robert DeGolyer building, modern luxury finishes, preserved architectural detailing in Chicago — 1242 N Lake Shore Drive, Unit 4N — fully renovated and currently listed at $925,000. The completed residence integrates modern luxury with the original 1929 architectural detailing of one of Gold Coast's most prestigious boutique co-ops.

Project Details

Project Type: Pre-War Co-Op Full Renovation
Address: 1242 N Lake Shore Drive, Unit 4N
Neighborhood: Gold Coast, 60610
Building: 1929 Robert DeGolyer Boutique Co-Op
Unit Size: 2,035 Sq Ft
Configuration: 3 BR / 3 BA — All Ensuite
Duration: 10 Weeks Start to Finish
Total Cost: $265,000 All-In
Client: Out-of-State, New York

Scope Delivered

Kitchen: Custom Cabinets · Full Gut
Bathrooms: 3 Ensuite · Fully Renovated
Flooring: All Hardwood Replaced
Millwork: Custom · Original Details Preserved
Drywall: All Wallpaper Removed · New Drywall
Paint: Custom Throughout
Electrical: Permitted · Inspected
Plumbing: Permitted · Inspected
Co-Op Board: Liaison Handled End-to-End

The Project

1242 N Lake Shore Drive is one of Gold Coast's most prestigious boutique co-ops — a 27-floor, 35-unit, neo-Gothic building designed in 1929 by acclaimed Chicago architect Robert Seeley DeGolyer. DeGolyer trained at MIT, served as chief designer at Marshall and Fox (the firm behind The Drake Hotel and Blackstone Hotel), and went on to design many of Chicago's premier pre-war Lake Shore Drive co-ops including 1120 N LSD, 1242 N LSD, and 1420 N LSD, as well as 1320 N State Parkway and 200 East Pearson. The 1242 building features only two apartments per floor and a porte-cochère drop-off — and its penthouse was famously occupied for years by McDonald's founder Ray Kroc.

Unit 4N is a 2,035 square foot residence with three ensuite bedrooms, lake-facing living and dining rooms, original archways, custom millwork, a wood-burning fireplace, and 9-foot ceilings — the kind of architectural inheritance that any luxury renovation has to honor rather than fight. Our client purchased the unit from out of state — based in New York with no plans to be in Chicago during construction. They needed a design-build firm that could (a) navigate the co-op board's approval process, (b) preserve the original architectural details that make a Gold Coast pre-war building worth living in, (c) modernize every system and finish that had aged out of usefulness, and (d) deliver the finished residence without requiring a single client trip to the property.

Scope was comprehensive: full custom kitchen with custom cabinets, three ensuite bathrooms gutted and rebuilt, all hardwood flooring replaced throughout the 2,035 sq ft, custom millwork integrated with the original 1929 detailing, complete drywall replacement after wallpaper removal, full custom paint throughout, and permitted electrical and plumbing work. We handled all co-op board coordination, all permitting, all subcontractor management, and weekly photo and video reporting to the client throughout the 10-week schedule. The result is a residence that reads as a thoughtful evolution of the original architecture — modern where it needed to be, preserved where preservation mattered.

This project sits at the heart of our most demanding category of work: Gold Coast condo and co-op renovations, where preservation and modernization have to coexist. See more of our Lake Shore Drive portfolio: 1010 Lake Shore Drive kitchen + bath remodel and 680 Lake Shore Drive bathroom remodel.

What Made This Project Special

Four moves that defined the renovation.

10-Week Delivery on a Pre-War Co-Op

Pre-war co-op renovations of this scope routinely run 16–24 weeks in the Chicago market when board approval, permitting, and concealed-condition discoveries are factored in. We delivered 1242 N Lake Shore Drive in 10 weeks through pre-approved scope, parallel trade scheduling, and direct co-op board coordination.

Out-of-State Client · Fully Remote Design-Build

Our New York-based client did not visit the property during construction. We managed every design decision, material selection, building coordination, permitting, and inspection on their behalf — with weekly photo and video reporting, and turnkey delivery of the finished residence.

Co-Op Board Liaison End-to-End

Pre-war co-ops require formal board approval before any work begins — a meaningfully different process than a standard condo HOA. We submitted plans, secured approval, coordinated insurance certificates, and managed day-to-day building staff communication across the entire 10-week schedule.

Preservation + Modern Systems

The original 1929 archways, custom millwork detailing, and wood-burning fireplace were preserved. Behind the walls, every system was modernized — new electrical with permits, new plumbing with permits, complete drywall replacement, and custom paint that complements rather than fights the architecture.

Before · The Original Condition

What the unit looked like before we started.

The condition we inherited at 1242 N Lake Shore Drive Unit 4N — original kitchen, three dated bathrooms, decades of wallpaper, aged finishes throughout the 2,035 sq ft. Documentation captured before demolition began so every original architectural detail could be referenced and protected during the 10-week renovation.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive Unit 4N original kitchen before renovation -- dated cabinetry and finishes in 1929 Gold Coast Robert DeGolyer pre-war co-op — Original kitchen — dated cabinetry, aged finishes, and a layout that had served the unit for decades.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original kitchen secondary view before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation — Original kitchen, secondary view — original counter and finish conditions before the gut renovation.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original dining and living area before renovation -- wallpaper and dated finishes in 1929 pre-war co-op — Original dining and living area — wallpapered walls, dated finishes, original architectural detail preserved beneath.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original living room before renovation -- wallpaper in 1929 Gold Coast Robert DeGolyer pre-war co-op — Original living room — the wallpaper that was removed across every wall surface during the renovation.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original flooring before renovation -- dated condition in Gold Coast pre-war co-op — Original flooring — replaced throughout the 2,035 sq ft during the renovation.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original interior before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation Chicago — Original interior — documenting baseline conditions before demolition began.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original interior view before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation by Assembly Squad — Original interior view — preserved millwork and archways visible beneath dated finishes.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original room view before Gold Coast pre-war co-op gut renovation — Original room — the kind of architectural inheritance that any thoughtful renovation has to respect.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original interior detail before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation — Original interior detail — original 1929 millwork visible beneath wallpaper.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original space before Gold Coast pre-war co-op full renovation Chicago — Original space — pre-renovation documentation of original conditions.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original room before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation by Assembly Squad — Original room — captured before scope finalization with the out-of-state client.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original primary bathroom before gut renovation -- 1929 Gold Coast pre-war co-op fixtures — Original primary bathroom — fully gutted and rebuilt during the renovation.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original second bathroom before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation — Original second bathroom — one of three bathrooms fully renovated during the 10-week project.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original bathroom view before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation Chicago — Original bathroom — documented before demolition for permit and scope coordination.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original third bathroom before Gold Coast pre-war co-op gut renovation — Original third bathroom — every one of the three ensuite bathrooms received a full gut renovation.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original bathroom secondary view before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation — Original bathroom — secondary view documenting fixture and tile conditions.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original bathroom detail before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation — Original bathroom detail — fixtures and finishes that were fully replaced.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original bedroom before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation — Original bedroom — wallpaper removed, drywall replaced, and finishes refreshed during the renovation.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original bedroom secondary view before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation — Original bedroom — secondary view of pre-renovation conditions.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original interior view before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation — Original interior — wide-angle of pre-renovation conditions.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original interior space before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation by Assembly Squad — Original space — captured during the initial design-build site visit.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original room view before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation Chicago — Original room — pre-renovation documentation for the New York-based client.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original interior corner before Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation — Original interior corner — documented for design-build planning purposes.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive original interior space before Gold Coast pre-war co-op gut renovation — Original interior space — documentation captured before demolition began.

After · The Completed Residence

What the unit looks like now.

The completed renovation at 1242 N Lake Shore Drive Unit 4N — custom kitchen, three ensuite bathrooms, all hardwood flooring replaced, custom millwork integrated with the original 1929 architectural detailing, full custom paint, and permitted electrical and plumbing throughout. Delivered in 10 weeks, currently listed at $925,000.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive after renovation -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op fully renovated interior with preserved 1929 Robert DeGolyer architecture — The completed residence — modern luxury finishes integrated with the original 1929 architectural character.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated interior -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op modern luxury finishes by Assembly Squad — Renovated interior — finish-grade execution across paint, flooring, and preserved architectural detail.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated room -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation Chicago by Assembly Squad — Renovated room — new hardwood flooring throughout, custom paint complementing the original architecture.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated bathroom -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op modern fixtures by Assembly Squad — Renovated bathroom — modern tile and fixtures with full waterproofing membrane and permitted plumbing.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated bathroom view -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation Chicago — Renovated bathroom view — one of three ensuite bathrooms completed within the 10-week schedule.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated bathroom detail -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op modern luxury by Assembly Squad — Renovated bathroom detail — custom vanity, integrated lighting, and finish-grade fixture coordination.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated room -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation Chicago — Renovated room — preserved 1929 architectural elements integrated with new finishes.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated interior -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op modern luxury by Assembly Squad Chicago — Renovated interior — custom paint and finish coordination throughout the 2,035 sq ft.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated dining or living area -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation Chicago — Renovated lake-facing space — original 9-foot ceilings and 1929 architectural detailing preserved.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated room with preserved millwork -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op Chicago — Renovated room — preserved archways and millwork integrated with new flooring and finishes.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated bedroom suite -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation by Assembly Squad — Renovated bedroom suite — new flooring, custom paint, integrated with ensuite bathroom.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated detail -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op modern luxury finishes Chicago — Renovated detail — finish-grade execution and material coordination throughout.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated room view -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op by Assembly Squad — Renovated room view — preserved 1929 architectural elements with modern finish library.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated hallway with preserved archway -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op Chicago — Renovated hallway — original 1929 archways preserved, new hardwood flooring throughout.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated bedroom -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op Chicago by Assembly Squad — Renovated bedroom — same finish standard applied across all three bedrooms.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated living space secondary view -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation — Renovated living space — finish coordination across paint, flooring, and architectural detail.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated wide view -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation Chicago — Renovated wide view — full perspective of the renovated lake-facing primary spaces.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated bathroom shower -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op modern luxury Chicago — Renovated bathroom — shower with modern fixtures, frameless glass, and waterproofing membrane.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated bathroom vanity -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op by Assembly Squad — Renovated bathroom vanity — custom cabinetry with integrated lighting.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated detail -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation Chicago — Renovated detail — preserved millwork transitions and finish-grade execution.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated entry -- Gold Coast pre-war Robert DeGolyer co-op Chicago — Renovated entry — first impression of the renovated DeGolyer co-op residence.

1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovated detail with preserved millwork -- Gold Coast pre-war co-op Chicago — Renovated detail — custom millwork integrated with original 1929 architectural elements.

Considering a similar renovation in your Gold Coast pre-war building? Schedule a private consultation → or call (312) 544-9150

Market Validation

The market response to a properly executed Gold Coast pre-war renovation.

Following completion, Unit 4N at 1242 N Lake Shore Drive was listed for sale through Baird & Warner. The listing description specifically highlights the renovation work as the property's primary value driver — "no detail was overlooked in the extensive renovation."

$925,000

Current List Price · MLS #12417204

For context, comparable renovated units at 1242 N Lake Shore Drive have sold between $695,000 (2,240 sq ft, Nov 2024) and $1,125,000 (4,200 sq ft, May 2024) — pricing that reflects how the Gold Coast market values pre-war buildings whose original character has been thoughtfully preserved alongside modernization.

Source: MRED MLS data via Redfin and Baird & Warner. Listing details current as of publication.

Complete Scope of Work

Everything delivered in 10 weeks.

Consolidated from the signed contract — every line item completed, every permit pulled, every inspection passed. Co-op board approval secured before construction. One-year workmanship warranty on all labor and installation.

Kitchen & Custom Millwork

Full kitchen demolition — original cabinets, counters, fixtures
Custom cabinet design and fabrication for exact footprint
New countertops, backsplash, sink, and faucet
Modern appliance suite installation
Custom millwork preserved and integrated throughout
Original archway and ceiling height preserved
Custom trim work in transitions and openings
Finish paint and protective coatings
Final electrical and plumbing inspections passed

Three Ensuite Bathrooms

Three full bathroom gut renovations
Waterproofing membrane in all wet areas
New tile — floors, walls, and shower enclosures
New vanities, mirrors, storage, and fixtures
New plumbing rough-in with permits
GFCI electrical circuits and exhaust ventilation
Permitted plumbing inspections passed
Permitted electrical inspections passed
All three bathrooms completed within 10-week window

Flooring, Walls & Systems

All flooring replaced — 2,035 sq ft
Original wallpaper removed throughout unit
Plaster repair and skim coating
Drywall replacement where damaged or compromised
Custom paint throughout — primer + finish coats
Trim, baseboards, and doors refinished
Co-op board liaison and approval coordination
City of Chicago electrical and plumbing permits
Weekly photo and video reporting to remote client

Why Gold Coast homeowners choose Assembly Squad

500+Chicago projects completed since 2013

A+BBB rated · zero complaints

10Weeks delivered on this pre-war co-op

$2MLiability insurance · IL #TGC098779

4.9★Google reviews across 82 ratings

Questions about pre-war co-op renovations

How long does a full pre-war co-op renovation in Gold Coast take?

Pre-war co-op renovations of this scope routinely run 16–24 weeks in the Chicago market when co-op board approval, permitting, and concealed-condition discoveries are factored in. This 1242 N Lake Shore Drive project — custom kitchen, three ensuite bathrooms, all flooring, custom millwork, drywall replacement, paint throughout, and permitted electrical and plumbing work — was delivered in 10 weeks start to finish. Speed comes from pre-approved scope, parallel trade scheduling, direct co-op board coordination, and not from cutting line items.

What does a Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovation cost?

The 1242 N Lake Shore Drive renovation cost $265,000 all-in for a 2,035 sq ft full renovation including custom kitchen, three ensuite bathrooms, all flooring, custom millwork integration, drywall and paint throughout, and permitted electrical and plumbing work. Gold Coast pre-war co-op renovations typically run $200,000–$500,000+ depending on unit size, scope, and finish library. See our Chicago Luxury Condo Remodel cost guide → for detailed scope-and-budget breakdowns.

Can Assembly Squad manage a pre-war co-op renovation remotely for an out-of-state owner?

Yes — fully remote design-build management is a core Assembly Squad capability. Our 1242 N Lake Shore Drive client was based in New York and did not visit the property during construction. We managed every design decision, material selection, co-op board liaison, permitting, and inspection on their behalf, with weekly photo and video reporting throughout the 10-week schedule. Out-of-state owners with Chicago condos and co-ops trust us to deliver turnkey results without requiring travel.

How does a co-op board approval differ from a condo HOA approval?

Pre-war co-ops require formal board approval before any work begins — meaningfully different from a condo HOA's standard alteration agreement process. Co-op boards review architectural plans, financial qualifications of the contractor, insurance certificates, and often interview the homeowner about scope. Approval timelines vary by building (typically 2–6 weeks). Assembly Squad has direct experience with Gold Coast pre-war co-op boards and submits complete packages designed for first-time approval.

How do you preserve original 1929 architectural details during a full renovation?

Preserving original archways, custom millwork, and architectural detailing in a pre-war building is a planning and execution discipline — not a finish line item. We document every original detail before demolition begins, sequence work to protect those elements throughout construction, and integrate new finishes (paint, flooring, trim) to complement rather than compete with the building's architectural character. This is what separates pre-war specialist contractors from generic GCs.

Is 1242 N Lake Shore Drive in Gold Coast or Streeterville?

1242 N Lake Shore Drive is in the Gold Coast Historic District. Gold Coast spans Lake Shore Drive between approximately Oak Street (1000 N) and North Avenue (1600 N) — 1242 sits squarely in the middle of that corridor. Streeterville is south of Oak Street. The Gold Coast designation matters: it's the older, pre-war architectural district with co-ops and Beaux-Arts buildings, distinct from Streeterville's mid-century and contemporary high-rise inventory.

Who designed 1242 N Lake Shore Drive?

1242 N Lake Shore Drive was designed in 1929 by Robert Seeley DeGolyer, a notable Chicago architect responsible for several of Gold Coast's most prestigious pre-war boutique co-ops. DeGolyer trained at MIT, worked as chief designer at Marshall and Fox (the firm behind The Drake Hotel and Blackstone Hotel), and went on to design 1120 N LSD (1925), 1242 N LSD (1929), 1420 N LSD, 1320 N State Parkway, and 200 East Pearson, among others. The building features 9-foot ceilings, original archways, custom millwork detailing, wood-burning fireplaces, and only two apartments per floor.

Does Assembly Squad work on other Gold Coast pre-war buildings?

Yes — our portfolio includes multiple Gold Coast pre-war co-op and condo renovations across Lake Shore Drive, Astor Street, North State Parkway, and the broader Gold Coast Historic District. We have experience with the alteration agreement and co-op board approval processes at Lake Shore Drive's premier pre-war buildings — including DeGolyer's other designs (1120 N LSD, 1420 N LSD, 1320 N State Parkway, 200 E Pearson) and contemporary buildings like 1500 N Lake Shore Drive (Rosario Candela), 1448 N LSD, 1260 Astor, and 209 E Lake Shore Drive (Drake Tower). Schedule a private consultation → to discuss your building specifically.

Start Your Project

Planning a pre-war co-op renovation in Gold Coast?

Private consultation at your unit, our Lincoln Park design studio, or via virtual session for out-of-state owners. Co-op board liaison, alteration agreement review, and fixed-price proposals all standard.

Book a Private Consultation 312-544-9150